20 Easy Ways To Make Your Roofing Projects More Eco-Friendly
When we hear about sustainability on a roofing project, we often think about large decisions like which materials to use. However, sustainability isn’t just about choosing the right materials for your project. It’s also about the small, everyday actions everyone can take on the job site. Here are 20 easy ways contractors can make their roofing projects more eco-friendly without major changes or extra costs.
1. Reduce Waste by Measuring Accurately
Before mixing or opening roof coating materials, double-check measurements to avoid unnecessary waste. Only prepare as much product as you need for the section you’re working on. This prevents excess product from drying out or going to waste.
2. Use Reusable Rags and Buckets
Instead of disposable wipes and single-use plastic containers, switch to reusable rags for cleaning tools and buckets for mixing coatings. A quick rinse at the end of the day can keep them in good shape for the next use, reducing landfill waste.
3. Turn Off Equipment When Not in Use
Air compressors, sprayers, and other electrical equipment consume energy even when idling. Turning off equipment when it’s not actively in use saves electricity or fuel, reducing your project’s carbon footprint.
4. Sweep Instead of Hosing Down
Instead of using a hose to clean dust and debris from surfaces, use a broom or blower. This simple swap can save gallons of water per project.
5. Dispose of Leftover Materials Properly
Don’t pour leftover coatings, primers, or solvents down drains or onto the ground. Check for local disposal guidelines and take unused materials to designated recycling or hazardous waste centers.
6. Educate Your Team
Encourage your crew to adopt small, sustainable habits by leading by example. A quick team discussion at the start of the day about waste reduction and efficiency can make a big difference over time.
7. Use Digital Plans Instead of Printed Copies
Whenever possible, use digital blueprints and notes instead of printing paper copies. This helps reduce paper waste on the job site.
8. Store Materials Properly to Prevent Spoilage
Keep coatings, primers, and tools stored in shaded, dry areas to prevent spoilage or degradation, which leads to unnecessary waste and extra costs.
9. Carpool or Plan Efficient Routes
If you're driving to a job site, try to carpool with coworkers to cut down on fuel consumption. If you're picking up materials, plan efficient routes to avoid unnecessary trips and reduce emissions. Having materials delivered if possible is also a good option, as the distributor is likely to plan efficient routes.
10. Use Low-Emission Generators or Battery-Powered Tools
When possible, opt for low-emission generators or battery-powered tools instead of gas-powered ones. This reduces fuel consumption and air pollution.
11. Recycle and Reuse Packaging
Break down and recycle cardboard packaging, and if possible, repurpose empty coating containers for storage or mixing. Many plastic pails can be reused for other job site tasks instead of being tossed after one use. Pro tip: Sometimes nurseries will take buckets used with clean products to use for starting trees. Check with your local nurseries to see if there are donation opportunities near you.
12. Share Leftover Materials with Other Crews
If you have leftover coating, primer, or other materials, check if another team or site can use them before getting rid of them.
13. Cover Work Areas to Reduce Dust and Debris Spread
Use tarps or temporary covers to contain dust and debris, making cleanup easier and preventing waste from spreading into drains or surrounding areas.
14. Keep an Eye on Weather Conditions
Avoid applying coatings on extremely hot or windy days to prevent excess material loss due to evaporation or overspray, making your materials last longer.
15. Keep Lids on Containers to Prevent Evaporation
Leaving lids off paint, primer, or coating materials can lead to the product drying out and evaporating. Being diligent about keeping containers sealed when not in use helps prevent waste.
16. Minimize Water Use When Cleaning
When washing out tools, rollers, or sprayers, use as little water as possible. Consider using a two-bucket system—one for the initial rinse and another for a final clean—to cut down on water waste. Pro tip: Make sure to research the products you’re using and be familiar with their clean-up methods. Ecodur Roof Coatings have extreme adhesion and can’t be cleaned off rags, rollers, and other tools.
17. Use Rechargeable Batteries for Small Tools
Instead of using disposable batteries for flashlights, laser levels, or handheld tools, switch to rechargeable ones to cut down on battery waste.
18. Pack a Lunch in Reusable Containers
Bringing lunch in reusable containers instead of buying takeout reduces plastic and packaging waste on-site. It's also typically much healthier and cheaper for you to pre-plan your meals at home.
19. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Instead of buying single-use plastic water bottles, bring a reusable one. This cuts down on plastic waste and encourages hydration without harming the environment. It can also help you reduce the amount of microplastics you’re consuming.
20. Leave the Site Cleaner Than You Found It
Before leaving the job site, take an extra minute to pick up small debris and properly dispose of or recycle materials. A cleaner work area benefits both the environment and your professional reputation.
By implementing these small, everyday actions, you can make your roof coating projects more sustainable without major effort or cost. A little mindfulness on-site can add up to a big impact for the environment. Keep in mind, there are many small actions you can implement to make a difference, but as Castagra's Technical Director Jef McCurdy says, "The most sustainable thing you can do on a job site is quality work."
Who Are We?
Castagra is a roof coating manufacturer dedicated to providing sustainable and high-performance coating solutions. Learn more about our products here, or contact our team today to learn more about how we can help you!
