The Environmental Benefits of Metal Roofing In Houston

As modern society progresses, consumers in Houston are becoming more environmentally conscious and eco-friendly. Their daily practices and purchasing habits are becoming more oriented toward sustainability, especially regarding their homes. Alternative solutions are gaining popularity in construction processes since people are increasingly aware of the impact of single-use materials. Metal roofing has become one of the most sought-after solutions to sustainable housing thanks in part to its impressive durability and adaptability. Metal roofs have a lifespan upwards of 50 years, and they are an excellent choice to protect against all kinds of inclement weather.

Metal roofs can be made from a variety of different materials, some of which include steel, aluminum, copper, and tin. Each material brings a different look and unique benefits to each roof that features them. Whether you want your roof to be protected from corrosion, hailstorms, heavy rain, or fire, there is an option that’s perfect for you and your needs. Outside of the materials that they are made of, metal roofing is highly customizable and can take the shape or pattern of many popular roofing designs. You don’t have to give up your curb appeal for protection. You can have the best of both worlds by adding metal roofing.

Reduced Energy Usage

One of the biggest reasons that both the consumer and the environment benefit from metal roofs is the lower amounts of energy consumption. Metal roofing lowers energy use by actively reflecting light rather than absorbing it. Factor in the material used and the type of coating the roof was painted with, and you could see anywhere from 60% to 90% of light being reflected. On average, metal roofs can save homeowners up to 40% on their energy expenses. While you save money on your bill, you’re also requesting less energy, which puts less strain on local resources and the surrounding environment. It’s a win-win situation for anyone who is actively looking for green solutions for their home.

Fully Recyclable

Although metal roofs are built to last for the duration of your Houston Texas house’s lifespan, and last at least twice as long if not longer than an asphalt shingle roof, there may be a time when your metal roof needs to be replaced. With this in mind, metal roofs are designed to be 100% recyclable at all times. In addition to each roof being made up of up to 40% recycled parts, all of the extra materials used during production are completely recyclable. This means metal roofing rarely, if ever, ends up in public landfills or dumps. The metal can be repurposed and used again without drawing from resource stockpiles.

The commonly used asphalt shingle has a lifespan of 15-20 years in comparison and is much more likely to require repairs during its lifetime. Asphalt shingles are produced unsustainably in a manner that promotes continuous mass usage. They are cheap to make and widely available since they are known to only last for a limited amount of time. According to recent estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency, around 11 million tons of asphalt shingles are dumped into landfills each year. This enormous amount of waste can lead to contaminants seeping into the soil in addition to the loss of the materials used to produce them since they are not recyclable.

Durability

Metal roofs are built to last, unlike some of their counterparts. Once installed, they’re designed to be extremely low maintenance yet highly effective. Worrying about finding replacement parts frequently and making urgent phone calls to your local roofer to fix a catastrophic leak are things of the past. With all the savings you can rack up from much less frequent repair calls, it’s easy to see why these roofs are popular among homeowners. A majority of metal roofs and their coatings come with some form of manufacturer’s guarantee too, meaning that your roof will be secure for the foreseeable future. You can have peace of mind in knowing that you and your home are protected long-term.

Versatility

Rain or shine, metal roofs are built to protect you and what you value most. Metal roofing is extremely fire-resistant, so you will not have to worry about them sparking or catching fire in warm climates or during unforeseen accidents. In cold climates, metal roofs are designed to keep heat in and any outdoor temperatures out, making them a great choice. They also can withstand more severe weather events than their asphalt counterparts, and they last at least twice as long on average. You don’t have to worry about the weight of the snow on your roof, leaks, hail damage, or ice buildup. Snow, rain, and ice all slide right off the surface of the roof. Metal roofs are often also coated with a sealant to prevent rust and corrosion, especially in ocean climates where buildings are more susceptible.

Green Living

While there are many immediate benefits to having a green roof in Houston, one equally important benefit is to the environment. Using metal roofing can have compounding positive impacts on environments around the world. Add up the effects of less energy usage and no demand for unsustainable single-use materials from your household over 50 years, and you will see the impact your metal roof has had. From less demand for resource extractions to the promotion of eco-friendly practices to others, the complete list of benefits can be hard to accurately predict.

Recent evidence has even pointed to decreased temperatures in communities that have a large number of metal roofs. The urban heat island effect is known to happen when concentrations of buildings and pavement work to actively retain heat, making the local urban environment warmer than what you would find in nature. Metal roofing counteracts this as metal reflects sunlight. If you apply this across a city with all of their roofs reflecting light, you can see temperatures decrease substantially.

For further explanations about the environmental benefits of metal roofs and how to properly implement them, you should consult with an expert. They can provide you with tips on how to make your home more energy efficient while simultaneously saving you money.