21 May Can Asphalt Shingles Benefit The Indialantic, FL, Environment?

Are Asphalt Shingles Eco-Friendly? Learning More
About America’s Favorite Roofing Material

A Guide To Whether Asphalt Shingles
Can Benefit The Local Indialantic,
Florida Environment

“All homes in Indialantic, FL, need asphalt shingles! Many people would agree because asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing in the United States.

People buy them because they’re durable, affordable, lightweight, and easy to install. Homeowners might agree less on whether asphalt shingles are the most eco-friendly choice for your house.

Whether or not asphalt shingle installation is eco-friendly is complicated. Many factors determine if any product, much less asphalt shingles, is environmentally friendly.

Universal Roof & Contracting has worked in the roofing industry for over 25 years, and we’re here to guide you through the environmental benefits of asphalt roofing. Keep reading to learn more about what an asphalt shingle roof can do for the environment.

What Does Eco-Friendly Mean?

The answer as to whether asphalt shingles are eco-friendly is…complicated. First, we need to explain what eco-friendly means.

“Eco-friendly” simply means you’re making choices that are kinder to the environment. Deciding to recycle your plastic bottles instead of throwing them away is an eco-friendly choice.

But a product can’t just label itself as eco-friendly and have it count. The product must explain why it’s good for the environment. The shingles you use must explicitly say what makes them eco-friendly.

There’s also the matter of asphalt being the byproduct of crude oil, a substance known for its harmful environmental impact. While some asphalt exists naturally, most comes from refining crude oil into gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel.

The Environmental Benefits Of Asphalt Shingles

Manufacturers make modern shingles (especially those with Energy Star ratings) to reflect sunlight and absorb less heat. Less heat absorption means your HVAC system uses less energy to keep your home comfortable.

Energy efficiency is eco-friendly because less electrical use means fewer greenhouse gas emissions. While there are environmentally friendly ways to produce electricity, many power plants produce CO2.

Many asphalt shingles are recycled into new products to reduce landfill waste. Manufacturers also use recycled materials like tires in their shingles to lower reliance on virgin materials.

The Environmental Cons Of Asphalt Shingles

Refining crude oil produces greenhouse gases. Most asphalt comes from crude oil byproducts, so shingle production isn’t the most environmentally friendly process. Despite recycling efforts, a lot of waste from asphalt shingles ends up in landfills.

Taking landfill space isn’t the only issue; asphalt shingles can contaminate groundwater sources. The chemicals used in the manufacturing process can leach into the ground.

Are Asphalt Shingles Eco-Friendly?

The answer to whether asphalt shingles are eco-friendly is even more complicated after breaking down their environmental pros and cons. The best answer is that manufacturers have come a long way with roofing technologies, but asphalt shingles still aren’t the most environmentally friendly roofing material.

You can purchase shingles made of recycled materials, and there are ways to recycle them. However, asphalt shingles still often end up in landfills, where they can affect groundwater.

Asphalt shingles are worth considering if you want inexpensive and durable roofing. Other roofing types, like metal, are more eco-friendly for your Indialantic, FL, home.

Universal Roof & Contracting: Your Best
Choice For Functional Roofing

Asphalt roofing may not be the most eco-friendly type of roofing, but there are environmental benefits to installing it. An asphalt roof can be energy efficient, and the material is recyclable.

Of course, you don’t have to choose asphalt roofing when working with Universal Roof & Contracting. We install metal, Spanish tile, and even low-slope commercial roofing.

Customers throughout Central Florida have relied on us for skillful and professional roofing for over 25+ years. You can trust that we’ll provide quality results for your property.

Call us or visit us online to schedule your free roof inspection to begin your roofing project today!