Top 3 Best Eco-Friendly Roofing Materials
In recent years, there has been increased attention on the sustainability and waste contribution of building products. When you consider that over 10 million tons of asphalt shingles end up in a landfill every year, it is clear that poor roofing practices contribute substantially to the ongoing waste problem, especially in our backyard of North and South Carolina.
Though there is no clear-cut way to choose an environmentally friendly roof, and recycling efforts aren’t always accessible, there are a few factors to consider when choosing a new roof system that will affect your home’s waste footprint over its life. You can choose a system that has positive characteristics of eco-friendliness in both manufacturing and performance without sacrificing style!
In this article, we’ll cover the top three most eco-friendly roofing materials on the market, helping you ensure that you’re part of the solution to the waste problem in the Carolinas.
Quick Answer
Sustainable roofing materials like metal, slate, and clay tile are long-lasting and sport low-emission manufacturing processes, limiting landfill waste and reducing CO2 emissions. Though they require higher upfront costs, their eco-friendliness and long lifespans make them a smart long-term investment for both your home and the environment.
Explore Baker’s Roofing Options for Your Home in the Carolinas
Fast and free estimates.
1. Slate Roofing
Slate tile is one of the oldest roofing materials around. This system is famous for being incredibly durable, fireproof, waterproof, and long-lasting. Slate roofs installed with care can withstand 100 years of age with little maintenance in most cases. Like metal, because of its long life, your roof won’t be contributing to the waste of building materials in landfills during a period that might require 3-4 different shingle roofs.
Plus, slate is the most natural roofing product there is, cut from quarries of naturally occurring slate rock. Color and weathering differences are dependent on the mineral composition of a given quarry, which allows for some style customization without compromising eco-friendliness.
Explore Slate Roofing Services
Durable, and naturally beautiful, a Baker Home Exteriors slate roof offers unmatched longevity and elegance. Crafted from genuine stone, each tile brings distinctive color variations and enduring strength to your home, providing unique character you can’t find in any other material. Learn more using the button below
Learn More About Slate Roofing
2. Metal Roofing
Metal roofing can be eco-friendly in both manufacturing and length of life. You can choose from metals like zinc or copper that take less energy to engineer than other materials or metals. This is true for both new and recycled metal products, helping to reduce CO2 emissions across the board.
Aside from the manufacture of metal, a metal system is extremely durable and long-lasting. You can look forward to getting 50-80 years out of a metal roof (depending on the type of metal and installation), which significantly reduces the cycle of waste from conventional roofing materials like shingles.
Explore Metal Roofing Services
Sustainable and energy-efficient, a Baker Home Exteriors metal roof is built to last. We also offer a variety of color and finish options to suit your home’s unique needs. Learn more using the button below.
Learn More About Metal Roofing
3. Clay Tile Roofing
Like metal and slate, you can also count on a clay tile roof to have a long life. Ludowici clay tiles are kiln-fired terra cotta from natural clay that offers breakage protection, extreme weather performance, and resistance to irritants like mold, salt, and fire.
Due to these highly durable properties, a Ludowici clay tile roof can last anywhere from 75-100 years, deferring the need to contribute materials to the landfill! Not to mention, clay tile has unlimited options for finishes, shapes, and color blends, allowing for the most customization of all roofing types!
Explore Clay Tile Services
Baker Home Exteriors offers clay tile services that prioritize your vision for your Carolina home. Because of that, we provide various color and shape options tailored to your tastes. Learn more using the button below.
Learn More About Clay Tiles
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Eco-friendly roofing refers to roofing materials and systems designed to reduce environmental impact through sustainable manufacturing, long lifespans, and energy efficiency. Examples include metal, slate, and clay tile roofs, all of which last decades longer than asphalt shingles and reduce landfill waste.
Slate is often considered the most eco-friendly roofing material because it’s entirely natura and can last over a century. However, metal and clay tile roofs are also sustainable options that offer recyclability and exceptional durability.
Metal, slate, and clay tile are the most eco-friendly roofing options for Carolina homeowners. Each provides long-term performance and minimal waste production, helping lower your home’s energy use over time.
Yes. Metal roofs are often made from recycled materials and can be fully recycled at the end of their lifespan. They’re also energy-efficient, reflecting solar heat to help reduce cooling costs in warm Carolina summers.
Most sustainable roofing materials last between 50 and 100 years. Metal roofs typically last 50–80 years, while clay tile and slate roofs endure up to 100 years or more with proper care. Because of that, all three options significantly reduce waste compared to 20-year asphalt shingles.
Yes. While initial costs are higher, sustainable roofs provide long-term savings through reduced maintenance, fewer replacements, and improved energy efficiency. Over decades, they can pay for themselves while reducing your environmental footprint.
Final Thoughts
In addition to these being our favorite eco-friendly options, they also stand up great to many different kinds of weather conditions and changing seasons. Of course, you’re likely to face a larger upfront cost with these products, but over time, you should have less need for potential repairs or damage.
We always recommend looking at your roof as an investment, regardless of what material you choose! It is the first line of defense against the elements and protects what matters most to you: everything that is inside. So, if you have the financial resources to do so, consider enhancing your home with a sustainable roof.
Considering an Eco-Friendly Roof? Baker Has You Covered
If you’re looking for eco-friendly roofing repair, replacement, or installation in the Carolinas, consider working with Baker Home Exteriors. For over 110 years, Baker has offered premium roofing services to North and South Carolinians that only a century of experience can guarantee.
If you’re ready to start your journey toward your dream home, request a free estimate for your roofing project using the button below. Or, if you still need time to consider, check out our Google reviews. We look forward to helping you create the home you deserve.
