What Kind of Impact Does Your Roof Have on the Environment?

This is a question more and more homeowners are asking themselves as we as a population move toward a more eco-aware mindset.  And if you’re not asking yourself this question, you should be, because the type of roofing material used on roofs in America has a significant impact on the environment.

The drawback to asphalt shingles

Shingles made of asphalt are very common atop American homes.  They do a good job keeping water out of the house, but that’s about where their benefits end.  Problems start when you consider that 7 million U.S. homes each year have a new roof put on – a large number of these being roofs with asphalt shingles, which are a non-renewable, petroleum product.  What’s the impact?

The initial impact is 11 million tons of asphalt singles added to our landfills each year.  The future impact of this massive dump year after year can only be guessed at, but none of the scenarios are good.

Metal roofing advantages

As homeowners learn more about the benefits and advantages of metal roofs, they see this roofing product as the only smart choice now and into the coming decades.  Why?

·      Metal roofing is one of the most eco-friendly roofing solutions from a waste-reduction standpoint. (This from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.)

·      With a lifespan of up to 60 years, metal roofs last about three times as long as asphalt shingle roofs.

·      Metal roofing material often contains as much as 40 percent recycled steels, and the entire material is 100 percent recyclable when it is no longer suited to perform as a roof.

·      Another eco-friendly aspect of metal roofs is their efficiency in keeping the heat of the sun out of the home.  Many studies show that metal roofing has much higher reflexivity than other types of roofing and knocks as much as 40 percent off utility bills.

What is metal roofing?

The term “metal” can refer to various components including galvanized steel, copper, aluminum and tin.  All of these materials are ultra-strong and offer higher performance in severe weather and wind than traditional asphalt shingles.

Modern metal roofs are available in a variety of styles, from pre-cut panels to small, square designs that amazingly resemble Mediterranean tile.  These roofs can be painted in a wide range of colors to match the exterior aesthetics of any home, and specialized coatings are applied to enhance reflexivity.

As we become more environmentally conscious and base an increasing number of our buying decisions on how the products we use affect the eco-system now and in the future, we’re beginning to see the value of metal roofing.  Maybe you should look into this sustainable technology before it’s time for your next roof replacement.

If metal roofing makes sense to you, Advanced Aluminum of Lakeland, Fla., is here to help.  We sell the premier metal roofing products in the state, and we work only with the top contractors in the area to ensure an exceptional installation.  Give us a call at (863) 648-5787 to find out more.