Conserve Energy with a Metal Roof
Photo by theilr
When you think of metal roofs, does it conjure up images of falling-down shacks by the side of the road? Do you think of old, collapsing barns? Well, the metal roof has been updated and is no longer the obsolete material of dilapidated buildings. Metal roofs can actually save you money in the form of lower energy costs. They are durable, and come in a variety of sleek, attractive designs. Here are some of the attributes of metal roofs.
1. Metal roofs can be installed right over your old roof
There’s no need to remove your old roof before installing a metal one. In what is known as a metal-over-slope retrofit, the metal roof can be built right over your existing roof. The space between the two roofs can be insulated to increase energy efficiency if the climate is cool, or the space can be left ventilated and somewhat open to provide convective cooling.
2. Energy savings
Metal roofs reflect sunlight, which reduces the heat absorbed by the roof. This makes them ideal for hot climates, and the need for air conditioning is greatly reduced.
A solar thermal heat recovery system can be added to a metal-over-slope retrofit. The solar thermal heat recovery process involves a collector that uses air heated by the reflected sunlight to provide heat inside the building during cold weather, or to heat the building’s water.
3. Durability
Made from zinc and aluminum, metal roofs are weather and fire-resistant, and last from 30-50 years. (Asphalt roofing needs to be replaced every 12-20 years.) Metal roofs are also very resistant to insect damage.
4. Environmentally friendly
Metal roofs are often made from recycled materials, thus reducing waste. Also, because they can be installed over an existing roof, old roofing does not end up in landfills every 10-20 years. Of course, it’s better for the environment to use less energy, and metal roofs enable homeowners to do that.
5. Attractive
Metal roofs come in a variety of colors, textures and patterns to fit the style of any home. Metal roofs can even be painted to look like wood or some other material.
Metal roofing is a viable choice for those wishing to save energy costs and help the environment. Metal roofs also save money because they last such a long time, and are versatile enough to incorporate other energy-saving systems. They are customizable and are becoming more widely available as more and more contractors are specializing in metal roof installation.
