A significant pollution problem these days, the topic of smog reduction has become more important as society increases its focus on energy efficiency and green, pollution-reducing solutions.
As unexpected as it may seam, one such solution is roofing material that can actually reduce smog.
Applied by a roofing company just like any other shingle product, smog-reducing shingles could be a huge asset in the fight against air pollution and global warming.
Now available to roofing services across the country, learn how these shingles actually work and consider how they might be a great option for your home when it comes time to replace your shingles.
What are Smog-Eating Shingles?
Developed by the 3M company, air-pollution-fighting asphalt shingles are a new roofing product the company began offering commercially in January of 2019.
Aimed at helping the fight against smog and climate destruction, 3M’s smog-eating shingles when installed by roofing companies offer communities a filterless means of removing some pollution from the air in much the same way that trees and other greenery do.
It is another method of cleaning the air in areas where trees are sparse and air quality is poor as a result.
How do 3M’s Smog Eating Shingles Work?
The smog-eating shingles developed by 3M work through a chemical reaction that occurs naturally.
Using asphalt granules that have been covered with a special photocatalytic coating, the granules absorb UV rays from the sun and capture smog particles, turning them into a benign waste product.
Normally, the coating used on the asphalt granules installed by roofing services reflects UV rays.
In this case, the asphalt coating attracts UV rays, causing the coating to release radicals that bind with the different compounds in many air pollutants.
Bound together, benign water-soluble ions that simply wash off the roof are produced.
How Do Smog-Eating Shingles Benefit The Environment?
The developers at 3M have done considerable testing and research on this new product and suggest that it could be a great option for significantly improving air quality in residential areas where many homes are packed into smaller spaces and lack enough trees to equalize air pollution levels.
When installed by a roofing company in lieu of standard asphalt shingles, they estimate their new smog-eating shingles offer the same benefit as having three mature trees planted close to a home.
The more homes that convert to using shingles made with smog-reducing granules, the bigger the positive effect across communities.
Next Weapon Against Air Pollution and Global Warming
Although their pollution-reducing asphalt roofing shingles are a newer concept, 3M is confident that the benefits they offer will become more desirable as homeowners and entire communities learn about and seek additional environmentally sound solutions for everyday life.
As the demand for these products grows and roofing services get more requests to install them, 3M also expects to see other companies using their photocatalytic granules in the production of their own shingle products.
Homeowners and roofing companies can look for the appearance of smog-eating asphalt shingles in their area soon if they are not already available!
