How Recycled Shingles Are Changing the Roofing Industry

Roof shingle recycling is trending in home construction and repairs, and these materials are changing the roofing industry. In this guide, we cover the three most common recycled roofing shingles and how they compare to traditional asphalt shingles.

Environmental Impact of Traditional Asphalt Shingles

Traditional asphalt shingles are affordable and versatile, but they take a heavy toll on the environment.

• Heavy consumption. It takes large amounts of energy and raw materials to produce them. This includes a significant amount of petroleum.
• Short lifespans. Shingles last 12 to 20 years if they are not severely damaged. This is less than half the lifespan of many other options, like metal, clay, and many recycled roofing tiles.
• Increased landfill waste. The Metal Roofing Alliance estimates that 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles are sent to landfills each year.
• Long and pollutant-filled decomposition. Industry experts estimate that it takes 300 to 400 years for asphalt shingles to fully decompose, and they leak tar and other chemicals into the landfill soil in the process.
• Poor energy efficiency. Shingles are better at absorbing heat than deflecting it, so it costs more energy to cool your home when temperatures rise.

The good news is that they are easier to recycle due to new technologies and programs that manage shingle waste responsibly. Plus, there are new recycled roofing shingles to choose from that are superior to traditional roofing materials.

Types and Benefits of Recycled Roofing Materials

Recycled roofing shingles come in many forms, but the three most popular types are reclaimed asphalt shingles, recycled plastic shingles, and recycled tire shingles. Each type offers unique benefits for homeowners, builders, and the environment.

Reclaimed Asphalt Shingles

Reclaimed asphalt shingles are made up of cleaned and ground asphalt from old shingles mixed with other industrial products that would have ended up in a landfill otherwise. They offer the look and affordability of traditional asphalt shingles with less overall waste and landfill usage.

Recycled Plastic Roof Shingles

Recycled plastic roof shingles are made from repurposed materials like water bottles, food containers, and other post-consumer plastics. These plastics are melted with recycled rubber, molded, and colored to mimic the appearance of traditional roofing materials such as wood or slate. The result is a lightweight, highly durable roofing product that resists moisture, UV damage, and cracking. They can last over 50 years with minimal maintenance, and they are highly energy efficient.

Roof Shingles Made from Recycled Tires

Roof shingles made from recycled tires combine durability, flexibility, and resilience in extreme weather conditions. These shingles are designed to withstand heavy impact, high winds, and temperature fluctuations without cracking or warping. They also sport extra benefits like:

• A 40-50 year lifespan
• Excellent sound insulation that can dampen outdoor noises by 30% or more
• Keeps millions of pounds of rubber and plastics out of the landfills
• Excellent energy efficiency and insulation properties

Although recycled rubber shingles have a higher upfront cost compared to asphalt shingles, their longer lifespan and low maintenance requirements often lead to better long-term savings.

The Future of Roof Shingle Recycling

Recycled roofing shingles represent one of the most practical and impactful ways the roofing industry is becoming greener. These innovations demonstrate that home building materials can be sustainable without sacrificing style or durability. As recycling methods continue to evolve, reclaimed asphalt, recycled plastic, and repurposed tires will become standard selections in the roofing industry due to their superior performance and durability compared to some traditional materials.

Casas Roofing Inc. stays up to the minute on the housing trends our clients care about. Contact us today to discuss which eco-friendly roofing option would work best for your home project!