The roofing industry is changing quickly. These days, more eco-friendly, sustainable roofing materials are being introduced. One such material that you might see some roofers offering is recycled rubber. Recycled rubber roofs are typically made from old tires that would otherwise have ended up in landfills. So, is a recycled rubber roof a good choice for your home? Consider these pros and cons.
Pro: Recycled rubber roofs fare well in storms.
If you live in an area where thunderstorms, hail, or even tropical storms are common, then recycled rubber can give you great protection. It's a little bit springy, so it won't get dents if hail falls on it. It also sheds water really well, so you're less likely to get leaks after storms. Recycled rubber roofing may not outperform tile or metal roofing in a big storm, but it is certainly on-par with them.
Con: Recycled rubber roofing gets hot.
Have you ever touched a car tire after it has been sitting in the hot summer sun? It was probably quite hot. Rubber absorbs a lot of heat, and as such, a roof made from recycled tires will get hot. You'll need extra attic insulation to keep your home cool in the summer. Your AC bills may rise a bit, too.
Pro: Recycled rubber roofing won't deteriorate in the shade.
You've probably heard that trees and roofs don't mix. Trees cast shade that can cause roofs to remain too wet, which leads to deterioration. This is less of a concern with rubber roofing than with other materials. Rubber does not rust like metal, and it does not rot like wood. So, you can have a tree shading a rubber roof and not really worry about it. If you live in a wooded area, a recycled rubber roof might be a very convenient choice.
Con: Recycled rubber roofs look pretty modern.
These roofs do have a distinct look. You can tell, even from a distance, that they are made from rubber. Some people do not like this look, or they find that the look is not compatible with the overall appearance of their home. If a rubber roof is not your taste, visually, then you may be better off with a shingle or tile roof.
Recycled rubber roofing is a sustainable choice that helps reduce waste, but it does have some downfalls worth considering before you buy in and have it installed.
Contact a local company to learn more about residential roofing options.
Share19 July 2023
When it came time to install a new roof on my home, I had no idea where to start. In fact, I was exploring roofing options that were a really poor fit in my climate. It wasn't until I reached out to a local roofer that I got some lessons on how to choose the right roofing material for my home and the weather exposure it is subjected to. I built this site to share my journey, including the mistakes I made and the things that I learned along the way. If you are considering replacing your home's roof, I hope that the information here can help to guide you through the process.
