According to recent figures and the results of numerous climate model simulations, current estimates predict that the average temperature of our planet could be between 1.1-5.4°C warmer in 2100, than it is today.
It is hard to anticipate just how much the rising global temperatures will have an impact.
Without a doubt, the effects of global warming will be far reaching and dramatic, especially if these predicted trends are not curbed.
As a metal roofing specialist, two of the most common questions that we have been asked recently are, ‘does heat affect metal roofing?’, and then, ‘will increasing global temperatures affect the performance of my roof?’.
So, in answer to these concerns, our experts have shared their complete guide to how heat impacts the most common metal roofing types.
CAN METAL ROOFING COPE WITH EXTREME HEAT?
Metal roofing is one of the most durable, weather-resistant and energy efficient types of roofing.
They are well-equipped to withstand even extreme temperatures, including both higher heatwaves and lower cold spells. As a result, the metal material itself should be more than capable of withstanding the increase in global temperatures that is predicted for 2100.
In fact, because metal roofings are so much more energy efficient than many other conventional roofs, they actually represent a great investment – particularly given the predictions of fluctuating global temperatures.
For property owners, the main area of concern here actually lies in the choice of insulation that you use. If you are concerned about feeling the heat in your home, then make sure that you choose roofing insulation that offers a high degree of thermal efficiency.
If you have any questions about roofing insulation, or to find out which would be the best type of insulation for your property’s roof, the JTC Roofing team is on hand to answer your questions.
It is also worth noting that the colour of your roof can have an impact on its Solar Reflectance Index (SRI). In general, the lighter the colour of the roof, the higher its SRI is, and so the more effective it is at reflecting heat. In comparison, darker roof colours can cause the roof to have a lower SRI, which tells you that it absorbs more heat.
If you are concerned about the colour of your roof, or you would like to get advice about what roof colour to choose, our team is always happy to help.
Another important point is that, in order to ensure that your metal roof achieves the highest possible standard of thermal efficiency, you need to enlist the services of a professional roofing installer.
Their installation skills will ensure that your roof is installed securely and with absolute precision, so that you can enjoy all the extensive benefits of metal roofing, in full.
HOW DOES HEAT AFFECT ZINC ROOFING?
Zinc is renowned for being one of the most resilient and durable material choices for metal roofing.
Zinc roofs offer an exceptional degree of longevity. In fact, zinc roofs achieve an average lifespan of between 60 to 100 years.
What’s more, zinc has a high melting point (of 415°C for elemental zinc, and zinc-coated fasteners can withstand applications where temperatures reach 210° C).
Zinc roofs are also entirely weather proof, including being completely resistant to degradation from UV light.
As a result, they are more than equipped to handle the increase in global temperatures.
HOW DOES HEAT AFFECT STEEL ROOFING?
Steel roofs also boast a remarkably long lifespan. Standard steel roofs have a typical lifespan of 50 years. But, when stainless steel is used, the level of durability doubles, and the roof achieves a lifespan of up to 100 years.
This is because steel roofs are highly weather resistant, and are more than capable of withstanding sun, UV light and warm weather spells.
So, as long as you have energy efficient roof insulation in place, the increase in global temperatures should have very little impact on the performance of your steel roof.
HOW DOES HEAT AFFECT ALUMINIUM ROOFING?
Despite its lightweight, aluminium roofing is renowned for its exceptional degree of durability.
Aluminium is remarkably weather resistant and, even after decades, it experiences very little deterioration. This means that aluminium roofing offers property owners a long lifespan, upwards of 50 years.
Plus, aluminium roofing is renowned for its energy-saving properties. Thanks to its high level of thermal efficiency, aluminium is remarkably good at helping properties retain heat during winters, and keeping heat out during summers.
HOW DOES HEAT AFFECT COPPER ROOFING?
If you’re in any doubt as to how little heat affects copper roofing, did you know that copper roofing is fire resistant?
Copper roofing is noncombustible, and even helps to protect a property against fire damage.
What’s more, copper roofing is one the most durable metal roofing types in existence, with a lifespan that ranges from 60 to 100 years. In fact, you can even see copper roofs throughout the UK that were first installed all the way back in the 1800s – what better testament to its weather resistance than that?
As you can see, high quality metal roofing is designed to withstand even extreme weather conditions. As a result, your roof still represents a fantastic, stable investment, even in the face of rising global temperatures.