Is Metal Roofing Environmentally Sustainable?

Metal roofing is becoming increasingly popular among environmentally conscious homeowners who want to make a positive impact on the planet. With its sleek design, exceptional durability, and long lifespan, metal roofs offer a lot of advantages that go beyond just aesthetics. They're a sustainable choice that can help reduce your environmental footprint in many ways!

Metal roofs are incredibly sturdy and can withstand harsh weather conditions, which means they won't need frequent replacements like other roofing materials. This durability not only saves resources but also reduces waste. They're also energy-efficient, having reflective properties that keep your home cooler in hot summers, reducing the need for excessive air conditioning and lowering energy consumption. 

But before we get too ahead of ourselves…

We're so excited you clicked here because RoofCrafters has repaired and replaced metal roofing options for nearly three decades. Once used primarily for barns and commercial properties, it's risen in popularity for homes over the years, making it more available than ever for homeowners. We've gathered everything you need to know and answered your metal roofing sustainability questions just for you! If you're ready to begin, so are we!

What Makes Roofing Sustainable? 

When you think about what makes roofing environmentally friendly, you may consider where it's manufactured or what the raw materials consist of. Sustainability goes beyond that, however; how the roof performs over time and how it's disposed of after it's used plays a crucial role in how "green" it is.

Essential factors that are highly considered in roofing are durability, longevity, and the material's resistance to heat absorption. Various roofing materials are known for their high heat reflectability and higher sustainability outcome, which helps drastically lower heat costs, making them more energy-efficient.

Metal roofing is one of them! When questioning sustainability, check the source of the raw material. According to the definition, a sustainable product or material is made without permanently damaging or depleting its resources. You may also include ensuring that sourcing the material doesn't cause irreparable damage to the Earth. 

Tip: About 95% of aluminum roofing systems installed around the world are made from recycled materials, and this makes them one of the only truly sustainable roof options commonly used today. 

Metal Roofing and Sustainability: Strengths 

Metal roofs are gifts that keep on giving because they're highly recyclable. When it's time to replace your roof, the metal can be recycled instead of ending up in a landfill. Recycling metal requires much less energy compared to producing new metal, which helps reduce carbon emissions and conserve valuable resources. 

 Many other roofing options can't say the same. Besides being recyclable, metal roofs are: 

• Long Lasting (between 40 to 70 years)
• Energy-efficient 

Long Lasting

The wonderful thing about a metal roof is it'll last for decades to come. This reduces waste, and in turn, is more environmentally conscious compared to options that need replacing much sooner, like three-tab shingles. Roof materials that can't be recycled often end up in landfills where they sit for years, contributing to land and even water pollution. 

Energy-efficient 

If energy efficiency is essential to you, look no further than metal roofing. This roof type reflects heat up and away from your home, making it less hot during the warmer months. Less heat means you're less likely to crank down the AC even lower, saving energy and, of course, saving money. Having a metal roof can lower your energy costs by up to 40%. 

Benefits Continued

Moreover, metal roofs are lightweight, putting less stress on your home's structure. This makes them suitable for retrofitting existing buildings and reduces transportation costs and fuel consumption during installation. They're also praised for their fire resistance! They provide an added layer of safety, as they are non-combustible and can help prevent the spread of fire, protecting your property and loved ones.

Lastly, metal roofs can be designed to collect rainwater, which can be used for various household purposes. This helps reduce your reliance on municipal water supplies and promotes water conservation. But remember, to ensure the highest level of sustainability, it's important to choose metal roofing products from reputable manufacturers and work with experienced professionals during installation.

Note: Energy-efficient roofing is a type of roofing system that is designed to minimize the amount of energy needed to keep a building cool or warm, depending on the climate. It typically involves the use of materials and techniques that reflect solar radiation away from the roof and/or absorb less heat, thereby reducing the amount of heat that is transferred to the building below.

Am I Ready to Take the Plunge to Sustainability?

Sustainable roofing options are revolutionizing how we think about our roofs and their environmental impact. Whether you're looking to reduce energy consumption, lower carbon emissions, or contribute to a circular economy for building materials, several fantastic choices are available. By opting for sustainable roofing options, you can positively impact the environment while enjoying several benefits for your home or building. Not only will you reduce your carbon footprint and lower energy costs, but you'll also increase the value and resiliency of your property.

As we strive to address the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, sustainable roofing options play a vital role in creating a more sustainable and livable future. If you're interested in exploring these options further, it's essential to gather multiple roofing estimates from different companies to find the contractor that best suits your specific roofing needs. Let's build a greener and more sustainable world, one roof at a time!

Hooray, you officially made it to the end of your destination! If you have any questions or concerns regarding your roof or a project you're considering, RoofCrafters is more than delighted to assist you. Before you get in contact with a roofer, though, feel free to take a quick look at our comprehensive roofer checklist to ensure you know who to look out for when searching for a contractor. To get in touch with one of our helpful RoofCrafters representatives, head on over to our contact page.