Tires are an essential safety and performance feature of any vehicle. Even as we push to replace gas engines, tires will be around for a while. And tires are one of the most problematic waste materials in the world. According to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, over one billion tires are discarded every year, ending up in landfills and causing environmental problems. 

Fortunately, there is a solution: recycling tires. This practice started in the 1970s but really gained traction in the 1990s thanks to the Scrap Tire Management Act of 1985 in Minnesota. Fast forward to 2023, tire recycling is a well-established industry with various applications, including roofing shingles. Let's take a look.

The Importance of Recycling Tires

Recycling tires has a significant and powerful impact on the environment. But even with an increase in tire recycling facilities, the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association reports the number of tires recycled has fallen 20% since 2013. So why are tires so dangerous in landfills?

Tires are not biodegradable-friendly, decomposing over 80 years or so. Instead, they take up space in landfills, where they can cause several problems.

• Tires are bulky and take up room in landfills where space is limited. 
• Tires can trap methane gas produced by other decomposing organic matter in the landfill.
• Tires contain a variety of chemicals, including heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which leach into the ground, contaminating the soil and groundwater.

Uses for Recycled Tires

Fortunately, there are many ways to recycle tires, which can help reduce the amount of waste in landfills. Countries are recognizing the need to recycle tires. 

• Canadian Association of Tire Recycling Agencies reports a nearly 100% tire recycling rate, while Canada's leading-edge tire recycling programs have continued to shape industries in the areas of crumb rubber, molded products, tire-derived aggregate and tire-derived fuel.
• The latest numbers from the European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers' Association show that 91% of end-of-life tires were treated for material recycling and energy recovery over 32 countries, including Norway, Serbia, Switzerland and Turkey. 
• Throughout Asia and the Middle East, there's a growing movement to recycle tires already in landfills.

Recycled Tires For Playgrounds

One of the most common uses for recycled tires is for playground surfacing. Recycled tire rubber is ground into small pieces and used as a soft, cushioned surface under playground equipment. This can reduce injuries from falls while providing a durable and long-lasting surface.

Recycled Tires For Mulch

Recycled tire rubber is shredded into small pieces and used as a landscaping material. This type of mulch is long-lasting and does not need to be replaced as often as traditional wood mulch. One big selling point? It does not attract pests or decompose like wood mulch, saving the homeowner money on replacement costs.

Recycled Tires for Roads and Highways

Recycled tire rubber is also used to make streets and highways. Rubberized asphalt is made by mixing recycled tire rubber with traditional asphalt. This creates a more durable, longer-lasting road surface that is less prone to cracking and potholes. Additionally, rubberized asphalt is quieter than conventional asphalt, which can help reduce noise pollution in urban areas.

Benefits of Recycled Tire Roofing Shingles

Roofing shingles are one of the most innovative uses for recycled tires. They are made up of 75% recycled tire rubber and 25% recycled plastics and binding agents. As one of the top roofing materials, rubber shingles are durable, long-lasting, and eco-friendly.

Another benefit of using recycled rubber roofing shingles is that they are energy-efficient. Rubber is a good insulator, meaning it can help keep buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This can help reduce energy costs and lower carbon emissions. In areas of the United States and Canada that experience extreme weather conditions, such as hail and wind, rubber roofing materials are a game-changer. It can save homeowners thousands on roof repair from 2 to 4-inch hail damage.

Euroshield Offers Superior Rubber Roofing Shingles

Made from 95% recycled material, of which 70% is recycled rubber, Euroshield Roofing is hyper-focused on creating a product that offers superior protection for the home and helps conserve our planet. They use a closed-loop manufacturing process, which means that they recycle their own waste to create new shingles. This reduces the amount of waste generated during manufacturing and increases the product's sustainability. 

Euroshield uses about 300 rubber tires to produce a roof for an average-sized home and has diverted 3.5 million tires from landfills to date. Backed by an unbeatable warranty and hail-proof shingles, Euroshield Roofing's nearly indestructible roof provides homeowners with true peace of mind.

Ask Your Contractor About Euroshield Rubber Roofing Materials

If you're in the market for a new roof, contact Euroshield today. Our product line of rubber shingles strikes the right balance of sophistication, sturdiness, and savings. We offer two luxurious natural slate and bold wood shake roofing shingles that promise to protect your home and add to its beauty. Request an estimate or find a certified installer near you.