What comes to mind when you hear the term “asphalt roofing shingles”? Perhaps you think of this popular roofing material as cost-effective, durable, and versatile—but it’s unlikely the word “eco-friendly” comes to mind.
While asphalt roofing shingles aren’t traditionally considered good for the environment, you may be surprised to learn they’re actually more energy-efficient, sustainable, and eco-friendly than you would expect.
Discover the eco-friendly benefits of asphalt roofing brands, like Malarkey Roofing Products®, so you can feel confident you are reducing your carbon footprint when replacing your roofing system with asphalt shingles.
What Is the Composition of Asphalt Roofing Shingles?
Asphalt roofing shingles, surprisingly, are not made entirely of asphalt. Traditionally, each asphalt roofing shingle is made from a felt paper or fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and topped with ceramic granules.
Even though asphalt is a byproduct of crude oil, many modern roofing companies are incorporating other materials, like old tires, into their products to make them more sustainable. Additionally, at the end of its lifespan, your old asphalt roof can be put to good use and used to create biking trails, driveways, and parking lots in your community.
What Makes Asphalt Roofing Shingles Eco-Friendly?
Curious about all the eco-friendly features asphalt roofing shingles have to offer? Keep reading to discover why asphalt roofing is more environmentally safe than you may have thought before!
They can be made from recycled materials.
Did you know that many modern asphalt roofing shingles are made from recycled materials? In fact, Malarkey Roofing Products, one of the roofing brands we install, uses recycled tires and plastic bags to create their top-notch shingle products.
Recycled materials ensure your roofing shingles aren’t only using less raw materials, but they’re minimizing the amount of waste sitting in landfills. It’s a win-win situation!
They are an energy-efficient material.
Asphalt roofing shingles are energy-efficient, so they can help to regulate your home’s temperature. They save energy by absorbing less heat and reflecting more sunlight, which can lower the surface temperature of your roof by up to 50°F.
When your house stays at a comfortable temperature year-round, it reduces the amount your heater or air conditioning unit needs to run, drastically reducing your energy bills. Not only will you save hundreds of dollars on your utility costs, but you’ll also use less energy, so you can feel good about your positive impact on the environment.
They are easy to maintain.
High-maintenance roofing materials, like wood shakes, require you to frequently apply toxic chemical treatments to keep them from catching fire, developing mold, or rotting. Plus, these roofing products may need to be repaired or replaced more frequently, requiring you to use more materials and, therefore, produce more waste.
Fortunately, asphalt roofing shingles are durable and easy to maintain, so they don’t require you to use store-bought cleaners to keep them looking great. Plus, they last for 15–30 years, so you won’t have to worry about replacing your new roofing system anytime soon!
They can be recycled at the end of their lifespan.
Many homeowners assume that because asphalt roofing shingles are made from petroleum-based products, they are not recyclable—but that’s not true!
Thanks to technological advancements, recycled asphalt roofing shingles are used to create pavement, roadworks, driveways, parking lots, and other roofing materials. Some states are even using recycled asphalt roofing shingles to develop hiking and biking trails, and others require them to be used in paving mixtures.
Instead of tossing your asphalt shingles at the end of their lifespan, ask your contractor if there is a recycling service nearby where they’d be willing to bring your old roofing materials. Then, you can be confident that even when your asphalt roofing shingles are ready to be replaced, the materials will be used for good elsewhere!
Sustainability Features of Malarkey Roofing Products
JD Hostetter & Associates is proud to install Malarkey Roofing Products because of their commitment to sustainability. These are just a few ways this innovative company is making a positive impact on the environment with their asphalt roofing shingles:
- Sustainable product—Malarkey produces rubberized asphalt products that are durable, impact resistant, weather resistant, and long-lasting.
- Clean manufacturing process—Malarkey’s roofing products create significantly fewer emissions when they’re made than traditional asphalt roofing shingles.
- Less landfill waste—Malarkey uses recycled materials, like tires and plastic bags, to reduce landfill waste while improving shingle durability.
- Cleaner environment—Malarkey produces asphalt roofing shingles with smog-reducing granules to help clean the air of emission-based pollutants.
Replace Your Roof with Asphalt Roofing Shingles from JD Hostetter & Associates
Modern asphalt roofing shingles are eco-friendly, but they also offer plenty of other appealing benefits. This popular roofing material is beautiful, cost-effective, durable, fire-resistant, and weatherproof, making it the perfect option for your upcoming roof replacement.
JD Hostetter & Associates is a Malarkey Emerald Premium Contractor, so when you work with us to install your eco-friendly asphalt roofing shingles, you’ll enjoy long-lasting performance, expert workmanship, and a lifetime warranty!
Contact us for a free estimate on your roof replacement to begin transforming your roofing system with beautiful, durable, and environmentally safe asphalt roofing shingles.
