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It’s no secret that there is a growing focus on sustainability in the construction industry. From the materials used in construction to the home’s energy consumption and location, our building choices have a significant impact on the environment. Metal roofs, such as Slimline® concealed fastener panels and MasterRib® exposed fastener panels, are an excellent way to meet consumer demands, code requirements and your own sustainability goals for eco-friendly buildings.
“As someone who’s been building homes for two decades, I’ve seen firsthand how sustainable practices aren’t just a trend — they’re the future,” says Dave Marrs, a seasoned builder with 20 years of home design and construction experience and a passion for sustainable building practices. “And when it comes to roofing, metal is a game-changer.”
Roofs that last: the durability and longevity of metal roofing
Metal roofs can last over 50 years, typically three times longer than traditional asphalt shingles, which begin to deteriorate from weather exposure starting on the day they are installed. The durability of metal roofs reduces the need to replace them and cuts down on waste. “This longevity means less roofing material in landfills and more money saved by homeowners in the long run,” says Dave, who cohosts the HGTV show “Fixer to Fabulous” with his wife and interior designer, Jenny Marrs.
Reduce, reuse, recycle: the recyclability and recycled content in metal roofing
For homeowners who live by the mantra “reduce, reuse and recycle,” metal roofs are a natural choice. Metal roofs are often made from recycled materials and are recyclable at the end of their life cycle. On the other hand, 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles end up in U.S. landfills each year according to Home Innovation Research Labs™.
An old metal roof’s destiny is not a landfill. It can be recycled into new aluminum and steel products and even be made into future metal roofs. Slimline and MasterRib metal roofing are made of steel, which includes some recycled content, and a protective Galvalume® coating consisting of a blend of zinc, aluminum and silicon.
“When I tell homeowners that their new metal roof might have once been a steel can that held beans, corn or tomato sauce, they’re usually pretty impressed,” Dave says. “It’s a material that truly embodies the concept of ‘reduce, reuse, recycle.’”
If asphalt shingles are already installed, with proper preparation of the roof surface, metal roofing can often be installed on top of the shingles to help limit shingle waste.
Reduced carbon footprint: the energy efficiency and environmental impact of metal roofing
“Metal roofs don’t just protect your home,” Dave says. “They help protect the planet by lowering energy consumption and your carbon footprint.”
The coating on the metal, as well as lighter colors, help to keep interiors cooler by reflecting solar waves and reducing heat absorption. Roofing systems that include metal roofing can contribute to reduced energy use and lower cooling costs by up to 25% compared to similar roofing systems that use asphalt shingles.* For homeowners looking to maximize their home’s energy efficiency, the durability of metal roofs makes them a great companion for solar panels.
Homes that stand the test of time: the role of metal roofing in building resilience
Roofs can be an essential line of defense when natural disasters strike. Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of these events, and metal roofing is a resilient material that can provide fire, wind and impact resistance that is key to sustaining the roof and home.
Common extreme weather events in the U.S.
- Forest fires: Homes in the Western U.S. increasingly face threats from forest fires that spread through airborne burning brands.
- Hurricanes: Hurricanes have become more frequent in the Southeast and East Coast, subjecting homes to high winds.
- Hailstorms: The Central U.S. typically gets three to four severe hailstorms yearly.
“One of the reasons I swear by metal roofing is its unmatched resilience,” Dave says. “Whether it’s fire, hail or high winds, a metal roof stands strong, protecting homes when it matters most. It’s not just about sustainability — it’s about building homes that can weather any storm.”
Properly designed, installed and maintained Slimline and MasterRib metal roofing has five key resiliency features:
- Class A fire rating: The highest fire rating obtainable
- Class 4 impact resistance: The most durable and impact resistant
- Class 90 wind uplift rating: The highest rating available during wind uplift testing
- Florida Building Code approved: Evaluated for compliance with the structural requirements of the Florida Building Code
- Texas Department of Insurance: Roof performance evaluated
Embrace metal roofing for a sustainable future
You and your homeowners can rely on metal roofs for durability, sustainability and energy efficiency. The construction industry’s eyes are on the effects of climate change, and many homeowners want to do their part by choosing sustainable building materials.
“In 20 years, I’ve seen a lot of trends come and go, but the push for sustainability is here to stay,” Dave says. “Metal roofing is one way to ensure you’re building not just homes but also a better future.”
Metal roofs benefit both homeowners and the environment. Their durability, weather resilience and reflective properties contribute to utility savings and homeowner peace of mind, not to mention helping the environment.
Get started today with metal roofing.
* “A Study of the Energy-Saving Potential of Metal Roofs Incorporating Dynamic Insulation Systems,” Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings XII International Conference, 2013.
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