5 Energy Saving Benefits of Metal Roofs
There have been a lot of advancements in metal roofing systems during the past few years. With more styles, designs, and colors available, the aesthetics of a metal roof rival any other roofing material on the market. And its sheer strength against fire, moisture, and extremely windy conditions hasn’t gone unnoticed either. More homeowners are installing metal roofs than ever before. Metal roofs were the 2nd most popular roofing choice among new residential construction, outpacing all other roofing types except for asphalt shingles, according to a 2016 report by the National Association of Home Builders. Metal roofs are not only more durable and longer-lasting than other types of roofs, but they also offer many energy-saving benefits too.
Solar Reflective Properties
Some roofing materials like asphalt shingle have a low solar reflectance and absorb solar energy which is converted into heat. It’s this heat that makes the interior space warmer requiring HVAC units to run longer and more often to maintain the desired indoor temperature. On the other hand, metal has a high solar reflectance. It reflects most of the UV rays rather than absorbing it, keeping your indoor space cooler reducing energy costs.
Cool Paint Colors
With more than 500 color choices, homeowners can easily match the metal roof color with their home style. A granular coated or painted metal roof not only increases its aesthetics and curb appeal but increases energy savings even further. It is estimated that a granular coated or thermal emissive painted metal roof reflects up to 90% of the solar energy which significantly lowers the surface temperature by 50 degrees or more resulting in a cooler roof.
Reduces Cooling and Heating Costs
A correctly insulated metal roof with reflective and emissive properties will keep interior spaces cooler in summer and warmer in winter, reducing the load on heating and cooling systems even further. It is estimated that a metal roof can save homeowners 20% to 40% on cooling and heating costs. That savings alone offers homeowners a high return on investment that will more than pay for itself over the life span of the roof.
Completely Recyclable
Metal roofs are eco-friendly with no wasted materials during installations and replacements. Not only are they made from recycled materials, but metal roofs are also 100% recyclable. At the end of its lifecycle, metal roofs are recycled and are not discarded in landfills.
Long Life Cycle
Homeowners can expect a metal roof to perform for 40 to 70 years before requiring replacement when professionally installed by an experienced metal roofing contractor. The long-life span reduces the energy costs associated with roof replacements.