Roofing Responsibly and Why It Matters
If you have a roof, there is a pretty good chance that it is made of asphalt shingles. But did you know that over 11 million tons of asphalt shingle waste goes into landfills each year? In fact, this past year that number rose to 12 million tons. Shingles are generally a bulky material, which is why as part of our practice we find it important to redirect old shingles from being disposed of in landfills. Where they are instead repurposed into a new productive use.
What is Roofing Responsibly?
Roofing Responsibly is the recycling of your torn-off roof into paving materials. This saves energy and resources. As a Roofing Responsibly contractor, NH Grand Roofs is educated on the process of recycling shingles. This starts from the beginning of tearing off the roof, to the shingles being ground into road asphalt. To be a part of this program, we must pass a test that demonstrates our knowledge of shingle recycling.
When you choose a contractor that is Roofing Responsibly credentialed, aside from receiving a durable and high-quality roof, you also get the comfort and certainty that comes from knowing your old shingles will bypass the landfill.
How Are Shingles Recycled?
There are a variety of ways in which shingles can be recycled. The most common way asphalt shingles are repurposed is by using them in the making of hot mix asphalt. It is estimated that if we were to recycle 11 million tons of asphalt shingle waste each year, it would be the equivalent to taking roughly 164,880 passenger vehicles off the road for one year or saving the energy use of 83,140 homes for one year.
Advantages to Choosing a Roofing Responsibly Contractor
Not all roofing contractors participate in shingle recycling or the Roofing Responsibly program. If the environmental impacts are important to you, we recommend choosing a professional committed to the sustainable management of construction materials.
Some advantages include:
Recycling old asphalt shingles saves on construction material waste that would otherwise be sent to a landfill, which conserves landfill space.
Asphalt can be recycled multiple times, ensuring its value.
Shingles from one average-sized house can pave approximately 200 feet of a two-lane highway.
The installation of a new roof should be a celebration as well as an investment. For your home to look and function its best, you should choose a contractor who uses materials that will stand the test of time and will not contribute to pollution.
Do you need assistance with recycling your old shingles? Call us at (603) 552-7152 or email NH Grand Roofs for more information. We can also provide you with free pricing for your roof replacement. Our team proudly serves homeowners and businesses in Southern and Central New Hampshire.
