Metal roofs are a favorite of many “green” enthusiasts. Recognized for their flexible customization, superior durability, and unmatched longevity, metal roofs are a cost-effective investment that saves homeowners a great deal of money in their maintenance upkeep, insurance plans, and much more. In addition to having the potential to decrease your homeowner’s insurance by as much as 35%, homeowners who choose metal roofs can also enjoy a 1 to 6 percent increase in the resale value of their homes. Despite these benefits, it is important to remember that metal roofs are cost-effective because they are green. Homeowners love metal roofs for outperforming asphalt shingles in energy efficiency and eco-friendliness. Without these two critical features, we may all still be stuck in the asphalt roofing age.

Understanding Metal Roofs

Made of various metal materials—such as tin, aluminum, copper, and galvanized steel—metal roofs outlive asphalt shingles by two to three times longer. As a malleable material that can be pressed and shaped without breaking or cracking, metal roofs are not only extremely durable, but also demonstrate superior resistance against snow, hailstorm, fire, and other windblown debris.

Excellent Solar Reflectance

On a regular summer day, much of the heat you feel around on the house greatly correlates to the reflective qualities of your roof. The reflectiveness of your roof is measured by the solar reflectance index (SRI). According to U.S. Department of Energy, SRI is used to measure the “fraction of the incident solar energy which is reflected by the surface in question.” Plainly speaking, a high SRI shows strong solar reflectance, while a low SRI suggests that the surface in question absorbs and traps more heat than it reflects.

A metal roof has one of the highest reflectance values in the roof industry. Instead of allowing the heat to penetrate the outer layer of the house, a regular metal roof usually has a minimum solar reflectance index value of 60. Unlike solar panels that absorb solar energy and convert them into direct current electricity, metal roofs effectively reflects incoming solar energy and can reduce your attic temperature by up to 34%. As the Metal Roofing Alliance explains, metal roofs have high sunlight reflexivity and can save homeowners up to 40% in their cooling costs. When painted with certain cool roof coatings, a metal roof can drastically reduce energy consumption by re-emitting up to 90% of the incoming solar radiation!

Eco-Friendliness

In addition to reducing peak cooling demand by 10-15 percent, installing a metal roof for your home is not only an energy efficient investment, but also an environmentally responsible choice. Metal roofs are 100% recyclable. Made of a minimum of 25 percent recycled materials, metal roofs contain no toxin and are virtually made of green materials. Because metal roofs can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years, their recyclability combined with superior longevity can greatly reduce landfill waste.

Now You Understand Metal Roofs…

Metal roofs offer a highly power-efficient solution that are in congruent with your desire for a sustainable life. Contact a professional roofing contractor and have a specially customized, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly metal roof installed on your home today!