Metal Roofing, the Green Choice

If you’re committed to building a “green” home, then start at the top! Environmentally friendly homes are homes that have reliable, energy efficient roofs. That makes sense when you think about it. After all, your roof is the part of your home that is exposed to all of the elements and that determines whether heat or cold are let into your home. While there are many ways to achieve a green home and a green roof, your best bet is always metal roofing, which comes with many unique benefits.

The Benefits of Metal Roofing

To begin with, metal roofing is almost always recycled roofing. You can check with your roofing

supplier or building company to be sure, but if you start with a recycled roof, you’re already on a green path. Even better, recycled roofs are incredibly long-lasting. You won’t have to replace them for years and years, and, even when you do, you can simply recycle them. These roofs are also incredibly energy-efficient, making them not only an environmentally conscious choice but also a money-saving choice.

Choose a Light Color

As mentioned, opting for a metal roof is the first step in the right direction. You can push your “greenness” up to the next level, however, by choosing a light color for your metal roof. Lighter colors will reflect sunlight, keeping your home cooler. That means you won’t have to waste energy (and spend money!) by cranking up your cooling system. A nice white or off-white roof goes great with anything, but you can choose any cool color and still get these awesome benefits.

Opt for Heat Barriers

You should definitely consider installing radiant heat barriers on your roof. These are simply thin metal insulation pieces that can keep your home from getting too hot. When you couple the heat barriers with the light colored roof, you’re practically guaranteed to have a cool home and an affordable-to-run one.

Collect Your Rainwater

You’ll quickly find, once you have installed your metal roof, that these roofs are great at catching and channeling water. Why not do something with the water your roof naturally collects? For that extra “green” step, you can install a rainwater catch system and then use the water for your plants, for landscaping, and for other needs, allowing you to conserve water and save on utilities; talk about a win-win situation!

Cautions and Considerations

While there are obviously many excellent benefits to choosing a metal roof, you still have to be careful about the roof and the roofing contractor you choose. For example, you always want to ensure that your roof and its coating are lead-free, since regular lead exposure can lead to serious health risks. You also want to make sure you hire a highly qualified and experienced roofing company or contractor to install your roof and that your roof has at least a slight slope to avoid the mold, mildew, and rot that often comes with pools of standing water, which are easily encouraged by a flat roof. Finally, you want to ensure that, if applicable, you properly ventilate your attic, so that you don’t undo the energy efficiency of your roof.

There are obviously a great many benefits to choosing metal roofing and “going green.” Just make sure you enter into the process carefully, and you should end up with an awesome roof and an even more awesome home that will help you to reduce the size of your carbon footprint.

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