North Las Vegas has an arid, sunny climate. This makes the selection of roofing materials that are both sustainable and serviceable a matter of life and death. By "life and death," I mean that the right materials can prolong the life of the roof and also the life of the people below it; roofs sheltered over people are living spaces. Really, even a slight potential health hazard such as mold can escalate into a significant threat. The key efficiencies needed in lifespan, health, and serviceability also correspond with the need for roofs to be cool, which means they don't get too hot for comfort. Cool roofs, which reflect more sunlight and don't absorb as much heat, are a definite contender. Once again, it appears that metal roofs and certain roof tiles are serious candidates for being cool.
Roof tiles, commonly made from clay or concrete, stand out as a sustainable option for homeowners throughout North Las Vegas. These materials not only have an incredibly long life span but are also made from abundant natural resources, which makes them environmentally friendly. At the end of their life span, they're no less sustainable because they are viable candidates for recycling. Roof tiles made from clay or concrete also have a natural resistance to heat, which makes them thermally effective in the summer sun. With roof tiles, it's not really possible to distinguish between the eco-friendliness of the materials used to make the tiles and their design effectiveness.
For a sustainable roofing option that embodies greener technology, you should contemplate a green or living roof. These roof systems are generally wetter climate installations, but advancements in green roofing technology support their use in desert locales, like North Las Vegas. Plants used in green roof systems are typically drought-resistant. Green roofs are great insulators; they help regulate building temperature, thereby reducing energy costs. They also serve to improve air quality. The plants in a green roof system filter pollutants out of the air. They also serve as a habitat for the local wildlife. A green roof also helps with stormwater management. Rain doesn’t run off of a green roof; it’s absorbed, in a way that mimics the absorption of a healthy forest canopy. And again, the plants used in these roofs are typically drought-tolerant, suited to hearty situations where they absorb and manage rainwater, not heavy-use irrigation.
