When it comes time to upgrade your roof, the last option you’d probably think of is installing a metal roof. Often when we think of a metal roof we picture a dingy metal shed roof, or something you might find in a shanty town. But with so many advances in roofing, you’d be surprised to learn that the modern metal roof looks nothing like the one in your imagination. In fact, nowadays, you can’t even tell the difference between a metal roof and a lot of other materials.
So why choose a metal roof? Well, out of all the other roofing materials available, metal roofing is becoming one of the most attractive options because of its longevity and eco-friendly qualities.
Longevity
Depending on the material (steel, aluminum, galvanized steel etc.), metal roofs can have a lifespan of anywhere from 40-70 years. Compare that to something like asphalt roofing which generally runs from 12-20 years depending on the location of the home, and the maintenance and upkeep that’s been administered to keep it in tip-top condition.
Contributing to the longevity of metal roofs is their durability. Metal roofs can sustain severe high winds, rain storms and snow, and are not as susceptible to corrosion or cracking. They also don’t require the costly maintenance often required for other roofing materials. Along with combatting outdoor elements related to weather, they’re fire resistant, making them a popular option to have in hot dry areas prone to bushfires. And let’s not forget those troublesome pests that will no longer be able to peck or dig at your metal roof.
Environmentally Friendly
Because metal roofs can reflect solar radiant heat, they can help reduce cooling costs in the summer months by as much as 25 percent. This energy efficiency helps to cut costs due to air conditioning. In fact, one study showed that an unpainted metal roof demonstrates a very high solar reflectance level that usually exceeds the minimum federal Energy Star requirement of 60 percent. Depending on the color of a painted metal roof, the reflectance range can go anywhere from 10 percent to 75 percent, which is definitely better than the 5 percent to 25 percent range of an asphalt roof.
Another environmentally friendly quality is that most metal roofing is made from recycled materials, and at the end of their lifespan, they are 100 percent recyclable. Unlike other common roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, which end up being piled up in landfills. And what most people don’t realize about roofing materials such as asphalt, is that when asphalt shingles are exposed to sunlight they emit solvents into the air, which affects the environment. Asphalt shingles also tend to deteriorate rapidly with UV ray exposure.
Although metal roofing is a bit more costly than other traditional roofing materials, the investment far out-weighs the values you will receive from them. Longevity, low maintenance and their eco-friendly status make them a great addition to any home. And nowadays with so many new styles and colors available to choose from, you’re sure to find something which will help bring your home into a more eco-friendly and sustainable future.