5 Reasons Why Metal Roofing Is Eco-Friendly for Homeowners in PA

There has been a rise in awareness of conservation and environmentalism. The conversation in consumerism and progress focuses on finding long-lasting solutions to the world’s environmental issues. Metal roofing is the standout eco-friendly solution in the roofing industry for homeowners in Pennsylvania and other areas across the country for many reasons.

1. Longevity

Typical asphalt roofing has a lifespan of 30 years at the most. Most roofers will only give a 15- to 25-year warranty for an asphalt roof. Metal roofing lasts upwards of 60 years (even when subjected to harsh Western Pennsylvania winters). That is two to three times longer than an asphalt roof. The standard warranty on a metal roof is 50 years. In many cases, a metal roof is the last roof a homeowner will need to buy because they are extremely durable. They are fire resistant, protecting homes against urban or forest fires. They can last through extreme weather conditions: Snow, hail, rain, and storms can rage against a metal roof with no damage done. They are even durable against natural debris that can occur in extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and wind storms. Metal roofs are pest resistant, so a homeowner won’t find their home infested with pests that chewed in from wood or asphalt roofing. Homeowners are most pleased with the lack of upkeep required to maintain the quality of metal roofs.

2. Recyclability

Metal roofs are completely recyclable. They will not go into a landfill at the end of the 50 to 60 years. Depending on the company that manufactures the roofing, metal roofs can contain anywhere from 30 percent to 100 percent recycled material. A durable, recycled roofing option is made from all those soda and beer cans. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection called metal roofing the most eco-friendly roofing solution.

3. Less Waste

Asphalt roofs create 11 billion pounds of landfill refuse, according to an estimate made by the Environmental Protection Agency. The chemicals from asphalt shingles can sink into the ground and cause even more damage as it sits in a landfill. A homeowner can install completely recyclable metal roofing over asphalt roofing. This means there is even less waste in switching from asphalt to metal roofing. There is no need to undergo hours of removal and replacement, only to see those old shingles still at the landfill by the time the metal roof reaches the end of its lifespan in 50 years.

4. Energy Efficient

Metal roofing is incredibly energy efficient for the homeowner in several ways. Metal roofing is safe to use in rainwater collection. Homeowners with metal roofs can use this rainwater to water their gardens, houseplants, or for a number of other uses that will lower their water bills. Be sure to check with your city regulations for how much rainwater it is legal to collect.

Metal roofing is an excellent base for solar panels. Homeowners can install solar panels and significantly lower their energy bills. In the winter, snow buildup easily slides off metal roofs. Snow dams build up damage asphalt roofs, and mean a house with an asphalt roof will require more energy to heat. With metal roofs, this is no longer an issue

Metal roofing helps solve a huge problem with the temperature of the planet. Dark asphalt roofing absorbs heat from the sun. In urban and suburban areas where there are not as many trees and vegetation, this absorbed heat builds up, which is why cities are often several degrees hotter than rural areas. A metal roof, without paint, will reflect that heat away from the earth, helping to lower the ambient temperature. This effect is solar reflexivity. With a light-colored paint, a metal roof can increase its solar reflexivity by as much as 60 percent. When more homeowners install metal roofing, the temperature of the whole area will lower significantly. The temperature of a house with a metal roof will lower as well, saving that individual homeowner up to 20 percent on their energy costs.

5. Value

The interest from buyers and homeowners in “green” homes has been growing the past few years. This trend will continue as the millennial generation reaches the age to be buying homes of their own. This can result in homes with metal roofs increasing their value by 1 percent to 6 percent. These numbers will go up as environmentalism continues to be a key requirement for buyers. Most green homeowners are willing to recommend green homes to others. There are stricter environmental requirements for houses these days. Asphalt roofing is falling behind on its green impact and recyclable metal roofing has surpassed it. The price is higher to install metal roofing, but the cost is lower over the lifetime of the roof when compared with other forms of roofing due to the lack of repairs or maintenance needed.