Energy Efficiency and Your St. Louis Home
Mar 10, 2018If you have a home in St. Louis, there are numerous advantages to purchasing metal roofing, including energy efficiency. In the summer, a metal roof can reduce air conditioning costs by 25-40%. In winter, a metal roof will insulate against heat loss, reducing heating costs. The energy efficiency, along with the eco-friendly materials used in the roofs construction, make the roofs a perfect green option.
Energy Efficiency Research
There are two factors scientists take into account when determining the energy efficiency of a roof: emissivity and reflectance. Different material combinations are available and should be decided based on your local climate.
Solar Reflectance
The higher the solar reflective value, the more efficient the roof will be in keeping heat outside the building, which is the goal in summer months. Metal increases the roof’s ability to reflect heat back into the atmosphere, preventing it from entering your home. Reflectance for metal roofs range from 10-75%, whereas traditional asphalt roofs range from 5-25%.
Emissivity
Emissivity is the ability of the roofing material to release absorbed heat. Low emissivity will create a roof that is extremely hot and can result in a warmer house. Determining exactly which metal roof to place on your home requires the help of roofing contractors from your local area.
The combination of these two factors ensure a home’s environment remains more controlled during hot or cold months. In comparison to traditional shingled roofs, metal roofs are more effective in keeping heat where it should be, depending on the season.
Lifespan of Metal Roofs
Another factor that makes metal roofs a perfect green option is their lifespan. In comparison with traditional roofing types, metal roofs last longer and are more durable. Metal roofs last an average of two to three times longer than their asphalt counterparts. This long lifespan keeps roofing materials on your home longer and out of landfills. Americans are the number one contributor of waste in the world, so eco-friendly individuals should actively work toward reduction.
When the life of a metal roof is over, it doesn’t mean the roof will enter the landfill. In fact, metal roofs are 100% recyclable. Roofs contain a large amount of materials, so this has a significant impact on lowering waste. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 11 million tons of asphalt shingles end up in landfills, which is why the agency highly recommends metal roofing.
Choosing to Go Green
Building and updating eco-friendly homes is a trend that is not slowing down. The National Association of Realtors has found most home buyers in St. Louis and throughout the USA are actively seek energy-saving and energy-efficient options in their home purchases. Whether the reason is to save money or go green, eco-efficient homes are a popular option to help resale values.
Metal roofing is a wonderful option for making your home more eco-friendly and energy-efficient. In cold, warm, or moderate climates, metal roofing is the best option. In addition to the cost savings of energy bills, installing a metal roof can make you eligible for a one-time tax credit after installation. With all these perks, it’s easy to see why the popularity of metal roofs is growing!
