Roofing Shingles Alternatives

While aluminum roofing is not nearly as durable or steadfast as some of the other alternatives to asphalt shingles on this list aluminum is certainly an affordable option that catches the eye of some homebuilders.

Roofing shingles alternatives.

Metal roofs generally can run from 120 to 900 per 100. Cedur is a company that creates synthetic wood shakes that are molded after traditional wood shakes but offer some significant differences. These are similar to synthetic tiles except they re constructed almost entirely from recycled materials. Just because it s a cool roof does not mean it is completely ecofriendly.

The first thing to note is that these shakes are incredibly lightweight. White asphalt shingles such as the energy star rated gaf 25 year royal sovereign white shingles available at home depot are similar in price to regular darker shingles making this one of the least expensive ecofriendly roofing options. These shingles look just like real asphalt shingles but are far more durable in every way. Solar shingles offer an alternative to conventional rooftop solar panels while also serving as a roofing material.

If it s made from asphalt shingles those are still petroleum based and are nearly impossible to recycle. In addition to the solar roof replacement luma solar also offers its pv shingles as a standalone product that can be mixed with conventional roof shingles. They can be pricier in some instances than standard asphalt based alternatives. Shingle roofs are cheaper up front.

While early versions of solar shingles and other solar roofing products used flexible thin film solar technology today s solar shingles typically are made with rigid materials such as tempered glass. One of the most reliable roofing alternatives you can turn to is synthetic polyurethane shingles. While asphalt shingles are the traditional choice they are not the most durable option. Another type of roofing that is making a comeback is aluminum.

Though you ll get more life out of a metal roof you ll pay the price at the time of installation. The roof shown here uses an enviroshake product. Each of their shingles is 54 37 inches by 15 62 inches and is made up of polycrystalline cells to generate 60 watts.