In 2019, people the world over are making more and more environmentally-conscious decisions. Whether it’s ditching plastic straws and cardboard coffee cups or choosing to cycle to work, we’re certainly on a path to something greener.
This extends to our homes, too. While the environmental benefits of metal roofing aren’t known by all, the increased demand for sustainable homes and construction has led to a surge in their popularity. In this article, we’ll be exploring the reasons for this and discussing why metal roofs are one of the top eco-roofing solutions.
METAL ROOFS
Whether they are constructed from zinc, aluminium, lead, copper or stainless steel, metal roofs are primarily prized for their ability to withstand even the harshest weather conditions, while still remaining a low-maintenance roofing solution. They’re also completely fire-resistant, and impervious to all manner of pests.
However, they are also the most environmentally-friendly group of roofing materials. Metal roofs are:
- Recyclable
- Hardwearing
- Energy efficient
- Known to produce less waste
Let’s look at these features in more detail.
LONGEVITY
When it comes to durability, you simply can’t beat a metal roof. Compared to an asphalt shingle roof, a metal roof will last at least twice as long – but could last up to four times as long. For example, where an asphalt shingle can last around 20 years, a metal roof can last up to 70. Further, metal roofs have the longest expected service life of all roofing materials.
All of this, combined with the minimal maintenance required to keep them in good condition, makes metal roofs an obvious choice for anyone who is looking for a long-lasting roofing solution.
RECYCLABILITY
Perhaps the most eco-friendly aspect of metal roofing is its recyclability. For example, many metal roofs contain up to 40% recycled steels – and all of the materials that comprise metal roofs are 100% recyclable. This is because steel can be recycled continuously, without any of its key properties deteriorating. As a result of this, metal roofs very rarely end up in landfill. When you also take into consideration their much longer life, it’s easy to see how metal roofs are favoured by the environmentally conscious.
On the other hand, it’s estimated that over 11 million tonnes of asphalt shingle ends up in landfill every year, and contributes towards a large amount of the waste caused by residential construction.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
When you think of metal roofing, energy efficiency isn’t the first thing that springs to mind. However, given the right treatment, a metal roof could save up to 20% of a home’s energy expenditure.
But what treatment? Well, special reflective coating can be applied to metal roofs to help reflect reflect solar rays, keeping the surface of the roof cool. The reflectivity of coated metal roofs can be as much as 82 percent with lighter coloured coatings, which means that a home has the potential to be as much as 60 degrees cooler. Even with uncoated aluminum, reflectance is in the 60 percent range. This means that both coated and uncoated metal roofs are more reflective than asphalt shingle, most of which fall below the 30 percent mark.
GROWING INTEREST IN GREEN ROOFS
While the public at large may still take some time to catch on, metal roofing is still a recognised green home product in the property industry, and is a money-saving, energy-efficient investment.
What’s more, the trend for greener living isn’t going anywhere. In fact, research demonstrates that there is a growing interest in ecofriendliness and sustainable living among both buyers and homeowners, demonstrated by the growth in demand for energy-efficient, appliances, lighting and other green home accessories.
With this in mind, the growing trend of green metal roofs across the UK doesn’t seem to be slowing down. So, if you’re interested in finding out what all the fuss is about, contact JTC Roofing.