These days, an incredibly popular topic of conversation is the environment and how eco-friendly or non-eco-friendly various products are. This is because we are at a pivotal moment in history that demands we pay attention to the impact we have on our planet.
For this reason, trends in housing and building have also shifted to focus more on materials that are sustainable and environmentally friendly—materials such as slate. You can join the eco-revolution, too, and help contribute to improving our global environmental situation by investing in an eco-friendly roof that is made out of a natural material, such as slate.
There are a number of reasons why slate has a low environmental impact when compared to other roofing material options, all of which will be outlined below. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why slate is a wise option if you are trying to minimize your environmental impact.
Understanding the Environmental Benefits of Slate Roofing
As you know, the longer that something lasts, the better it is for the environment, as it will require replacement much less often, thus minimizing waste. In this regard, slate shingles outshine all other roofing materials, as they last much longer than other types by a significant amount.
On average, roofs made with slate shingles can last anywhere from 50 to 200 years, only requiring the replacement of a few tiles here and there over the course of this period.
Another environmental benefit of slate roofing is that slate shingles are made of 100% natural stone, which makes them recyclable. Therefore, when it does eventually come time to replace the slate tiles on your roof, you will not have to worry about the old tiles going to waste.
In fact, in many cases, even once slate shingles get to the point where they are no longer suitable to be used on a roof, they can still be reused in other construction projects that require slate.
Conservation of Natural Resources
The great thing about slate roofing is that there are multiple ways it is environmentally friendly. For example, slate shingles are a sustainable product due to the fact that they are a natural material that is abundant and readily available.
Because of this, you do not have to feel guilty about using up a natural resource just to have a nice-looking and functional roof. Plus, due to the extreme longevity of slate roofs, a small amount of this natural resource will end up lasting a very long time.
As well, slate shingles are very different from other roofing materials in the sense that they require next to no processing. Their production process does not involve the use of any harmful chemical products, artificial materials, or furnaces.
Thus, although many roofing materials go through a production process that results in significant CO2 production, which is terrible for the environment, the same cannot be said for slate shingles.
Energy Efficiency and Insulation Properties
Believe it or not, the eco-friendliness of slate does not end there, as having a roof made of slate shingles will also improve the energy efficiency of your home due to its insulation properties. Having good insulation is the key to preventing the loss of heat from within your home in the winter and keeping it cool during the summer. A slate shingle roof will therefore definitely help contribute to that process significantly.
Consequently, you will be able to keep your house at a comfortable temperature all year round without having to overdo it with your heating in the winter or your air conditioning in the summer. This means you can conserve a lot more energy than most people.
Fortunately, having an energy-efficient home is good for both the environment and your wallet, as the more energy your slate shingles help you save, the lower your energy bills will be. Although this may not be a life-changing amount of money from month to month, it will definitely add up over time, which is yet another great incentive to choose slate shingles the next time you need your roof redone.
Water Conservation and Stormwater Management
In addition to being environmentally friendly in several ways, slate roofs are also incredibly functional when it comes to stormwater management. Due to the hardness and texture of slate, it absorbs very little water, which makes it completely water-resistant without requiring the application of any waterproofing chemicals.
Therefore, if you have a slate roof that has been installed correctly, you will never have to worry about water seeping through your slate shingles and causing a leak in your ceiling.
As slate absorbs very little water, this also makes it incredibly resistant to problems stemming from freezing. Since minimal water is absorbed, the slate does not expand or contract much at all during freezing and thawing, which is another reason why it is so durable.Conclusion
When considering the environment, the more sustainable and eco-friendly a product is, the better. Whereas some other roofing materials may have one or two environmental advantages, none of them come close to matching the sheer amount of environmental benefits of slate shingles. This is why they are the best material to choose if you want to have a positive environmental impact.
With slate shingles, you can be confident in knowing that your roof is eco-friendly without compromising anything in terms of its quality and functionality, as slate is also top of the line in these regards.
In times like these, it is important to put all of our attention into being good to our planet, as we all have a responsibility to uphold. Having an eco-friendly slate roof is just one way that you can do your part.