Typical roof replacement occurs about once a decade. While these products are designed to last, some perform better than others in terms of durability and resistance to nature’s elements. Many homes and buildings, particularly older ones, require upgrades for safety reasons, whether due to climate concerns or material deterioration.
Although infrequent individually, the totality of roof replacements significantly impacts the built environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the United States produces approximately 11 million tons of waste asphalt roofing shingles annually, accounting for about 8% of the nation’s total building-related waste.
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the U.S. The manufacturing process of an asphalt roofing shingle involves covering a fiberglass sheet with an asphalt coating to make it water resistant. However, while widely used, asphalt shingles are prone to damage from heavy winds and occupy landfill space when disposed of, potentially releasing harmful hydrocarbons into the environment.
The choice of roofing materials significantly influences a roof system’s performance, longevity, aesthetics and cost. As new structures are built and older roofs are replaced, composite roofing has emerged as an innovative solution. Made from synthetic materials, composite roofing is known for its eco-friendliness, durability, aesthetics and environmental benefits that often surpass traditional materials.
These roofs save energy and reduce the environmental impact of mining or harvesting. These roofs reduce the environmental impact associated with mining or harvesting traditional materials while offering resistance to rot, pests, algae growth and UV damage. Composite roofing also saves energy by absorbing or reflecting UV rays, depending on seasonal needs, helping homeowners keep energy costs low.
Sustainability and Performance
Nearly every building material impacts a home’s efficiency. Because a roof is a long-term investment, selecting materials that align with the building’s location and needs is crucial.
Consider the following recommendations:
Opt for roofing materials with high solar reflectance, thermal emittance and good insulation properties. Verify that products meet Title 24 standards and are listed with the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC).
For high-heat areas, consider a cool roof, which reflects UV rays and minimizes heat absorption. Cool roof colors can comply with Title 24 requirements in California, reducing heat impact on the home.
To minimize heat transfer, roofs can feature air gaps on the tiles’ backside, adding thermal R-value. This helps reduce cooling demands and supports energy efficiency by complementing attic insulation.
A unique multi-coloring process for roof tiles can ensure long-lasting, vibrant colors that resist fading. The colorant, made from naturally sourced mineral pigments, are blended with UV inhibitors to maintain their appearance over time. Even after years of exposure, a roof can look as good as when it was installed.
Solar Reflectivity, Thermal Emittance, Insulation Properties
Solar reflectivity refers to a roof’s ability to reflect a portion of the sun’s energy, reducing heat transfer into the building. This property is measured by the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI). Higher SRI values indicate better reflective performance, helping lower roof surface temperatures, decreasing air conditioning demands, and contributing to energy savings. Light-colored roofs generally have higher SRI values, making them more energy-efficient in hot climates.
Thermal emittance, on the other hand, measures a material’s ability to release absorbed heat. Roof Tiles can be designed with high thermal emittance, allowing them to dissipate heat effectively.
Beyond these qualities, synthetic roof tiles also provide insulation. For example, the structural ribbing on the backside of some profiles creates an air gap, adding thermal R-value. Air alone acts as a natural insulator, but when combined with a thermal underlayment, it can increase the roof assembly’s total R-value. This reduces cooling demands and enhances energy efficiency by working alongside attic insulation.
Cool roofs take these benefits further by using materials with high solar reflectance to reduce roof temperatures. This minimizes heat absorption and lowers air conditioning demands compared to standard composite roofs. The CRRC verifies the performance of cool roofs based on solar reflectance and thermal emittance, providing third-party validation of their energy efficiency and compliance with energy codes.
Sustainable Manufacturing
Synthetic roof tiles are made from a blend of recycled polymers, incorporating post-industrial plastics into fully recyclable products. This commitment to sustainability reflects the company’s dedication to both the health of the planet and its business values.
The process begins by breaking down raw plastic materials into pellets, which are blended and extruded in the required color combinations. The tiles are then compression-molded to replicate traditional roofing materials such as clay, slate and cedar shake. Advanced molding techniques ensure consistency in physical properties and natural-looking color variation. After cooling, each tile is hand trimmed and inspected before leaving the facility.
Lightweight, durable synthetic tiles offer exceptional longevity, energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal. Tiles consisting of landfill-sourced plastic are recyclable, contributing to a more sustainable future.
The Insurance Factor
Insurance companies evaluate factors such as roof age, condition and material when determining home insurance policies. Traditional cedar shake roofs, for example, lack fire resistance and may pose greater risks, leading to higher premiums. Asphalt shingles are susceptible to damage from heavy winds, while synthetic roofing provides superior durability to wind uplift, as well as hail and fire resistance. Homeowners with synthetic roofs often benefit from lower insurance rates, ensuring a resilient and long-lasting roof system.
Brian Davis, AIA, LEED AP, GRP is lead support director at Brava Roof Tile. For more information, go to www.bravarooftile.com
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