If you want a roof that is eco-friendly and good for the environment, one of the most popular options you'll come across is green roofs. These are roofs that are lined with various plants, such as sedums or wildflowers. Green roofs are good for the planet, but they are not usually cheap, and they are quite unique. As such, they don't appeal to everyone. Thankfully, green roofs are not your only option for eco-friendly roofing! Here are a few other types of roofs that are also good for the planet.

Slate Roofing

Slate roofing is sometimes seen as outdated. It was popular before asphalt shingles became commonplace. But sometimes, the old-fashioned way really is best, and that is certainly the case with slate roofing. How much more natural can you get than a roof made from actual stones? The only processing that has to be done is shaping the stones, and that doesn't require a lot of energy or fossil fuel use.

Slate roofs are also eco-friendly because they last virtually forever. The roof might need a few repairs over the years, but once you have a slate roof put in place, you'll never need to have your home re-roofed. This means you won't be sending a whole roof's worth of materials to the landfill. And even when your slate roof does meet its demise, it's just rock. Putting it back into the earth is totally natural.

Bamboo Roofing

Bamboo might seem like a strange material to make a roof from. But actually, it can work quite well, especially in windy areas. Bamboo is a bit flexible, so instead of blowing away, it just tends to flex.

Bamboo is an eco-friendly roof option for a few different reasons. For one, it can be grown with minimal pesticides or herbicides. Also, it is biodegradable. When your roof is removed one day, the bamboo will decompose naturally without causing any pollution.

Recycled Metal

Not all metal roofs can be considered green. But if you look for metal roofs that are specifically advertised as being made from recycled materials, you can feel good about your purchase. Not only are these roofs made from recycled materials, but they can last a long time, often up to 50 years, which helps minimize waste. When the roof does need to be replaced, you may be able to recycle a lot of the metal again. Metal roofs are also reflective, which can help reduce your need for air conditioning. That's certainly a green move!

You don't need a green roof to go green. Consider the other eco-friendly options above as alternatives. Talk to local roofing services near you to learn more.