Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials in the United States. Affordable, widely available, and relatively easy to install, they dominate the residential roofing market. But are asphalt shingles bad for the environment? While they may be a go-to choice for many homeowners, asphalt shingles come with a significant environmental cost—particularly when it’s time to replace them.
Most asphalt shingle roofs last between 15 to 30 years, depending on climate conditions and maintenance. Once they reach the end of their lifespan, homeowners are left with a major question: Where do all those old shingles go?
The answer, in most cases, is landfills. Each year, millions of tons of asphalt shingles are stripped from roofs and discarded, making them a significant contributor to construction and demolition (C&D) debris. Unlike other materials that can be easily repurposed or recycled, asphalt shingles present unique challenges due to their composition.
Environmental Impact of Asphalt Shingles
Beyond just the sheer amount of waste they create, asphalt shingles have other environmental downsides throughout their entire life cycle. Let’s start with how they’re made. Asphalt shingles are composed of a mix of asphalt (a crude oil derivative), mineral fillers, and stabilizers.
Production of asphalt shingles is an energy-intensive process that relies heavily on fossil fuels. Not only does this contribute to resource depletion, but the manufacturing and installation processes generate emissions, air pollution, and leftover scraps, adding to their carbon footprint.
For those who embrace sustainable practices, like harvesting rainwater for gardening, asphalt shingles pose another concern. Runoff from asphalt roofs can carry chemical residues and granules, making it unsuitable for watering edible plants and human health.
From manufacturing to disposal, traditional shingles come with an undesirable environmental footprint. They require high resource use, contribute to pollution, and result in persistent waste that lingers in landfills for decades.
Can I recycle my asphalt shingles?
Made primarily from a mix of petroleum-based asphalt, fiberglass, and mineral granules, they are not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down. Some initiatives attempt to recycle old shingles by repurposing them for road paving or asphalt mixes.
However, the majority of roofing waste still ends up in landfills, adding to the growing issue of C&D debris and creating long-term environmental concerns. Each year, the United States generates approximately 123 million tons of asphalt shingle waste, primarily from roof replacements and demolitions.
This substantial volume contributes significantly to the nation’s construction and demolition (C&D) debris, with asphalt shingles accounting for a notable portion. The disposal of asphalt shingles poses environmental challenges and recycling efforts have yet to grab hold. Only about 10 percent of the roofing material is recycled.
Due to their composition—shingles are made from petroleum-based asphalt, fiberglass, and mineral granules—these shingles are non-biodegradable and can persist in landfills for centuries. This long decomposition period means that the environmental impact of discarded shingles extends far beyond their functional lifespan. They can also release volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
While recycling options exist, they are underutilized. As of 2019, only about 1.1 million tons of reclaimed asphalt shingles (RAS) were processed for recycling into new asphalt mixtures. This indicates that a significant portion of shingle waste still ends up in landfills, highlighting the need for more effective recycling initiatives and alternative roofing solutions.
Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingle Recycling
The environmental implications of this disposal practice are profound. Landfills are burdened with materials that occupy space indefinitely, and the potential leaching of chemicals from shingles can pose risks to soil and groundwater quality. Additionally, the continuous demand for new asphalt shingles necessitates ongoing extraction of raw materials, further straining natural resources.
Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach:
- Enhancing Recycling Efforts: Increasing the recycling rate of asphalt shingles can divert substantial waste from landfills. Recycled shingles can be repurposed into pavement, reducing the need for new materials.
- Promoting Sustainable Roofing Alternatives: Encouraging the use of durable and recyclable roofing materials, such as metal roofing, can significantly reduce environmental impact over time.
- Implementing Regulatory Measures: Policies that incentivize recycling and the use of sustainable materials can drive industry-wide change toward more environmentally friendly practices.
By adopting these strategies, the roofing industry and consumers can work together to mitigate the environmental footprint associated with traditional roofing materials.
Environmental Benefits of Metal Roofing
When it comes to sustainability, metal roofing is one of the most environmentally responsible choices available. Unlike traditional asphalt shingles, which contribute millions of tons of waste to landfills each year, metal roofs are built to last for decades and can be fully recycled at the end of their lifespan. They also improve energy efficiency, reduce the strain on natural resources, and lower overall environmental impact.
Here’s how metal roofing stands out as an eco-friendly alternative:
- Long Lifespan Reduces Waste
- 100% Recyclable and Often Made From Recycled Materials
- Energy Efficiency and Reduced Cooling Costs
Long Lifespan Reduces Waste
One of the most significant environmental benefits of metal roofing is its exceptionally long lifespan. While asphalt shingles need to be replaced every 15 to 30 years, metal roofs can last 50 years or more with proper maintenance, making them quite cost-effective. Some materials, like copper and aluminum, have been known to last over a century. Because metal roofing lasts significantly longer, fewer materials need to be produced, transported, and disposed of over time.
This reduces the volume of construction and demolition (C&D) debris piling up in landfills. Choosing a long-lasting roofing option not only saves money in the long run but also decreases overall waste generation, making metal an ideal choice for eco-conscious homeowners.
100% Recyclable and Often Made From Recycled Materials
Unlike asphalt shingles, which are rarely recycled and often end up in landfills, metal roofing is fully recyclable at the end of its life. This means that instead of contributing to the growing problem of roofing waste, old metal roofing can be repurposed into new products without losing strength or durability. Many metal roofs are also manufactured using recycled content, further reducing the demand for raw materials.
Aluminum roofing, for example, can contain up to 95% recycled material, making it one of the most sustainable building products on the market. By choosing metal, homeowners support a closed-loop recycling system that minimizes waste and conserves resources.
Energy Efficiency and Reduced Cooling Costs
Metal roofs can dramatically improve a home’s energy efficiency by reflecting solar heat instead of absorbing it. Traditional asphalt shingles absorb heat from the sun, making homes warmer and increasing reliance on air conditioning. Metal roofs, on the other hand, feature reflective coatings that help maintain cooler indoor temperatures.
Some coatings and finishes can reflect up to 70% of solar radiation, leading to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint. This increased energy efficiency is particularly beneficial in hot climates, where air conditioning use accounts for a significant portion of household energy consumption. By reducing the need for cooling, metal roofs help cut down on greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production.
FAQs About the Environmental Impact of Metal Roofing
1. Is metal roofing really better for the environment than asphalt shingles?
Yes! Metal roofing lasts two to three times longer than asphalt shingles, significantly reducing waste. Unlike asphalt, which often ends up in landfills, metal roofs are 100% recyclable at the end of their lifespan. Many metal roofs are also made with recycled materials, making them a much more sustainable choice.
2. Will a metal roof make my home hotter in the summer?
No, metal roofs are actually more energy-efficient than asphalt shingles. They reflect solar heat instead of absorbing it, which keeps your home cooler and reduces air conditioning costs. Many metal roofing systems include special coatings that further improve energy efficiency.
3. Can metal roofing help reduce my carbon footprint?
Absolutely. Since metal roofs last 50 years or more, they reduce the need for frequent replacements, cutting down on raw material usage and transportation emissions. Their reflective properties also lower energy consumption, reducing the demand for fossil-fuel-powered electricity.
4. What happens to metal roofing at the end of its lifespan?
Unlike asphalt shingles, which take up valuable landfill space, metal roofing is 100% recyclable. At the end of its life, it can be melted down and repurposed into new products, reducing waste and conserving natural resources.
Choose a Roof That’s Built to Last—And Built for the Planet
If you’re considering different types of roofing for your home or business, why settle for a material that will end up in a landfill in just a few decades? At Mountaintop Metal Roofing, we provide premium aluminum and copper roofing solutions that last a lifetime, reduce energy costs, and offer a truly sustainable alternative to traditional asphalt shingles.
Our metal roofs come with a lifetime, non-prorated, transferable warranty, so you can invest once and enjoy peace of mind for years to come. There are a variety of colors and styles to choose from, good for farmhouses and modern modular homes alike.
Whether you’re re-roofing your home, building a new house, or upgrading a commercial property, make the environmentally responsible choice with metal roofing. Contact Mountaintop Metal Roofing today for a free estimate and learn how you can make a sustainable investment in your property. Your roof should protect your home—and the planet. Let’s make it happen.