Where Do Roofing Materials Come From?
- December 29, 2025
When considering a new roof, the focus is often on appearance, durability, and cost. But there’s another question worth asking:
Where do roofing materials come from, and what impact do they have on the environment?
At Eco Exteriors, sustainability isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about understanding what materials are made of, how long they last, and what happens to them when they reach the end of their life. Those factors together determine whether a roof supports a more environmentally responsible future or quietly adds to long-term waste.
Below, we break down where common roofing materials come from, what’s inside them, and how thoughtful material choices can make a real difference.
What’s in Roofing Materials, and Why Are People Concerned?
Public concern around roofing materials often centers on chemical runoff, material toxicity, and environmental impact over time. As roofs age, they’re exposed to rain, sun, and temperature changes, which can cause small amounts of materials to wash into surrounding ecosystems.
That’s why composition matters. Materials with fewer harmful additives, longer lifespans, and clear end-of-life solutions reduce the risk of environmental harm.
Roofing Materials With Recycled Content and Responsible Sourcing
Many modern roofing products begin life long before they arrive on your home, often as reclaimed or recycled materials.
Metal roofing is one of the most environmentally responsible options available. Most metal roofs contain a significant percentage of recycled content and, just as importantly, are fully recyclable at the end of their life. Instead of becoming landfill waste, old metal roofing can be repurposed into new materials, supporting a circular building process.
Enviroshake is made from 95 percent post-consumer recycled materials, including rubber tires and plastics that would otherwise end up in landfills. It’s designed to replicate the look of traditional cedar shakes while offering improved durability and reduced environmental impact.
Enviroslate follows the same sustainability-first approach. Also made from 95 percent post-consumer recycled materials, including recycled rubber and plastics, it delivers the appearance of natural slate without the environmental cost of quarrying and transporting stone.
Cedar roofing, when sourced responsibly, can be a sustainable natural option. We work with suppliers who practice sustainable forestry, ensuring that harvested trees are replaced and forest ecosystems are protected. When installed and maintained properly, cedar is a renewable resource with relatively low processing requirements.
Asphalt shingles vary widely in quality and environmental impact. For homeowners who choose asphalt, we work with manufacturers that are actively improving sustainability:
- Malarkey Roofing Products incorporate recycled materials in a measurable way. Each roof helps divert approximately four rubber tires and the equivalent of 2,900 plastic bags from landfills. Their smog-reducing granules are also designed to help fight air pollution, with an impact comparable to planting two trees per roof.
- CertainTeed is investing in a circular roofing shingle economy, using recycling technology to reclaim both post-industrial and post-consumer shingle waste and turn it back into usable roofing materials.
What Happens to Roofing Materials at the End of Their Life?
End-of-life planning is one of the most overlooked aspects of sustainable roofing.
Metal roofing is 100 percent recyclable once removed, keeping valuable materials out of landfills.
Enviroshake and Enviroslate are also fully recyclable, allowing their recycled rubber and plastic components to be reused again.
Cedar roofing biodegrades naturally, returning to the environment without leaving behind synthetic waste.
Some modern Asphalt shingles, including Malarkey and CertainTeed products, are designed to last longer than standard options. While asphalt recycling infrastructure is still developing in many regions, longer-lasting shingles reduce waste by lowering how often roofs need to be replaced.
Less replacement means less debris, less manufacturing, and less environmental strain over time.
Why Roof Lifespan Is One of the Most Important Sustainability Factors
We often explain sustainability to clients using a simple comparison: metal roofing versus traditional asphalt roofing.
A properly installed metal roof can last a lifetime, often up to or even beyond 80- 100 years. In many cases, it’s the last roof a homeowner will ever install.
Traditional asphalt roofing, by comparison, typically lasts 15 to 25 years, even when higher-quality products are used.
From an environmental perspective, that difference is significant. One metal roof can replace several asphalt roofs over the same period, resulting in:
- Fewer tear-offs
- Less landfill waste
- Reduced material manufacturing
- Lower energy use over time
Longevity alone makes a powerful case for eco-friendly roofing.
Sustainability Looks Different for Every Home
Sustainability should be realistic and accessible, not all-or-nothing. At Eco Exteriors, we realize that not every homeowner has the same budget, goals, or circumstances. For clients who prefer or require asphalt roofing, we support eco-friendly choices by partnering with manufacturers that:
- Use recycled content
- Design shingles to last longer
- Invest in recycling technologies
- Work toward reducing environmental impact
Offering a wide range of products allows us to meet homeowners where they are, while still supporting progress toward more sustainable building practices.
The Most Environmentally Responsible Roofing Choice
If we look strictly at environmental impact over the life of a roof, metal roofing is the most environmentally sustainable choice.
It offers:
- The longest lifespan
- Minimal maintenance
- Strong energy efficiency
- Full recyclability at end of life
That combination makes metal roofing the clear leader from a sustainability standpoint.
That said, every home is different. Choosing the right roof means balancing environmental goals, performance, and budget. For homeowners navigating those tradeoffs, we’d love to help.
If you’re considering a new roof and want to explore environmentally responsible options that make sense for your home, give us a call!
EcoExteriors: Building a Greener Vancouver, One Roof at a Time
At Eco Exteriors, sustainability guides every recommendation we make. From roofing systems that use recycled and recyclable materials to options designed for long-term performance and energy efficiency, our focus is on helping homeowners make informed, responsible choices.
Whether you’re planning a roof replacement or thinking ahead for the future, choosing a thoughtfully designed roofing system is an investment in the longevity of your home and the health of the environment we all share.
