Exploring Eco-Friendly Roofing Options for Philippine Homes

sustainable home materials

Most consumers prioritize environmental sustainability, affordability, and durability when choosing a roofing material. Depending on your budget, preferences, and the architecture of your home, there are some eco-friendly solutions available. There isn’t a single solution for roofing problems.

Which Roofing Material is Best for Philippine Homes?

Building your dream home would be ideal in the magnificent tropical paradise that is the Philippines. The challenge of selecting roofing materials that can resist the climate lies in the intense heat, sporadic heavy rain, and flash typhoons. Don’t worry, though! There are numerous roofing solutions on the market to keep your house warm and dry all year.

We are all attempting to live more sustainably and environmentally friendly lives at a time when climate change is an urgent issue. In terms of roofing, homeowners have a lot of power. As homeowners become more aware of their carbon footprint, environmentally friendly roofing alternatives are rising in popularity.

The greenest roofing solutions for homes will be thoroughly analyzed in this post for homeowners to consider. To assist you in making a wise choice, we have done a thorough research and created a list of the most environmentally friendly roofing solutions. Let’s get started!

Read Also: Types of Roofing You Should Consider

Considerations for Choosing Roofing Materials

You might want to first be aware of the numerous considerations to take into account when picking your roofing material before we explore the various available roofing materials. A new roof installation involves a lot of duties. An investment would be a new roof. Before choosing a certain style of roof, there are many things to consider.

One of them is the weather, as was already indicated. Think about the environmental conditions that your roof will experience.

This brings up a different aspect, upkeep. You might wish to take into account the procedures necessary to maintain the quality of your roofs year-round given the weather in the Philippines. Otherwise, you risk incurring unforeseen costs for replacement or repairs.

A budget should also be taken into consideration while talking about money. You need to plan in addition to paying the upfront price for your roofs. How long before you need to replace your roof? Will the price of maintenance be a problem? You’re ready to look for a roof once you’ve taken into account all three of these factors: weather, maintenance, and budget.

Here are some options for environmentally friendly roofing materials in the Philippines

Green roofs

A novel and distinctive method of creating a house is to convert a roof into a garden. Since it may help shade our dwellings, filter the air we breathe, and absorb heat from the air, green roofing may be an intelligent choice in metropolitan regions with little access to plants.

The design of this installation must take into account the two different forms of green roofs: intensive and extensive. Although this type of roofing costs more money, it is worthwhile since it offers more benefits to individuals, such as an improvement in quality of life. Your plant may require moderate to high upkeep for the first 50 years, depending on the type of plant you choose.

Metal roofing

Here in the Philippines, metal is a roofing material that is frequently used on homes, and the reasons for this are not surprising. First, it has reflecting qualities that deflect the sun’s heat away from your home, keeping it cool and enabling you to better control your electricity usage.

Using your air conditioner less frequently during the dry season implies that your home will be colder. Paint your metal roofs in light hues like white or beige to enhance their cooling properties. Second, if your metal roofs are placed correctly, they are also known to prevent rainwater from entering your property during the rainy season. Additionally, painting metal roofs is advised to provide an additional layer of defense against corrosion that rainy weather could bring on. As long as they are properly maintained, metal roofs are strong and may endure a very long period. They are also less expensive than other roofing materials, which is the last benefit. Compared to cement, clay, and slate roofs, they are less expensive. For the majority of Filipino homes, metal roofs are a cost-effective roofing investment due to their endurance.

Shingles made of asphalt

Asphalt shingles, when laid correctly, can act as a barrier against the rain, wind, and UV radiation that are typical in many tropical locations. Additionally, some producers of asphalt shingles sell goods with features like reflecting granules that can aid reduce heat absorption that is intended expressly for use in hot and humid locations.

For sloping roofs, asphalt shingles are an excellent option. Finding the ideal design for your home is simply because they are available in a wide range of textures and hues. They not only have a longer lifespan of up to 40 years but also need little maintenance.

There are three types of asphalt shingles:

  • High-end Shingles

This is the best choice if you want to give the appearance that your home roof is luxurious without spending a lot of money. They are intended to add aesthetic appeal to the roof and are substantially thicker.

  • Shingles used in architecture

Additionally called laminated or dimensional shingles, this kind of shingle is widely used.  The architecture uses many layers of materials, not cuts, to produce a depth illusion in contrast to 3-tab Shingles.

  • Three-tab shingles

Three shingles are seen on a single piece of material that has been sliced. The most fundamental kind of asphalt shingle is this. This category has a straightforward, uniform appearance and is lightweight, affordable, and easy to install.

A Wooden Shingle

Only suitable in dry places, this style of roofing offers our homes a rustic look. It gives the occupants a feeling of coolness because of its exceptional insulating characteristics. Due to its fire retardants and chemical preservatives, it has a 50-year life span, making it more durable than asphalt but costing more to maintain. If not maintained properly, it is highly flammable. Additionally, because it is susceptible to water damage, mold, mildew, and decay, it is not recommended for use in cold areas.

Cement tiles

Would you like your house to have a vintage feel to it? Around the world, clay roof tiles were the most typical type of roofing 5,000 years ago. This is prevalent throughout the world, especially in China, Spain, France, and many other nations. It has undergone a revolution and is continually being enhanced to the point where it can now be made from a variety of environmentally friendly natural materials. This type of roofing may last between 50 and 100 years with little maintenance. Because it can tolerate high temperatures, making it fire resistant and able to survive strong winds, it is frequently used in warm climates.

Concreting Tiles

Do tiles made of concrete quickly crack? No, is the response. Concrete tiles, on the other hand, are renowned for their remarkable resistance to wind and heavy rain, making them ideal for locations that encounter severe winds. They can endure winds that reach 150 mph.

 Concrete tiles are made to meet seismic load requirements, according to the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance. They can therefore survive earthquakes and are a durable option.

Concrete tiles can be molded into any shape and installed at various angles, giving designers a wide range of design options. Even the textures of wood shake, clay, slate, and stone can be imitated by them. Additionally, some environmentally friendly alternatives use recyclable materials and have energy-saving features because of their low heat transmission rates. This maintains both the comfort and financial viability of dwellings.

A Slate roof

One of the most aesthetically pleasing roofing systems is one made of slate. There are lovely patterns and colors to choose from, as well as a depth and tone reminiscent of actual stone. Because of this, it is predicted that this roof may last up to 150 years, which is longer than the lifespan of the average individual. It does a great job of insulating the home’s interior. The weight of the slate, on the other hand, needs to be supported by a strong foundation. It is among the most expensive roofing systems to employ, and it requires expert installation. Furthermore, as it contains rare pieces in the same hue, replacing the part in the event of damage will be costly.

Polymer Plastic

Another environmentally friendly roofing material is plastic polymers. They don’t dissolve easily and can last up to 40 years with little maintenance because they are mostly made of recycled polymers. Installation is less expensive because it is lighter. However, if your priority is visual appeal, this type of roofing is not advised because it cannot replicate the textures and tones of real-life materials. You may have spent little money on the roofing, but maintaining a cool home will cost you more money because it is not a good insulator.

Solar-panel roofing

The time has come for the future. Consider solar panels or photovoltaic shingle roofing if you want to lower the cost of your electricity. We are constantly being introduced to new solar panels, which produce electricity from exposure to direct sunshine. Installation calls for the skills of engineers or specialists due to the complexity and scope of this form of roofing in the Philippines. Additionally, it needs a lot of structural support and maintenance because of its weight and wiring requirements. On the other hand, this type of roofing is advantageous in the long run because it not only lowers your expenses but also raises the market value of your home.

Roofs made of synthetic materials

In the Philippines, pests like rats, termites, and other insects can be a significant issue for both house and business owners. These pests can damage roofs made of organic materials, such as wood or thatch, necessitating expensive repairs and creating health risks.

The fact that synthetic roofing materials are pest-resistant lowers the likelihood of infestation and damage. Synthetic roofs are less appealing to insects and rodents because they don’t provide a food supply for pests.

In addition to long-lasting pest defense, synthetic roofing has several other benefits. One benefit of synthetic roofing is it’s lightweight, which makes it simple to install and lessens the strain on the roof structure. This is crucial in locations that frequently suffer heavy rains since they can add a lot of weight to the roof.

What Considers an Eco-Friendly Roof?

1. Energy-Efficient

It’s crucial to note that an eco-friendly roof improves a home’s energy efficiency by minimizing heat gains and losses because 10-15% of a home’s heat loss occurs through the roof.

2. Embodied Power

Embodied energy is the total energy used to manufacture the roofing product, including energy used in mining, processing natural resources, using locally sourced materials, and energy used in transportation and product delivery.

3. Durability

An environmentally sustainable, long-lasting roofing material keeps its integrity against moisture, wind, fire, flying debris, snow, ice, and hail for the duration of its anticipated life. A strong roof will last longer, reducing the requirement for early replacement and the need for a landfill area.

Reusability and recycling

Recycling items should be used in the production of eco-friendly roof tiles. To reduce, if not eliminate, landfill waste, environmentally friendly roofing should also strive for total reusability.

The Roofing Materials in the Philippines: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Tiles

Because of their extraordinary robustness, remarkable capabilities, and classic style, roof tiles are rapidly gaining popularity across the nation. It is environmentally friendly and has a 60-year lifespan. Minerals from the earth are used to create these materials.

Metal

Roofing is a common application for metal. It is incredibly robust and has a lifespan of up to 70 years (or longer with good maintenance). It is fire-resistant and withstands the harsh weather in the Philippines, making it ideal if you want something that won’t degrade quickly over time. For added durability and security, you might also get zinc-coated metal roofing.

Shingles made of asphalt

There is no chance that asphalt will be an eyesore in your home’s style because this material is so widely available in a range of designs and hues. Its lifespan is approximately 20–30 years, and best of all, it is comparatively the least expensive of the group.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is a wise investment if you have a little extra cash on hand! If you wish to get rid of a problem with water seeping inside, this product’s zero seams and proven high performance are both advantages. The same is true with asphalt shingles, which can last you up to 20 years.

Cement tiles

Since clay tiles are the most noticeable in terms of look and give your property an elegance you won’t find in other roofing materials in the Philippines, they provide a great deal of aesthetic value to any home. In addition, if you maintain it properly, it lasts you for about a century. Additionally, it is very strong, resistant to the effects of the seasons, recyclable, and eco-friendly.

Wood

If you want something completely natural yet effective enough to provide the required protection for your property, wood roofing tiles are also a fantastic option. An excellent compliment to any architectural style, especially if you’re striving for a rustic appearance, one would survive for roughly 30 years.

Bria Homes

Bria, a rising economic housing leader, is well situated close to medical facilities, places of worship, educational institutions, shopping centers, and other business buildings.

Many young and ambitious property buyers—the millennials—have chosen to live in BRIA Homes, a reputable builder of inexpensive homes. Millennials now want to live in BRIA Homes, a reputable producer of inexpensive homes.

This generation of high achievers is drawn to the kind of atmosphere that encourages a balance between a hectic, fast-paced work life and the comfort of a quiet home. Exactly this is what BRIA Homes provides in all of its more than fifty residential communities across the nation.

And Bria Homes is the best option if you’re searching to live with your family in an economical house and lot. Bria Homes have eco-friendly roofing materials that keep your family comfortable during wet and sunny days.

Written by Janine Nato