Thanks to modern technology, there are a lot of environmentally friendly roofing materials available in the market. This allows homeowners to make energy-efficient and eco-friendly homes a reality. Comes with many advantages, sustainable and green roofing is designed for longevity and reduction of your carbon footprint.
The Rise of Metal Roofing
Made of various metal materials, a metal roofing system is known for its high resistance and other energy-saving features. Tin, aluminum, copper, and galvanized steel are just some of the materials used to create metal roofing sheets. Installing a metal roof on your home is a great investment. It can last a lifetime so that you can get your money’s worth. Here are some of the reasons why it is known as an environmentally friendly roofing solution:
Longevity
In general, the service life of a metal roof is twice or thrice longer than that of asphalt shingles. No other roofing material has a longer lifespan than metal roofs. Most shingles only last an average of 20 years, while metal roofing can last up to 50 years or beyond. When installed and maintained properly, they are guaranteed for life.
Since metal roofs are built to withstand weather, there are fewer repairs and minimal upkeep. Buying one metal roof is definitely more eco-friendly than installing multiple asphalt shingles over your lifetime. It is no wonder that residential and commercial clients are choosing metal roofs over other options.
Versatility
Metal shingles are not just durable but also available in metal roofing colors and styles. This roofing option offers endless possibilities and a wide range of profiles. Even if you have a specific architectural design in mind, metal roofing does not keep you from realizing your vision. In fact, metal can be installed over your existing roof assembly to upgrade the aesthetics and functionality of your building.
Energy Efficiency
What really makes metal roofing an environmentally friendly option is its energy efficiency. Having a metal roof allows you to spend less on heating, cooling, ventilation, and other utility bills. You can cut down your demand for electricity and save up to 35% of energy costs due to Above-Sheathing Ventilation (ASV). This method involves adding airspace between the metal roofing and the roofing substrate. The airspace allows the hot air to move and vent into the atmosphere rather than be absorbed by the structure.
High Reflectance Level
The reason why you will have lower energy bills is that metal roofs reflect the sun’s heat away from the building’s surface. It has natural reflective properties that can mitigate urban heat island effects. Cool metal roofs with reflective coating can reduce energy cooling costs by as much as 20%. The reflective properties of steel roofs come in handy, especially during the hot summer months.
Depending on the color of your metal roof, the reflectance level can go anywhere from 10% to 75%. Dark colors absorb more heat and solar radiation than white or light-colored metal roofs.
Recyclability
Did you know that metal roofs are made up of up to 40% recycled steel? Metal can be recycled continuously, and its key properties will not be altered. This is why you can rarely see metal roofs in landfills. Meanwhile, 11 million tons of damaged and worn-out asphalt shingles are thrown away every year. These asphalt shingles will only decompose after 300 years.
If you want to help save the environment, metal roofing is the right choice. With its high recyclability and reusability, even a 60-year-old steel roofing can be recycled again and again without degrading.
Smaller Carbon Footprint
Installing a metal roof is the key to reducing carbon footprint. A carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gases generated by human activities. Whenever you turn on your HVAC or lighting system, these appliances produce gas emissions that affect the environment. You can decrease your home’s carbon footprint with the help of a sustainable and eco-friendly roofing system.
Invest in this kind of roofing to make your home friendlier to the environment. The investment you make will provide you with a great deal of savings. Since metal roofs are highly recyclable, the need to get raw resources is also reduced.
Solar Installation
Due to its versatility and durability, metal is an excellent platform for installing solar panel systems. You can easily integrate it with your solar panels without drilling a lot of holes into the roof. Simply use brackets to effortlessly attach and install the panels. Fasteners and brackets are enough because metal roofs are resilient to high winds.
Metal roofs can also handle the weight of your photovoltaic solar panels, no matter how bulky they are. This combination will allow you to tap into cheaper and cleaner energy and achieve cost-effective solar energy production levels.
Hop on the Trend and Go Green
Metal roofing is definitely one of the most popular roofing trends and technologies that is worth the hype. The growing public interest in greener living and eco-friendliness doesn’t seem to slow down. As the public moves toward a sustainable lifestyle, metal roofing is a money-saving, energy-efficient investment that you need to consider.
If you are interested in learning more about metal roofing, count on none other than Pittsburgh Metal Roofing. We take pride in offering residential and commercial metal roofing services. Schedule an appointment with our team today!