Corey Gaffer
We often think of sustainability as ground level, a grassroots kind of thing. But it can start at the top, too—on your roof, to be exact.
The sustainable roofing question can have a variety of answers. “One perspective is that longevity is sustainable,” says Paul Trieu, director of architectural design and engineering at Sustainable 9 Design + Build. “If you buy a high-quality product that will last 50-100 years versus 10-15 years, then it needs to be replaced less.” That favors high-grade architectural asphalt shingles.
Metal Roofing and Recyclables
Metal is one of the fastest-growing residential roofing options in the industry. A metal roof can last 50 to 70 years—more than double the lifespan of asphalt shingles. Not just for modern farmhouse builds or rural sheds, metal roofing is increasingly popular nationwide, gathering close to 20% market share in residential roofing, according to the Metal Roofing Alliance. (Asphalt shingles still dominate.)
Plus, insurance companies nationwide like when homeowners install metal roofing; it’s more durable than traditional shingles, and metal provides better protection from fire, wind, hail and snow damage. That frozen stuff can slide right off a metal roof’s smooth, hard surface, reducing the likelihood of ice dams and excessive snow loads.
Adobe Stock/Dmitry Koshelev
“Metal roofs can have 30% recycled content and are 100% recyclable at the end of life,” Trieu explains. “They can also last 2-3 times as long.”
Consider composite roof materials and hybrid options, such as tiles that mimic the look of terracotta but are made of recycled plastic.
[Related: Sustainable Style: 4 Homes Built for the Future]
Materials and Supply Chain
Roofing also impacts a home’s energy use, bringing the sustainable benefits inside. “Darker colors absorb more solar energy, causing attic spaces to heat up,” Trieu says. “Conversely, warmer colors can repel solar energy, keeping your roof and attic space cooler.”
And don’t forget the supply chain. Trieu notes that “some materials may be inherently more sustainable than others, but if you have to ship them halfway across the world, they will net out less sustainable than a more local option.”
Green Roofs
The ultimate image of a sustainable roof is the “green roof,” one literally alive with grass and native plants. “This attractive and sustainable option can also come with a high cost and annual maintenance,” he adds. “Green roofs can either be built on-site and planted by an experienced landscaper, or they can be grown in trays by a local vendor, such as Bachman’s, and installed onto the roof tray-by-tray.”
Read this next: Trend Forecast, 2026: Smart Home Technology
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