Metal Roofing 101

Metal Roofing – Getting More Popular Each Year

As Americans in general become more and more aware of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions, a growing number of homeowners are turning to metal roofing as a “green” alternative to traditional roofing materials. Metal roofing systems are growing in popularity every year.

Homeowners have discovered that installing a metal roofing system is not only one of the most environmentally responsible choices they can make, it’s also one of the most cost-effective.  Metal roofing materials are virtually 100 percent recyclable, making them a very sensible choice from an environmental standpoint. Even more important, many of today’s metal roofing systems are coated with various finishes, which reflect much of the sun’s rays and thereby offer significant energy savings.

The energy savings offered by cool metal roofing are significant from both an environmental and an economic standpoint. The cooler roof temperatures can produce as much as 20 percent savings in air-conditioning costs.

The potential environmental benefits of cool metal roofing systems are drawing the interest of utilities, trade associations, industry groups and government agencies, who are finding that metal roofing offers environmental benefits that are not always immediately apparent. For example, cool metal roofing can help to reduce the “urban heat island” effect, which will reduce the demand on utilities for electricity, most of which is generated by the burning of fossil fuels. In this way, metal roofing also contributes to cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Of course, the environmental benefits of cool metal roofing are only one part of the big picture.  Metal roofing also offers practical and aesthetic appeal to homeowners, in addition to its appeal as an environmentally responsible roofing choice.  Metal roofing is already widely recognized for offering so many benefits, such as Class A fire resistance, extremely light weight, and excellent wind resistance.  What’s more, metal roofing is one of the most durable roofing systems available; for most homeowners, this is literally the last roof they will need to buy.

Best of all, a homeowner does not have to sacrifice aesthetic appeal in order to do the right thing from an environmental standpoint.

Today’s metal roofing systems complement virtually every type of architecture and design, and they do it in a way that is cost-effective, durable and environmentally sensible.  Ask your roofing contractor if a metal roof is right for your home.