When the time comes to put a roof on a new home, or your current roof needs a complete makeover, there are a variety of materials available, from asphalt shingles, wooden shingles, metal roofing materials and more. However, out of all the roofing styles available, steel roofing is an attractive option because of their longevity and eco-friendly aspects.
Longevity
Metal roofs have a lifespan of approximately 40 to 70 years depending on the material (steel, aluminum, galvanized steel etc.). This lifespan is significantly longer than the alternative of asphalt roofing materials, which are expected to last only 12 to 20 years depending on the location of the home, and the maintenance upkeep required to keep it in tip-top condition.
Not only is the expected lifespan of metal roofing a long one, they are also highly durable because they can sustain severe high winds, not be as susceptible to corrosion or cracking, and do not have to have the period costly maintenance often required for other roofing materials.
Also, metal roofing is great for combatting the outdoor elements, and are specially made to be fire resistant, making them a popular option to have in hot and dry areas that are prone to bushfires.
Environmentally Friendly
Metal roofing materials are one of the most environmentally friendly options among other roofing materials. They are energy efficient because metal roofs can reflect solar radiant heat, which can reduce cooling costs in the summer by as much as 25 percent. This energy efficient component can help cut air conditioning costs in the summer months, making this a beneficial roofing option for those that live in hotter climates.
Another environmentally friendly aspect is that metal roofs are mostly made of recycled content (depending on the material being used), but at the end of their lifespan, they are 100 percent recyclable. This is unlike their asphalt roofing counterparts because most asphalt shingles end up being piled in landfills, contributing to being a major part of the building-related waste.
Also unlike metal roofing, when asphalt shingles are exposed to sunlight, they emit solvents into the air, which affects the environment.
Therefore, asphalt roofing materials are cost effective because they are cheaper in price, but they use a lot of energy, are hardly ever recycled, deteriorate rapidly with UV rays, emit solvents in the air when exposed to sunlight and are the main contributor to construction waste in landfills.
On the other hand, metal roofing materials are more costly, but the investment is worth it because metal roofing is not only the more attractive and environmentally friendly option, it is more durable and can last through wind, precipitation and prolonged exposure to UV rays. Also, with the benefit of also being fire resistant, it can be said that metal roofing is also the safest option among all roofing material styles available.
