Environmentally friendly Metal Roofing
December 3, 2008 by Dawn
Filed under Tips for your home
Tile and slate are natural materials that are recyclable and reusable, but they are heavy to ship and need structural support for their weight.
Builders and homeowners use asphalt shingles because they are inexpensive, relatively simple to install, and offer a variety of colors. But, asphalt shingles are a petroleum-based product, generally not heat-reflective and most end up in landfills. Wood roofs are a natural material and last between 30 - 50 years, but the are susceptible to fire.
Metal roofs with an aluminum finish can reflect and send back nearly 100% of heat, preventing it from being absorbed into your home.
Most people think of metal roofing being limited to some variation of a vertical panel. If you want variety in a metal roof, you can surely find it! Metal roofs are available in an entire palette of colors, shapes, textures and metals. You can get steel roofs, tin, aluminum, copper and if you have the money - I believe - stainless steel!
There’s always the possibility of making all or part of your roof a “Living Roof“. By planting vegetation on your roof, it will help lower your energy costs, insulate your home and you are able to grow a garden. Popular in Europe but not yet in the United States.
That metal tile is pretty cool looking. I guess Metal Roofing has really changed a lot over the last few years.
yeah they are cool looking. You see a lot of homes along Cherokee Park in Louisville with metal roofing. Unfortunately, I’m not sure how strong newer homes’ frames or roofing foundations are to support most metal roofing. Hopefully when developers start practicing more environmental building techniques metal roofs will be the norm or at leat more of an option for homeowners.
Actually, Justin, most metal roofing doesn’t require extra structural support. A standard home frame is fine for a metal roof, which is much lighter than slate or Spanish tile. The metal roofing in our area is lightweight and durable.