Making the switch to eco-friendly and green living is imperative. Over-consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are contributing to climate change. Recent studies indicate that soon, up to 143 million people could be displaced as a direct result of climate change. So what can we do to lower our energy consumption? Consumers need to make more environmentally conscious choices when they shop.
If you’re looking to have your roof replaced or a new one installed, it pays to look at the full lifecycle of your chosen roofing material to determine how eco-friendly it really is. Consider the environmental impact of manufacturing and installation, how much it will save on energy costs, and what pollution, if any, it will create once it reaches the end of its life. Just as you would research materials for a new fence or flooring, it is worth doing the same for your roof.
Here at City2Surf Roofing in Sydney, we believe in giving our customers a high-quality, affordable roof that’s also green. We’ve explored which roofing materials are the least to the most environmentally conscious so you can make an informed choice for your roof installation.
Hardwood Shingles and Shakes
Hardwood shingles and shakes, typically made of cedar or redwood varieties, last longer than asphalt shingles. A high-quality hardwood roof can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years. They’re also much more aesthetically pleasing than asphalt shingles. Unfortunately, hardwood shakes and shingles are more brittle than asphalt shingles. At City2Surf Roofing, we pride ourselves on only using the highest-quality hardwood roofing materials with a good hail impact rating.
As far as energy efficiency goes, hardwood shingles and shakes are twice as energy efficient as asphalt shingles. They’re also 100% natural, which makes them more environmentally friendly.
Metal Roofing
A metal roof can be made of the following:
- Zinc
- Copper
- Colorbond Steel®
Metal roofs are more durable than asphalt shingles or hardwood roofing materials. A good-quality metal roof can last up to 60 years. Metal roofs need less maintenance than other roofing materials and are extremely energy efficient. Asphalt shingles closely track the outside temperature and offer little insulation, while a metal roof helps regulate indoor temperatures naturally. With a metal roof, you can save significantly on energy costs whether it’s hot or cold outside. Best of all, metal roofing is made from recycled material and is 100% recyclable at the end of its life.

Terracotta Roof Tiles
Terracotta is incredibly energy efficient and made from natural, eco-friendly materials. Terracotta tiles prevent heat transference by up to 70%, keeping homes much cooler in hotter weather. Terracotta tiles are light and won’t absorb a lot of moisture, meaning there is less of a chance of fungus and mould build-up on the roof. If you install a high-quality terracotta roof from City2Surf, you’ll see a significant reduction in your energy bills. For these reasons and more, terracotta roofing remains one of the most popular energy-efficient roofing material choices today.
Concrete Roof Tiles
Concrete tiles are naturally reflective, thus reducing heat gain. If you want to reduce your cooling bills, a concrete tile roof may be in order. Concrete tiles are incredibly wind and storm resistant, and will last many decades with minimal maintenance. Concrete roof tiles are also fully recyclable at the end of their lives. If you choose City2Surf Roofing to replace your concrete roofing, we will recycle your old tiles responsibly. In many cases, the old tiles are crushed and reused in many applications all over Sydney.
Slate Roofing
Slate roofing is one of the most durable roofing materials on the market. It will last anywhere from 75 to 150 years. On average, roofing material makes up around 3% of all landfill waste. If homeowners invest in material that lasts longer, there will be less roofing material clogging up landfills and polluting the environment. Slate is also incredibly dense, and will naturally regulate the building’s interior temperatures, increasing your energy savings. But be aware that slate is heavy, and your building may not be able to handle a slate roof. Our sister company, NSW Slate Roofing, will thoroughly inspect your building before we give you a quote, so you’ll know what roofing materials are the best choice for your home.
Why should you choose City2Surf for your energy-efficient roof installation?
Here at City2Surf Roofing in Sydney, we pride ourselves on giving our customers the best roofing materials and a fast, affordable installation. We know just how expensive home heating and cooling costs are, so we want to make sure that we can get you a roof that will significantly reduce your monthly bills.
How can we do that?
First, we’ll inspect your roof and see what kinds of materials will work best within your budget and with your building’s overall structure. While a slate roof is one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials, it’s not always recommended. But we can happily install a terracotta, concrete, metal, or hardwood shingle roof. Any one of these roofs, installed by our expert contractors at City2Surf Roofing, will last you decades. And best of all, a high-quality energy-efficient roof will save you money in the long run.
Contact us today for your free, no-obligation quote, and we’ll get you set up with a gorgeous, energy-efficient roof. Give us a call on 1300 296 842 or fill out our online enquiry form, and we will get back to you shortly.
