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Roof
Choose recycled roofing materials
Armster Reclaimed Lumber Company Reclaimed wood shakes
Choose your wood species with this company and get LEED points, too! The reclaimed wood shakes (wooden shingles made from split logs) are either hand-split or re-sawn, so you can also pick the style you’d like.Bedford Technology Rolath recycled plastic stripping
Don’t use wood lath (a thin, foundational strip of wood used before applying some shingles), choose this recycled version of the product instead! Made from Bedford Technology’s own manufacturing waste, this post-consumer product is used to secure roofing felt and building wraps.CETCO StrongSeal Recycled Rubberized Underlayment
Made from 40 percent recycled tire fiber, this underlayment comes in nail-down and peel-and-stick versions. StrongSeal comes with a materials warranty.Classic Metal Roofing Systems Rustic Shingle
With a rugged, wood shake appearance, these metal shingles are both durable and beautiful. The’re made using 98 percent post-consumer recycled metals and come in a variety of colors. They’re also backed by a limited lifetime warranty.EcoStar Majestic Slate Traditional shingles
These roofing tiles are manufactured using Starloy, a proprietary polymer made from 100 percent recycled post-industrial rubber and plastic. They look and feel like slate shingles, yet they are incredibly lightweight and much less expensive.Enviroshake
This maintenance-free roofing is durable (you can walk on it, and it’s hail resistant), is made from 95 percent recycled material (including post-industrial plastics, fiber, and crumb rubber from tires), and comes with a 50-year warranty. Its cedar roof appearance comes in a variety of different profiles and is mold, mildew, and insect resistant, too.Humane Industrial Applications Roof-Gard Pads
Got a flat roof? Use these pads for a safe, stable walkway to access roof structures like air conditioning and greenery. Made from recycled plastic, they’re a great way to cut back on your construction waste.NYCORE Ny-Slate shingles
Made from 100 percent post-consumer carpet, this slate roofing alternative is lightweight, mold- and bacteria-resistant, as well as durable. It comes with a 50-year warranty and is made without generating any waste.Re-New Wood Incorporated Eco-Shake
Shake-like shingles made from 100 percent recycled vinyl and cellulose fibers. Suitable for all climates, these lightweight shingles can be purchased directly from this manufacturer or through a roofing distributor in your area.
Opt for FSC-certified wood roofing materials
Koenig Cedar Co FSC Cedar Shingles
Choose from Western Red Cedar or Northern White Cedar shingles. The company also has a few hand-split shakes (wooden shingles made from split logs) to choose from. Get them pre-stained or not, depending on your preference.Maibec FSC Cedar Shingles
Maibec's shingle options include white cedar classic shingles, cedar strips, and cedar panels. They come in a variety of colors, too. Check the “Distributor” listings for US stores in your area.Panel Source International FSC underlayment plywood
Get LEED credits with this sustainable plywood sheathing. Made of industrial grade hem-fir and formaldehyde-free, it’s an eco-friendly choice. Comes in a variety of thicknesses and is Class A fire retardant.
Install solar shingles
Atlantis Energy Systems Sunslates solar shingles
Can be applied to both new and remodeled roofs, these interconnected solar tiles are installed along with your regular shingles and connect to a splice box under your roof deck. An average system covers about 300 feet.OkSolar.com
For the true DIYer: order all the parts you’ll need to set up a solar electric system. Choose from solar panels, charge controllers, solar cells, and solar roof shingles. The company even offers a couple of training sessions.SolarCentury Solar electric roof tile
Installed to fit with conventional roofing materials, these high power output solar tiles are discreet and powerful. They provide 52 watts per tile. Check out the company's informative video, too.Uni-Solar Photovoltaic shingles
These energy catchers look like ordinary shingles, but work for you by capturing the sun’s energy. The flexible thin film shingles connect to a solar system inside your house where energy is stored for when you need it. A set costs as little as $121.
Buy an ENERGY STAR skylight or solar tube
Solatube Brighten Up Series
This tubular skylight come in a variety of sizes and can be fitted with various diffusers or shaders to create beautiful, free interior light. If installed in a bathroom, it can include a ventilation add-on.Sun-Tek Dura Series Skylights
Choose from aluminum, polycarbonate, or wood construction. They’re all ENERGY STAR qualified and come in a variety of finishes and colors.VELUX Non-venting Skylight
This ENERGY STAR skylight has tempered, low-e, argon-filled glass. It’s fixed, so it doesn’t open, but it’s durable and can be positioned in any direction. Has a maintenance-free aluminum exterior.VELUX Electric Venting Skylight
Provide daylighting and ventilation to your home with this remote-controlled skylight. It’s ENERGY STAR qualified, so you know it’ll be efficient and convenient. It closes automatically when it senses rain. Can also be fitted with interior blinds and exterior awnings for added shade.VELUX Sun Tunnel Skylights
Funnel bright, white light into any space, including bathrooms, closets, and other hard-to-illuminate areas. Comes in a variety of profiles and structures (flexible or rigid) so that you’ll be able to find one perfect for your home.
Choose durable roofing materials
Classic Metal Roofing Systems Rustic Shingle
With a rugged, wood shake appearance, these metal shingles are both durable and beautiful. The’re made using 98 percent post-consumer recycled metals and come in a variety of colors. They’re also backed by a limited lifetime warranty.Enviroshake
This maintenance-free roofing is durable (you can walk on it, and it’s hail resistant), is made from 95 percent recycled material (including post-industrial plastics, fiber, and crumb rubber from tires), and comes with a 50-year warranty. Its cedar roof appearance comes in a variety of different profiles and is mold, mildew, and insect resistant, too.Met-Tile Steel shingles
These Spanish-styled "tile" shingles (available in steel and aluminum) have earned the ENERGY STAR rating because of their cool roof attributes. They’re lightweight, as well as fire, pest, and rot resistant.North Country Slate Unfading Green roofing
A classically-colored roofing material, this option can be used to created a mono-colored roof, or in combination with other slates options for a multicolored appearance. Random sizes make this product especially unique. Can last more than 100 years.Residential Exterior Design Corp Perfection aluminum shake shingles
Guaranteed not to leak or chip due to hail damage, these ultra-durable aluminum shingles are also fire and pest resistant. Suitable for climates with frequent freeze-thaw cycles, these shingles come with a 50-year limited warranty.The Tileman Vintage clay tiles
Specializing in recycled vintage clay tiles, which can be matched to your existing clay tile for roof repairs. The company also does new roof installs with shingles in a variety of shapes and colors.Triple Pine Roofing Asphalt Shingles
Available both for new roofs or re-roofing jobs, these durable asphalt shingles are affordable and come in a selection of colors. Roofing comes with warranties from 30 to 50 years.Zappone Aluminum shingles
Claiming to be made from 100 percent recycled metal, these super strong shingles are rated to withstand 110 mph winds. They’re lightweight so do not require any roof reinforcement.
Plant a green roof
Barrett Roofing Green Roofs
Extensive green roofing products and services.Building Logics
Pre-vegetated and build-in-place green roof systems.Eco-Roof Systems
Custom designed green roofs, both intensive and extensive.ELT Easy Green
Pre-grown products for intensive, extensive, and hybrid green roof systems.Green Roof Blocks
Green roof blocks for flat and sloped roofs, roof drain components and edging, etc.GreenGrid System
Pre-planted green roof modules made of recycled plastic. The company also carries recycled-content furniture, walkways, ponds, and much more.Hydrotech Green Roofs
Green roof systems, both intensive and extensive, for flat or sloped roof applications.
Install a cool roof
Dura-Last Roofing Reflective Roofing
This pre-fabricated cool roof option is ENERGY STAR qualified and suitable for low-slope roof applications.EveRestoration Roofing System EverCoat
A polyurea coating that's applied over standard roofs. ENERGY STAR rated.MCA Superior Clay Roof Tile One Piece "S" Mission
These clay tiles have optional reflective properties, some of which are ENERGY STAR qualified.
Generate wind power
Bergey Windpower
With installers in all 50 states, this is one of the biggest suppliers of small wind turbines around. It's got turbines of various sizes, providing between 5.2 and 35 kilowatts per day. Batteries, inverters, and other technical equipment is also available from this company.Magenn Power Inc. M.A.R.S. Magenn Power Air Rotor System
Suspended high above the ground (up to 101 feet from its earth-bound base), this ground-breaking “lighter-than-air” tethered wind turbine can access higher-level winds, generating up to 10 kilowatts of power that can be accessed directly or fed into a battery system.Mariah Power Windspire
These 30-feet tall, propeller-free turbines are quiet and relatively inexpensive (around $4,000 each). Find out whether your turbine is generating the estimated 1,200 watts per year with this wireless modem technology that communicates with your home computer.NexTag wind anemometer
Measuring the wind speed in your area before investing in a wind turbine is a good idea. Choose from a variety of devices here, ranging in price from $25 to $260.PacWind vertical axis wind turbines
These tower designed wind turbines can be roof-mounted and are ideal for homes and businesses. They self-start and self-regulate and work well in even low wind conditions.Real Goods wind turbines
Order your turbine online for between $700 and $8,000, including tower kits and accessories. They've even got a few wind meter measurement devices.Southwest Windpower Skystream
With the controls and inverter built right in, this compact wind turbine generates 1.8 kilowatts of energy daily. It’s user-friendly and quiet, making it ideal for home owners. Developed in cooperation with the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Install a rain barrel
Achla Designs 50-Gallon Rain Barrel
This 50-gallon barrel features polycarbonate construction with reinforced sides and a faux-wood grain on the exterior. An attachment system on the side allows two water containers to be connected, and a debris screen prevents leaves and refuse from contaminating water.Clean Air Gardening Rain Barrels
This 54-gallon rain barrel is made of 1/4-inch thick, UV protected, polyethelyne plastic. The closed design helps prevent accidental drownings. Clean Air Gardening offers several other rain barrel models.Great American Rain Barrel 60-Gallon Barrel
Made from recycled food grade polyethylene, this 60-gallon rain barrel is UV protected and comes with overflow fitting, drain plug, screw on cover, and a threaded spigot positioned 14 inches from ground level. Barrels can be hooked together with a short piece of garden hose .
Ensure proper attic ventilation
Active Ventilation Products Inc. The Aura Ventilator
As hot, moist air rises from the vent, the outside air (wind) moves against the Aura Ventilator's louvers, producing an accelerated exhaust from the attic. Tested for wind speeds more than 200 mph. This product has a low profile and is made from heavy gauge aluminum. It does not require any field assembly.Air Vent Inc. Continuous Soffit Vents
These vents are used for air intake and are installed in your soffit or eave areas. They are available in aluminum or PVC, and measure 2 inches wide by 96 inches long. Each one provides 9 square inches of net free area per linear foot. Available in three colors: white, mill, and brown.architecturaldepot.com Octagonal Gable Vent
This company's functional octagonal louver gable vents are available in faux-wood (vinyl) and high-density urethane. Designed to release hot stagnant air from the attic, they are available in several sizes, including 18 inches wide by 18 inches high. Louvers are fixed and angled to keep water and debris out while permitting airflow.Edmonds Technologies SupaVent Turbine Ventilator 250mm
This turbine vent has a vertical vane design with twin precision stainless steel bearings so it can turn easily in light breezes. It is made of UV resistant polycarbonate that won't rust, chip, or crack. The base and flashing fits any roof type with 0- to 45-degree slopes. Available in 11 colors. A 15-year extended warranty is offered. Made in Australia.Jet Fan Solar Attic Fan
From sunrise to sunset, this fan will work off of free solar energy, cooling and ventilating your attic when it's most needed.Solar Star Solar-powered Attic Fan
Vent the hot, moist air from your attic with this solar-powered fan. It installs in about 30 minutes and then operates without any cost to you!Solatube International Solar Star Attic Fan
This attic fan mounts on the roof and removes hot air from the attic using a 10-watt solar panel. Available in several models: low profile, high profile, and one for a pitched roof that allows optimal exposure to the sun. Does not require an electrical hook-up. Vents 1,200 square feet of attic space.
Increase the insulation in your attic
Applegate Cellulose insulation
Applegate Insulation is sprayed or blown into walls, attics and floors and can be applied over preexisting fiberglass insulation.BioBased Spray Foam Insulation
This soy-based polyurethane spray-in-place foam insulation has the added benefit of containing no harmful particulates.Bonded Logic Natural Cotton Fiber Insulation
Natural Cotton Fiber Insulation is made from denim waste products and is safe for both you and your environment.Excel Fibers Warmcel 100 DIY loft insulation
Warmcel 100 DIY loft insulation is composed of 100 percent recycled waste newspaper and is applied pneumatically, maximizing insulation efficiency.Icynene spray foam
Icynene spray foam insulation is applied pneumatically to maximize insulation efficiency.Owens Corning PINK® Means Green
With the Pink Panther as its masot, this fiber glass insulation is certified by ENERGY STAR.
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