Page 56 - Green Builder Magazine Spring 2018 Awards Issue

Wood: From Shake to

Envirofriendly Fake

OR ALL OF THEIR CHARM, wood-shingled and shake roofs
have a huge disadvantage to other types: Mother Nature.
Sun, moisture, insects, plant life and mold will wreck a
F roof in a fairly short time (roughly 20 years) compared
to environmentally heartier surface structures like tile or asphalt
shingles. And, many municipalities are banning wood roofs due
to †re danger.
That’s where faux wood comes in. Composite shingle lines such
as those from Enviroshake Inc., DaVinci Roofscapes and Brava
Roof Tile replicate the look of naturally weathered shingles and
shake without the fragility. All are made almost entirely of recycled
material that will not rot, blister, peel or crack, and is mold, †re and CREDIT: INTERLOCK GROUP
insect resistant. The roo†ng carries a Level 4 impact certi†cation,
is LEED Gold certi†ed, and has been high-wind speed tested. The
product’s lifespan is about 50 years, after which it may be fully Sheet metal. Metal roofs aren’t what they used to be—in addition to
recycled again. looking fashionable on most structures, they are 100 percent recyclable.
Metal roofing also has its wood lookalikes, such as Decra
Roofing Systems’ Shake XD, EDCO’s ArrowLine and Kassel & Metal: Timeless and Tough
Irons’ KasselWood. All of these replicate hand-split wood shake
and heavyweight architectural shingles in an easier-to-install form HE METAL ROOF is the middle child of the roofing
that is light enough to be installed over existing roofs, keeping them spectrum. At about $9 per square foot to install, it’s a bit
out of the land†ll. pricier than asphalt or wood roofs, but only about half as
There’s a cost-cutting element here, too. Composite, metal and T much as tile or slate.
wood are in the same ballpark in terms of material costs – around $4 In addition to the low cash outlay for product, a metal roof keeps
per square foot, depending on geographic location and labor pools. labor costs down compared to its slate and tile cousins thanks to its
Simpler, faster installation also makes for a lower overall price tag easy install of a few days. The roof is more than likely to stay on for
on the builder’s end. 40 to 50 maintenance-free years, meaning fewer visits for repairs.
Once available only in metal sheets, builders can now install the
product as interlocking shingles to accommodate many architectural
"Metal roofs are suitable for low-pitched

roofs, can be installed as stylish tiles,
and are 100 percent recyclable."

styles. They’re also suitable for low-pitched roofs. The shingles’
natural rešective ability reduces heat buildup in attics and upstairs
rooms; it’s not uncommon for CoolRoof-rated systems to cut electric
bills by 20 percent to 30 percent during peak AC usage months.
Not surprisingly, the roo†ng material is generally made from
recycled content that can be completely recycled again when no
longer needed. A metal roof also lends itself well to rainwater
harvesting. Its smooth, clean surface results in fewer particles being
šushed ož the roof, which leads to less required †ltering.
CREDIT: ENVIROSHAKE INC. and Alucom include low-end G-90 galvanized steel in sheets or
Roo†ng material choices from manufacturers such as Interlock
interlocking steel shingles; corrosion-resistant galvalume steel;

copper and zinc. A metal roof system is generally available in any
New old-fashioned look. Enviroshake’s composite tile combines the feel- stone-coated steel; and alternate, pricier metals like aluminum,
good nature of wood with the long-term durability of clay. color †nish.

54 GREEN BUILDER Special Awards Issue 2018 www.greenbuildermedia.com

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