With every passing year, businesses and homeowners are becoming more conscientious about choosing building materials that minimize their impact on the environment. The roof is a major component of any structure in terms of the area that it covers as well as the roof’s potential to affect the total carbon footprint of the structure. Property owners focusing on “going green” sometimes wonder whether Asphalt Shingles & Our Environment makes a difference. The short answer is that asphalt shingles are indeed environmentally friendly.
Asphalt Shingles & Our Environment – First, A Word About Asphalt
One of the first points that needs to be covered is to dispel the myth that asphalt itself is not an eco-friendly material. It is true that in earlier decades, asphalt plants produced some obnoxious fumes. However, for decades, the industry has voluntarily implemented a variety of strategies to reduce the environmental impact. The industry has been so successful in this area that the Environmental Protection Agency does not include asphalt plants on its list of major contributors to air pollution. In addition, since asphalt does not leach toxins into the soil or water, it is considered so safe that it is often used as a liner for fish hatcheries and public reservoirs for drinking water.
Transportation of Asphalt Shingles
Manufacturers of asphalt shingles have established production plants across the nation. With few exceptions, a plant produces the types, colors and styles of shingles that will be sold in its area. The completed shingles seldom need to travel more than two or three states to arrive at their final destination. Other roofing materials may need to be transported across the country. The closer a product can be manufactured to the site where it will be used, the smaller the carbon footprint for transportation.
Recyclability of Asphalt Shingles
Currently, manufacturers are already supplying remnants and scraps for use in road paving. Used shingles can also be recycled to make raw materials for paving driveways, roads and parking lots. Recycled shingles are also being used as a fuel source in some manufacturing facilities.
Reduced Need for Structural Support
Even the heaviest asphalt shingles are lighter than many roofing materials. This reduces the need for additional lumber and other materials to build proper supports for the roof.
Asphalt Shingles Can Reduce Energy Bills
In Austin, Texas, cooling a home or office accounts for a large part of the structure’s energy costs. Asphalt shingles can help reduce these costs. Because asphalt shingles are available in an extensive range of colors, a lighter color can be selected to reflect more of the sun’s rays. Radiant barriers can be installed with asphalt shingles to increase the reflective properties even more. Asphalt shingles are also an excellent surface for mounting solar panels. Asphalt Shingles & Our Environment are making a difference!
Learn More Benefits of Asphalt Shingles
Alpha Roofing Industries has been installing asphalt shingles for more than three decades. We are a residential and commercial roofing company. All of our crew members are qualified professionals who work only for us, possess outstanding skills and are intensively screened. As a result, we have earned at outstanding reputation for quality work at competitive rates. In addition to installing asphalt shingles, we also offer roof repairs, skylight installation, chimney repairs, and metal roofing systems. If you would like to request a free quote, you can call (512) 777-1086 or submit the online form.
We serve the areas of Waco, Burleson, Waxahachie, Frisco, Plano, Wylie, Trophy Club, and Flower Mound, TX.