Metal roofing is part of a growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. People are seeking out recycled, organic, and environmentally friendly products to supply many needs including food, clothing, household items, personal care items, home and building design, and building materials. Research and case studies show that use of these eco-friendly items are not only good for the individual in terms of natural health, comfort, or energy savings, but are also good for the environment in far-reaching ways.

Metal roofing falls into the category of eco-friendly products for many reasons. Benefits of metal roofing that affect the homeowner, including energy savings, product longevity, and recyclability, are also benefitting our earth.

Energy Savings - compared to dark gray asphalt shingles, a metal roof can save a homeowner up to 25% in cooling costs. This is due to the reflective and emissive properties of the roof that reduce the heat penetrating the roof deck by about 45 percent. Energy savings are not just good for the wallet, they are also good for the environment. Less energy consumed means less fossil fuels burned and reduced pollution, smog, and urban heat islands.

Longevity - a metal roof is expected to last over 50 years which is 2 to 3 times longer than an asphalt shingle roof. This provides a good chance that a metal roof will be the last roof a homeowner will need to install on their home, reducing the time, energy, money, and materials that would be spent on re-roofing. In addition to saving on building materials, the longevity of a metal roof also saves on the waste of asphalt shingles entering landfills 2 and 3 times over.

Recyclable Materials - metal roofing contributes to a growing market for recycled steel, including old cars, dishwashers, and refrigerators. All steel roofs contain at least 25% recycled content and, at the end of it's useful service life, a metal roof is 100% recyclable. Compare this to the tons of asphalt shingles and other roofing materials that are disposed of in landfills each year.

Metal roofs are "green" all the way through - from construction, to use, through the end of their long lives. These eco-friendly properties satisfy a demand for green building practices, energy savings, and green home design that so many homeowners are seeking. Whether for new home construction, home improvement, energy efficiency, or re-roofing needs, metal roofing is a green building choice that more and more consumers are choosing.

When planning with a contractor for green home building, be sure to check on the quality of the roofing product. A metal roofing specialty company is ideal although it is still important to research the product and investigate warranties available, guarantees from the company, energy savings expected, and reviews and testimonials from customers. There are varying qualities of metal roofing systems and roofing companies so doing this research will help get you the best green home building product available in your area. Metal roofing is an investment that will pay off in leaps and bounds throughout the long life of the roof, helping you to feel good about your choice both for yourself and for the world around you.