Eco-friendly products are the most sought after products all over the globe. Due to the ill-effects of global warming, people across the globe have realized the need to do their bit towards environment and energy conservation and preservation. In this context, nowadays, builders as well as home owners seek products made from Eco-friendly materials for constructing greener homes since it is important to have all the elements in the home made from Eco-friendly materials which will aid in an Eco-friendly and healthy lifestyle. One of the most important elements of a home is the roof shingles. With roof shingle, manufacturers giving importance to shingles made from Eco-friendly materials. Many Eco-friendly architectural shingles have crowded the market these days. Here in this article, you will know about the best Eco-friendly architectural shingles for those on a tight budget.
1. Recycled metal architectural shingles
Recycled metal architectural shingles are made from the miscellanies of metal fragments used in domestic and industrial metal based progressions. Recycled metal architectural shingles are durable and are water and mildew-resistant. They come in a comprehensive range of colors, designs, shapes and sizes. They may be easily maintained and do not fade quickly. They may be recycled at the end of their life. They do not emanate any greenhouse gases into your home. They are less expensive and are available in the hardware stores all over the world.
2. Solar architectural shingles
Solar architectural shingles are embedded with solar cells which helps in generating electricity which may be used for domestic consumption within the home thereby enabling energy conservation in addition to be being Eco-friendly. They are cost-effective and aid in lowering your energy bills. In case of excess energy generation, the home owners have the option to sell the electricity generated to the electricity companies thereby resulting in additional income. They are sturdy and can withstand any type of weather conditions. Solar architectural shingles are available in a wide range of designs, colors, shapes and sizes.
3. Fiber cement architectural shingles
Fiber cement architectural shingles are prepared from a blend of recycled pulp, fiber and sourced cement. The fiber cement architectural shingles possess a natural look and have the weight of a tile. They are of a lower budget and do not emanate any toxic gases into your home. They are fungus and water-proof. The only drawback with these tiles is that they do not have the ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. So, you should check with your local building authority before installing these tiles in your home. Fiber cement architectural shingles come in various patterns, colors, sizes and shapes.
4. Recycled composite architectural shingles
Recycled composite architectural shingles are made from recycled substances such as recycled plastic, recycled paper, recycled ceramic or recycled tyres. They are much lighter in weight and are available in various architectural designs. They are lighter in the pockets and are durable. They can withstand extreme weather conditions and are water and fungus-resistant. They are naturally fire retardant as well. Certain administrative jurisdictions do not allow installation of these shingles and you should contact the local building authority before installing these shingles in your home.
5. Recycled wood or wood architectural shingles
Wood, as you all know, is a natural resource. Preparation of wood-based shingles requires the felling of trees which is not environmental friendly in itself. However, wood is a renewable natural resource and hence is Eco-friendly. Recycled wood architectural shingles are made from the left over wood from domestic or industrial wood-based processes or left over wood from estates or from backyards. Recycled wood or wood architectural shingles have to be coated with lacquer or varnish to make them water-resistant. Do remember to use low VOC emitting paints while coating them. Also, while looking out for recycled wood or wood-based shingles always choose shingles which have the FSC certification on them. Using non-FSC certified wood or recycled wood architectural shingles are illegal and criminal and penal prosecutions of the law of the land may apply. Recycled wood or wood architectural shingles have a longer life and are cost-effective. They are available in numerous architectural designs, shapes, colors and sizes.
6. Bamboo architectural shingles
Bamboo architectural shingles are made from bamboo, a natural resource, found in abundance all over the world and known for its ability to be planted and harvested within three months. Bamboo architectural shingles naturally possess a brown-colored look. They are tough and do not easily break or peel off. They may be coated in the color of your choice. While coating them with paint, use low VOC emitting paints which are Eco-friendly. Bamboo architectural shingles are of a lower budget and may be recycled at the end of their life. They can withstand extreme weather conditions and come in a wide range of architectural design patterns, colors, shapes and sizes.
Conclusion
With renewed emphasis on leading an Eco-friendly life, builders and home owners across the world are looking for Eco-friendly products while designing their homes. The above discussed Eco-friendly architectural shingles are cost-effective and are durable. They do not emanate any toxic gases and may be recycled at the end of their life. Choosing the aforesaid shingles will not only facilitate environmental conservation but also pave the way for energy conservation and preservation.
