As consumers learn more about the importance of sustainable living, more homeowners are turning their attention to eco-friendly projects for their homes. As demand increases so does supply and there are many in the construction industry seeking for eco-friendly solutions to help consumers live sustainably. One of these solutions which has been growing in popularity is metal roofing.

The rise of metal roofing

When you look at all the benefits of metal roofing, its easy to see why it's become so much more commonplace in America. Metal roofs are some of the most durable roofs you can find. They can withstand the most fierce weather including heavy rain, snow, hail, and strong winds. In addition to holding up against the weather, they're impervious to other things that threaten most roofs such as fire and pests. Because they are so durable and easy to maintain, they benefit the environment in a number of ways.

Energy efficiency

One of the major ways that metal roofs can help the environment is by saving energy. Metal roofs are considered cool roofs because they reflect the suns rays back up into the atmosphere rather than absorbing them like dark roofs (such as asphalt shingle roofs) do. According to a study on different roofing materials at the Oak Ridge National Labratory, cool metal roofing was the most effective at reflecting sunlight. The research also suggests that cool metal roofs could even lower the ambient temperature in urban areas by reducing the urban heat island effect. In warmer climates, metal roofing can be a huge advantage because not only do they lower cooling costs, but they are conserving that energy to be used elsewhere.

Longevity

When a roof is replaced, most homeowners don't give a thought to what happens to their old roof. Usually, the old roof ends up in a landfill. The more often a roof needs to be replaced, the more waste that's going into landfills. Another major advantage to metal roofing is that it can last 2-3 times longer than an asphalt shingle roof. That means 2-3 times less waste. Combine that with the fact that metal roofs require very little in the way of maintenance and you begin to see why so many homeowners are beginning to switch to metal roofing.

Recyclability

Of course no roof lasts forever and even a metal roof will need to be replaced eventually. Unlike other roofing materials that usually end up in a landfill, metal roofs are highly recyclable. Most metal roofs already consist of up to 40% recyclable materials to begin with. But 100% of the metal roof can be recycled once the roof is replaced. That means that old roof can be turned into a new roof for someone else or into something else. Where it won't end up is in a landfill.

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Source: triplepundit.com/2014/08/metal-roofing-unlikely-way-reduce-waste-save-energy/