Roofers Have Things Nailed Down

Understanding The Environmental Impact Of Metal Roofing

26 July 2023

Nora Mcdonalid

If you're like most commercial property owners, environmentally responsible choices occupy a top rung on your list of priorities — and if you're going to be replacing the roof of one or more of your commercial buildings, the greener option of metal roofing could align perfectly with your sustainability goals. Here's what you need to know:

The Benefits of Longevity

Unfolding the environmental impact of metal roofing begins with its lifespan. You'd be surprised to know that metal roofing can last up to 70 years, depending on the metal used. This dwarfs the lifespan of traditional asphalt roofing, which generally has a far shorter lifespan. Fewer replacements mean less waste going to the landfill and less energy and resources expended on production.

The Marvel of Recyclability

Metal roofs can be recycled at the end of their lifecycle, adding a significant green factor to this roofing type. Aluminum, steel, copper, and zinc—the most common metals used in roofs—are all infinitely recyclable without loss of quality. 

The Efficiency of Energy Consumption

Unearth the impact of metal roofing on your energy consumption. Metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, which can reduce cooling costs by 10-25%. You'll enjoy a more comfortable living space while contributing less to the energy waste that propels global warming. This heat reflection property makes metal roofing a brilliant option for climates with high temperatures and strong sunlight.

The Impact on Water Runoff

Envisage a clear, rainy day and your metal roof interacting with this natural element. Metal roofs are more effective in managing water runoff, posing less threat to local water resources. They minimize the volume of stormwater runoff which can lead to erosion and water pollution. Also, with the right coating, a metal roof can be excellent at collecting rainwater, a key consideration if you're interested in harvesting rainwater for landscaping or other uses.

The Case of Embodied Energy

Learn about embodied energy—the total energy required for extraction, processing, manufacturing, and delivery of building materials to the point of use. Metal roofing, like all building materials, has an embodied energy cost. However, when you consider the long lifespan, recyclability, and potential energy savings, the embodied energy of a metal roof becomes less significant in comparison to its benefits.

Innovations: Cool Metal Roofing

Cool metal roofing is a relatively new innovation in the roofing industry. Cool metal roofs are designed with special pigments that reflect even more sunlight and absorb less heat than standard metal roofs. This further enhances their energy-saving potential and sets a new bar for environmentally friendly roofing.

For more info, contact a local roofing contractor. 

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