As consumers learn more and express a greater desire for sustainability, many homeowners are making more eco-friendly choices when they purchase or renovate a home. Likewise, the construction and home improvement industries have put considerable effort into developing better alternatives to traditional building methods.
Of the various green solutions, one that continues to gain popularity is metal roofing. While not necessarily new, metal roofing systems have come a long way over the past several decades in terms of style and function. And they are among the most durable and environmentally-friendly roof materials.
Longevity
If you’re throwing things away constantly, that’s not being very eco-friendly. The Metal Roofing Alliance reports that the typical lifespan of a metal roof is two to three times that of an asphalt shingle one. In fact, metal roofs can last 60 years or more, meaning most people will only purchase one compared to about three roofs made of other materials.
Energy-Efficiency
Metal roofs are also incredibly energy-efficient. Oak Ridge National Lab’s Building Technology Center conducted a three-year study which concluded that the emissivity levels and high solar reflectivity of metal roofs could greatly mitigate urban heat island effects. During the study, metal roofs retained most of their solar reflectance while other roofing materials experience a drop as high as 40%.
Recyclability
Another way that metal roofs are eco-friendly is in their recyclability. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that roughly 11 million tons of asphalt shingles end up in the landfill each year. It’s no wonder that the agency advocates for homeowners choosing metal roofs over other options.
Metal roofing materials are often made from 40% recycled material, and the content of the roofs is 100% recyclable. So these materials are unlikely to ever see a landfill. Even better, many metal roofs can be installed directly over an existing asphalt shingle roof, which can prevent those materials from heading to the landfill as well.
Overall Value
Choosing an environmentally-friendly option is not only the right thing to do for the planet, but it can also do wonders for your wallet. As state before, metal roofs are more energy-efficient. Similar to choosing Energy Star-rated appliances, you’re likely to save significantly on your energy bills.
Another benefit to choosing a metal roof is the boost in your home’s value. According to HomeGuides.com, metal roofs can increase a home’s value by as much as 6%. Your home is the ultimate investment, and homebuyers are making energy-efficiency a priority when shopping for new homes. Having an energy-efficient roof can be a major selling point when others in the market have more traditional but less eco-friendly options.
Looking for an Environmentally-Friendly Roof?
If you’d like to install an environmentally-friendly roof on your home, a metal roof is an excellent choice. Excel Metal Roofing, L.L.C. in the heart of the Lake area in Versailles MO, has been installing residential metal roofs since 1999. We are the largest provider of services in the state and place an extreme emphasis on quality and service. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.
