If you’re looking for more ways to “go green,” finding new approaches to recycling is always a good idea.
Did you know that a huge recycling opportunity is sitting right on top of your house? By installing roofs made of recycled contents and utilizing roofing companies that donate the materials from take downs to recycling facilities, homeowners can help divert manufacturing waste and be more environmentally responsible.
Which roofing materials can be recycled?
Your roof is probably made of asphalt shingles, a common roofing material that generates an estimated 6.8 million tons of waste each year. But, it is becoming increasingly more common for shingles to be recycled thanks to the growing number of shingle recycling facilities in the U.S. Now, most major cities have shingle recycling facilities available for environmentally conscious contractors and homeowners to utilize, including many in the north and central Florida regions.
Metal roofs, which are growing in popularity across Florida, have a host of eco-friendly benefits. They are more energy efficient, constructed with at least 25 percent recycled content, and are 100 percent recyclable when removed as part of building renovation or demolition.
If your home has a tile roof, it can also be repurposed after it is taken down. Tile roofing is used to create artificial reefs and is also used as clean fill for roads, homes and buildings.
What are the benefits to recycling my roof?
Every recycled roof is comparable to recycling more than 100 percent of a year’s worth of household waste.
The No. 1 use of recycled shingles is to make roads, saving money for taxpayers who are responsible for funding many road renovation projects. The shingles are grinded down and added to pavement, which in many cases, actually improves the quality of the roadways when they are completed.
The scrap metal produced through meal roof recycling goes into the manufacturing of completely new items, such as appliances or building materials. Some of the most common manufactured items that use a high concentration of scrap metal include automobiles, aircraft, appliances, industrial containers, ductwork and plumbing.
How do I know if my roof will be recycled?
Not all roofing contractors offer the service of recycling your asphalt shingles and metal roofs, so you’ll need to ask prior to the installation or repair job.
If your contractor doesn’t participate in a roof recycling program, you can ask them to direct you to a local service or search for a recycler online. However, that would require you to recycle the leftover materials at your own effort and expense. Choosing a contractor that is also committed to roof recycling, such as Tadlock Roofing, will save homeowners time and money in the long run.
For more information on sustainable roofing options, call Tadlock Roofing today at 855-964-7663.
