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Roofing

Is Roofing Material Recyclable? – Unlocking Sustainability

Recycling is a hot topic these days, as our planet needs to be kept clean and green. Global warming, weather changes, and other environmental issues that we are facing today have contributed massively to our lives and it is now more important than ever to look for better ways to handle wastage. 

Construction is one area where sustainability is getting popular; as companies are building products that can be used in different ways when they need to be replaced or their life ends. Take, for example, roofing materials. 

Homeowners also prefer reusable, sustainable, and eco-friendly materials for their homes; as this is a perfect opportunity to utilize the stuff in a much more sophisticated manner rather than letting the material go into landfill.

Getting a roof is a costly job, from choosing the right type, style, and much more, there’s much to consider and if you are about to get a new one you may have been asking yourself “what to do with the roofing waste”, “is roofing material recyclable”. Don’t be too hard on your mind, we’ll explain here what types of roofing materials are recyclable and which one is the best in terms of reusability.

Fortunately, it is possible to recycle all commonly used roofing materials, including metal, asphalt shingles, tiles, and EPDM rubber, etc. However, the degree to which each material can be recycled may vary. Recycling facilities work seamlessly to ensure the successful reprocessing of roofing waste materials.

Metal Roofing – Are Metal Roofs Recyclable?

Metal roofs are a long-lasting and highly durable option out there. It has now become a rising trend in the US to have metal roofs over their houses. With enormous amounts of benefits this roofing type offers; what makes it, even more, stand out from other types as metal is 100% recyclable.

Leftover scraps, old panels, and tear-off metal are easily recycled and can be used effectively in different metal products: appliances, cans, plumbing, and more. Metal roofs are energy-efficient and this factor also plays a vital role when the recycling process takes place; the energy and resources that are required to successfully get something out of the metal are reduced by a greater number – resulting in lesser energy consumption and saving costs.

Galvalume®, galvanized, aluminum, copper, zinc, and stainless steel – these metal roofing types are highly recyclable.

Metal roofing panels are made up of coils and sheets, which may already be carrying some recycled content. Metal roofing materials are of distinct types and quality out of which aluminum is often created with ingredients that have been recycled before. Almost 95% of aluminum roofing comes into existence through recycled metal. This just tells us how much resources and energy can be saved by using it as a base for development. Recycled steel (Galvalume) uses only 26% of the original energy, while recycled aluminum uses just 5%. Metal roofing products can be recycled again and again if properly collected.

Asphalt Shingle – Can You Recycle Asphalt Shingles?

It is no surprise that asphalt shingles are the most widely used roofing types for several decades. They aren’t costly and installation is simple and easy. Making it a perfect choice for an average household. For most people, affordability is a concern and asphalt shingles just simply fit into their budget. However, asphalt shingles are usually misjudged when it comes to recyclability; due to the fact that it’s an oil-based product so it can’t be recycled – this is how people used to think. When shingles are about to lose their usefulness,  they are disposed of and end up in landfills.

In the United States, 11 million tons of asphalt shingles find their way to landfills per year. And it can take up to three centuries for this waste to fully adjust in a landfill. The fact that asphalt shingles can’t be recycled isn’t entirely true. In the past few years, the recycling process of shingles is becoming more efficient and accessible. It can be reused for a range of purposes from road pavements to creating new asphalt shingles and ground covers. Qualified recycling centers do a great job in handling shingles waste; they have advanced technology and new methods to turn this thing into something reusable.

EPDM Rubber Roofing – Is EPDM Roofing Recyclable?

EPDM is a form of rubber that is available as a roofing option to protect a roof for almost 10 years. It might not be easy to get along with recycling EPDM on a bigger scale, however, contractors and installers can find a professional facility dealing with rubber. To make this happen, contact EPDM Roofing Association and they will guide you about the suitable facility.

If we go back to 2006, that’s when recycling EPDM began. Before 2006, it wasn’t possible to recycle the EPDM leftovers. There was only one way to work around rubber roofing back then – if it needs to be replaced then it has to go through the same typical cycle; finally going into the landfill. Just because the large portion of waste wasn’t able to utilize properly, EPDM Roofing Association launched a recycling program to reduce the environmental impacts. And now we can reuse EPDM rubber to create various products like playgrounds, running tracks, waterproof materials, and coatings.

Concrete & Clay Tile – Can Clay Tiles Be Recycled and Reused?

Concrete or clay roofing is widely used all over the world, especially European countries; Mediterranean-style buildings are known to have a clay roof. Clay tiles are just beautiful and it’s one kind of roofing that ages well with time. They don’t need harmful chemicals or any other synthetic material for protection. Clay tiles are quite durable and can last up to many years if taken care of properly. With a wide range of colors it is sure to be an eye-catching roofing system. But can clay tiles be recycled? Yes, they can.

Made from minerals; concrete and clay tile roofs can be recycled and reused for different construction projects, landscaping, sideways, and more. The tiles are usually crushed into gravel and screened to the desired size. Not only does the utilization of clay and concrete roof tiles offer post-consumer recycling perks, but they contain recycled materials as well – making them a superbly sustainable choice.

You will need a facility that accepts clay tiles, however these facilities aren’t easily available so you must have to dig deeper down in order to find one.

Why Do Roofing Materials Need To Be Recycled?

Our atmosphere’s health is highly dependent on the responsible disposal of our waste, and roofing materials are no exception. Recycling roofing materials helps conserve resources, reduce landfill waste and pollution, and can even save energy. It also allows us to reuse existing building components that would otherwise be trashed. Helping us save resources but also reduces the need for new materials and the associated manufacturing costs.

We’re done here; let us know if you have any questions whether you want a new roof or your existing one causing problems contact Hastings Roofing – we will pull this off professionally.

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Roofing

Stone-Coated Metal Roofing Pros And Cons

Your beautiful house is incomplete if there isn’t a well-constructed roof covering it. No matter how much money you have poured into the interior of the house but without a roof, it is like an umbrella that has no cover. Protection from the elements present in the atmosphere is a must and this is where roofing lets you rest assured.

Stone-coated metal roofing is one of the popular options that homeowners consider when they are about to install a new roof. It usually gets good reviews because of its durability and long-lasting performance. 

However, just like any other material, there are some benefits and potential problems associated with stone-coated metal roofs. We understand you may have been scratching your head to make a choice and this is why we have come up with this blog post presenting the pros and cons of stone-coated metal roofing.

So buckle up and let’s get into the world of stone-coated metal roofs; what are they, how do they work, and their pros and cons?

What is Stone-Coated Metal Roof

A roof that’s been made up of steel or some other metal coated with a layer of stone chips and acrylic resin is called the stone-coated metal roof. The stone chips are typically made of natural granite or basalt, and they are bonded to the metal roofing panels using a specialized adhesive.

The result is a roofing material that combines the durability and strength of metal with the aesthetic appeal of natural stone. Stone-coated metal roofing is known for its durability, longevity, and resistance to harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, high winds, hail, and even fire.

It is available in a wide range of colors and styles, including shingles, tiles, and shakes, making it a versatile option for any type of home or building. Stone-coated metal roofing trend has already been accepted and is being used in many homes.

Pros of Stone-Coated Metal Roofing

Here are all good reasons that homeowners, architects, and builders love this roofing material:

Durability

Stone-coated metal roofs are known for their ability to resist extreme weather conditions: storms, winds, heavy rains, snow, and hail. Non-combustible and fire-resistant, they are also incredibly durable and can last up to 50 – 70 years if properly installed. In areas where there is a risk of severe weather or extreme heat, a stone-coated metal roof can be the perfect way to protect your home for years to come and there’s no need to repaint them.

Energy Efficiency

Typically people are concerned about a metal roof getting hot in the summer, however, a stone-coated metal roof doesn’t absorb as much heat as other materials, making it energy efficient. The unique granules in the coating work to reflect sunlight, which can help reduce cooling costs during the hot summer months.

Low Maintenance

Unlike asphalt or wood shingle roofs, a stone-coated metal roof requires very little maintenance. It usually costs you money to keep up with roofing such as periodic inspections are often required for asphalt shingles to increase their lifetime, but a stone-coated metal roof doesn’t need much maintenance. Allowing you to save money as well as time.

Aesthetics

When you hear the term ‘steel’ it might conjure up images of dull and boring roofs, however, stone-coated metal roofs come in a wide variety of colors and styles. You can choose from several color options to customize the look of your roof or opt for shingles that mimic traditional slate or wood shakes. Whichever you choose, long-lasting beauty will be something you can be sure of.

Longevity

Most people would choose longevity over any other feature. As long as it is fulfilling their needs; they won’t bother about other things. Fortunately, with stone-coated metal roofs you don’t have to worry about that. They won’t be leaving you in the middle of nowhere and they will last far longer than most other roofing types.

Lightweight

In contrast to what mostly comes to your mind when thinking about metal roofs, a stone-coated metal roof is lightweight. And because of that they are easy to install; alleviating any problems with structural support. Asphalt shingles are quite heavy; one square foot weighs between 2.3 to 4.5 pounds, while metal roofing is only about two pounds per square.

It is a go-to option for an easy, time-saving, and hassle-free installation. For those who just want a nice-looking roof without going through too much trouble with replacing their current roof, it can be installed right over what’s already there. You can save a huge amount that would be otherwise spent on tearing off the existing roof.

Cons of Stone-Coated Metal Roofing

The benefits and perks can simply let anyone fall in love with stone- coated metal roofs, but here’s a flip side:

Higher Initial Cost:

The demand for this one is high, as homeowners, businesses, and builders are luring over it. Just because the quality is extremely good and the results are no less than satisfactory. However, the initial cost of the stone-coated metal roof does pose an issue for those on a budget. It is more expensive than the rest of the roofing solutions that are widely available in the market.

Noise:

Though they are lightweight and energy efficient, you will have to deal with the noise if it rains or hails. Metal roofs can be quite noisy in those conditions. You need to take extra measures such as additional insulation to dampen the noise from outside. For some, the sound created by the rain can be calming, but it is not the case for everyone, it can disrupt their peace.

Professional Installation

Forget about getting it done by fly-by-night installers. You need experienced professionals to do this job. It may seem like a straightforward job to carry out but it doesn’t come easy. If you are spending thousands of dollars on premium quality roofing, you should make sure that the installers do an excellent job, or it will all be a waste. You don’t want to end up with something less than what you opted for.

So what do you think now? Will you be choosing a stone-coated metal roof or not? Well, we have highlighted every aspect and left the decision up to you. It is a roofing option that embarks on style, quality, and longevity. However, your current budget and circumstances must also be taken into consideration. Let us know if there’s anything you need help with or have questions related to stone-coated metal roofing or roofing in general.