The demand for energy-efficient, sustainable and environmentally-friendly products is at an all-time high–and roofing products are no exception.
In addition to being one of the most energy-efficient roofing products on the market, metal roofing has a long list of other environmentally-friendly benefits that check all the boxes for sustainable, green construction.
Here are answers to common facts about the environmentally-friendly benefits of metal roofing.
Are metal roofs energy-efficient?
As mentioned above, metal roofs are one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials. This is due to the fact that metal roofs reflect heat up and away from homes.
To illustrate this, think of the metal hood of your car. Even with the heat from the engine below and the sun above, the hood will cool quickly once it is parked and the engine is off. Within minutes, the metal hood of the car dissipates heat so quickly that it is cool to the touch.
Stone-coated metal roofing products, such as DECRA Metal Roofing, take energy efficiency even further thanks to infrared-blocking pigments in the stone granules, amplifying the heat-reflecting properties of metal.
Asphalt and tile roofs, on the other hand, absorb heat like a sponge, then radiate it down into the home, even after the sun has set. A 2019 study by R&D Engineering tested the energy efficiency of DECRA Metal Roofing products against conventional 3-tab asphalt shingle roofs. The results? DECRA roofs increased energy efficiency by as much as 218%.
Additionally, homeowners can reduce cooling costs by up to 25% with a metal roof. In regions that experience harsh winters, metal roofing can save homeowners even more as it insulates the home, keeping heat inside.
For homeowners looking to sell, adding a metal roof can be a lucrative selling point. Especially since more than four in five buyers said heating and cooling costs were the most important environmental factors when considering a new home.
Are metal roofs sustainable?
When sustainability is a priority, it’s tough to beat metal roofing. Metal roofing has a lifespan that lasts two to three times longer than traditional roofing materials such as asphalt, wood and clay tile. This is a substantial difference from traditional roofing products such as asphalt roofing, which only has an average lifespan of 12 to 20 years. Eliminating the need for frequent roof replacements is a win/win for homeowners and the environment considering asphalt shingles contribute 11 million tons of landfill waste each year.
Asphalt shingles are petroleum-derived products, and manufacturing requires fiberglass, tar and other petroleum products. Some companies and municipalities make use of discarded asphalt shingles, but for the most part, old shingles are not widely recycled and are not biodegradable. And, as a petroleum-based product, they are not considered sustainable.
As stated by the Innovative Waste Consulting Services Report for the Construction Materials Recycling Association, “Regulatory concerns over potential environmental impacts, particularly with regard to asbestos, have to some extent limited the widespread recycling of discarded post-consumer asphalt shingles.”
When a metal roof does come to the end of its life cycle, which is measured in decades not years, they are 100% recyclable.
Additionally, since metal roofs are among the lightest weight roofing materials available, homeowners have eco-friendly options when it comes to replacing their existing roof. Metal roofing products can often be installed right over existing asphalt shingle roofs, eliminating the need for labor-intensive tear-offs and expensive disposal of construction waste.
Further, new homes designed with metal roofing can be built lighter, conserving natural resources, such as lumber for framing and decking. Metal roofs contribute reinforcing strength to the roof deck while heavy shingles and clay or concrete tiles only pile excessive weight up at the top of the home, adding to the roof load and the construction materials required to support it.
Will a metal roof look good on my home?
With DECRA Metal Roofing, homeowners don’t have to sacrifice style for sustainability.
Whether your home requires the style of traditional shingles, rustic wood shakes or classic clay tiles, DECRA’s line of stone-coated metal roofing products provide the environmentally-friendly style and performance you are looking for. DECRA Metal Roofing products are available in five distinct profiles and dozens of colors.
- DECRA Villa Tile | Spanish Style Barrel Tile
- DECRA Tile | Mediterranean Style Scalloped Tile
- DECRA Shingle XD | Thick-cut Edges and Dimensionality of Asphalt Shingles
- DECRA Shake XD | Rustic Appeal of Hand-Split Wood Shakes
- DECRA Shake | Richness of Cedar Shakes
Here are some examples that showcase the design versatility that only stone-coated metal roofing can provide.
When the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii needed 23,500 sq. ft. of their traditional thatched roof replaced, DECRA Metal Roofing matched the pattern and texture of the original roof to preserve the historical integrity of the property.
A historic mansion in Wisconsin was in need of a new roof that protected the landmark from the region’s harsh winter weather, but maintaining the classic style of Victorian-era architecture was equally important. Meeting the needs for both endurance and style, DECRA Metal Roofing was an easy choice for the Hearthstone Historic House Museum.
With stone-coated metal roofing, homeowners benefit from an environmentally-friendly roof that provides both the strength of steel and style to suit any home.
Environmentally Friendly DECRA Metal Roofing
When environmental friendliness is a top priority for your roofing project, DECRA Metal Roofing is right for you.
As the original manufacturer of stone-coated metal roofing, DECRA Metal Roofing has set the gold standard for roofing since 1957. Manufactured at our state-of-the-art facility in California, our metal roofing products have withstood the test of time and protected homes from Canada to Hawaii, and everything in between.
To see how great a DECRA roof will make your home look, request a complimentary sample today.
