Plastic: An Environmental Roofing Solution?

Many people looking for environmentally friendly options for their roof might assume plastic is out but can a plastic roof be a green roof? The answer is a (resounding) Yes.

Here are some very good reasons why:

Reason #1: It recycles plastics that would otherwise not be reused

There aren't many industries that reuse the very damaging plastic particles (polymers) created by our wider dependence on plastics. Plastics never fully break down beyond this particle level. Instead, these minute polymers head leach into soil, are washed into rivers and oceans, damaging wildlife and entering food chains. As it decomposes, plastic also releases dangerous chemicals such as biphenols. Plastic pollution is a serious hazard to ecosystems and to the environment, and a big part of the problem is that we dump so much of the stuff instead of reusing it.

Polymer roofing reuses these polluting plastic particulates, helping to keep them out of our oceans. As this article on US-based website Green Builder explains, this makes polymer roofing a highly ecological system. The problem, he argues, is the cost - but in the UK polymer roofing is cheaper and is a highly affordable option.

Reason #2: It's cold-applied

The fact that polymer roofing is cold-applied means that there's no heat-release of harmful chemicals into the atmosphere during installation. This is a huge benefit to both the atmosphere and to the health of the roofers installing it, as well as anybody nearby when the work is happening.

Reason #3: it provides an alternative to lead

Despite some evidence that lead roofing is not responsible for environmental poisoning through surface run-off, it nevertheless poses a hazard for those working with it, as this Occupational Health & Safety factsheet illustrates. Even very small amounts of lead are extremely toxic. As the factsheet advises: "Wherever possible, choose lead-free alternative products to protect your health, your family and the environment".

Reason #4: You can turn it into a Living Green Roof

If you want to an even greener roof, you can easily create your own living Eco-Roof using your polymer roof as a base. It's extremely strong, waterproof and completely seamless so no chance of leaks. As our specialist turf roofing section explains, this has made us the roofers of choice for both Waltham Forest Council (bowling pavilion) and the Sri Lankan Embassy in London, both of whom now have seeded green roofs.

Want to know more?

If you'd like to discuss how we can help with your eco-roof or would like to arrange a no-obligation assessment, call us on 07855 535581 or drop us an email. We can get to any roof in the UK and always bring our creative can-do attitude with us!