Flee asphalt shingles, from oil, pollutants, and a very limited life. In addition, they contribute to the heat islands … Here are the alternatives, many and accessible!
To find out the durability / price ratio of different roofing materials, start by giving up the idea of asphalt shingles, and follow the guide.
- Metal roof (painted or galvanized steel)
Roof of metal.
For: Material 100% recyclable at end of life. Good value for money. No maintenance.
Against: High gray energy (the energy spent especially during manufacturing). May request the installation of a device to prevent snowfall. Can be noisy (rain, hail)
Lifetime and cost: Greater than 50 years! Costs from $ 4 to $ 15 / sq. Ft. (Installation included).
- Asphalt shingle roof
For: Uh …. Are we talking about an ecological house?
Against: Strong gray energy. The shingles are not or not very recycled. Sensitive to UV rays. They emit solvents in the air when exposed to the sun. Black, they contribute to heat islands that are to say to the increase of temperatures in urban areas. However, if you have to tear them out, make sure they are recycled and not buried!
Lifetime and cost: From 15 to 20 years depending on quality and weather. This type of roof costs from $ 2.50 to $ 3 / sq. Ft., Installation included.
- Wooden roof (cedar, larch shingles)
For: Very resistant to moisture, rot-proof. Not very sensitive to the winds. Low gray energy. Beautiful and authentic.
Against: cracking possible in case of hail. Long installation. Dye application every 5 to 15 years depending on the type of finish. Due to the risk of fire, this type of roof is not allowed in all areas. Ask about.
Lifetime and cost: More than 30 years in general. Guarantees range from 25 to 50 years. It costs from $ 9 to $ 25 / sq. Ft., Installation included.
- Composite roof
For : Valorization of used tires or other materials (for roofs with recycled content). Rot. Resistant to bad weather and insects. No maintenance!
Against: Relatively long installation. Hardly recyclable. High material cost. Few specialized installers.
Lifetime and Cost: Roofs made from recycled tires are often warranted for 50 years and cost about $ 8 / sq. Ft., Installation included.
- EPDM
For: Ideal for flat roofs, these roofs are available in white, which helps reduce urban heat islands. They are rot-proof and weather and insect resistant, and require no maintenance. They have joints glued with adhesive. Among roofs derived from petroleum (synthetic rubber), they are considered less polluting and more durable.
Against: A single layer roof (monolayer), so not ideal for accessible roofs. They are therefore … from oil, which is not an inexhaustible material. They need to be asked by a specialist.
Lifetime and cost: 25 to 35 years. Starting at $ 8 per square foot (installation included).
- Roof made of Elastoplast membrane or modified bitumen
For: The classic flat roofing in Canada because it can be used in almost any weather! Bi-layer, therefore more resistant for accessible roofs and ideal as waterproof under a green roof.
Against : Risk of fire during the installation, because of the use of torches. The elastomeric may be recyclable, but is not recycled in RoofMI. Just asphalt…
Lifetime and cost: 25-35 years. Around $ 11 per square foot.
- Multilayer bitumen roof
For: If the bitumen is covered with crushed white, this roof is an element of fight against heat islands.
Against: These roofs are weakened by UV and water leaks. They require at least one visual inspection per year. High gray energy due to the high volume of material which is also not recyclable
Lifetime and cost: From 15 to 30 years depending on the quality of the installation. Starting at $ 6 / sq. Ft., Installation included.
- TPO roof
For : This petroleum-based material (polyolefin thermoplastic) may contain recycled material, it is effective against heat islands if it is white in color, and is resistant to mold. The joints are welded with hot air (heat sealed) creating an excellent bond between the pleats. Good choice for flat roofs, which explains its dominance in the market of our southern neighbors.
Against: A single layer roof (monolayer), so not the ideal for accessible roofs, and high environmental impact during its production despite the low volume of equipment.
Lifetime and cost: 25 to 35 years. Starting at $ 8 / sq. Ft., Installation included.
- Extensive plant roof (without culture)
For : The green roof blocks the UV which protects your roof and increases its lifespan. It is effective against heat islands, it is a good acoustic and thermal insulator, and it is easy to install (pre-planted mattress).
Against : It is heavy and its installation may require structural reinforcement. These extensive plant roofs do not allow vegetable cultivation, cannot be used on the terrace, but require much less maintenance.
Lifetime and cost : $ 10 to $ 25 / sq. Ft. Depending on the type of project. Do not forget that the installation includes the installation of a membrane, a drainage system and moisture retention, potting soil, and the purchase of plants. The lifespan of a green roof varies depending on the type chosen and the maintenance provided.
- Intensive vegetal roof (with vegetable garden or garden terrace)
For: It blocks the UV, fight against the islands of heat, it is a good acoustic and thermal insulation. This accessible and cultivated space is a great added value for the home. And the thickness of the soil allows a good absorption of rainwater.
Against: A vegetable garden obviously requires a lot of maintenance. These rooftop gardens need an irrigation system. Access to the roof to take advantage of the space can be expensive. The weight will require a strengthening of structure.
Lifetime and cost : $ 10 to $ 40 / sq. Ft. Depending on the type of project. Do not forget that the installation includes the installation of a membrane, a drainage system and moisture retention, potting soil, and the purchase of plants. The lifespan of a green roof varies depending on the type chosen and the maintenance provided.