We are always asked what the benefits of metal roofing are. Due to this, we have compiled a list of five important and beneficial factors that metal roofing will provide to your home or business.
1) Save on Lifecycle Costs
A study that analyzed the overall life expectancy of metal roofs found that they had an expected service life of 40 years vs. 23 years for asphalt and 20 for single-ply. Another study placed the lifecycle cost of metal roofs at 30 cents per square foot per year, compared with 37 cents for asphalt and 57 cents for single-ply based on expected service life. Owners recorded spending 3.5% of total installed costs on maintenance for metal roofs vs. 28.5% for asphalt and 19% for single-ply over the expected service life.
Inherent qualities of metal roofs help account for these differences. Today’s standing-seam metal roof systems are proven to supply weathertight performance for 40 years or more. The roof acts as a monolithic steel surface covering the entire building.
Attributes of these roofs can include:
- Roof clips that securely hold the roof panels to the structural members, with the flexibility for the panels to move with expansion and contraction caused by daily and seasonal temperature changes
- Weathertight sealing, with 180 degrees of the roof panel seam field-rolled to complete a 360-degree Pittsburgh double-lock seam, also impregnated with sealant
- Factory punching to ensure proper alignment of the roof panels, paired with heavy-duty fasteners
- Splices staggered to prevent exposed seams and leak points that are located directly over supporting steel to withstand foot traffic and snow loads
- Steel-rod bracing that will not stretch or sag, allowing the roof to retain its original strength and tightness
- Roof curbs and openings engineered at the factory and fasteners concealed inside the curbs to eliminate leak.
These metal roofs in many cases can be applied directly over aging asphalt, single-ply, or metal roofs to restore weathertight conditions and provide long-term building protection.
2) Conserve Energy
Although durability and low maintenance help keep long-term costs down, a sound roof design also helps save energy and generate substantial savings over a building’s life. As part of a tested assembly, a standing-seam roof system can result in energy savings of up to 40%.
The roof is often the least energy efficient part of a building. Heating and cooling typically consume about 30% of a building’s energy, and half of that results from heated or cooled air lost through the roof. A well-designed and properly installed roof helps reduce those losses and maintain more consistent interior temperatures.
3) Reduce Air Conditioning
Metal roof systems can also function as cool roofs, assisting owners to save money by repelling, rather than absorbing, the sun’s heat during summer. This can ultimately cut down air conditioning costs.
Roofs painted in light colors reflect more solar radiation and reduce the roof temperature. Infrared reflective pigments allow roofs to reflect significant sunlight even when darker paints are used. In addition, on over cast days or after sunset, metal roofs give up their heat faster than other roofing materials.
Cool metal roofs perform well even when compared with white membrane roofing. Studies show that a metal roof system is more effective than conventional roofs in reflecting the sun’s rays and in preventing solar heat transfer into a building.
4) Add Sustainability
Renewable energy plays a growing role in buildings, and the potential for rooftop renewables is great. A Renewable Energy Laboratory has estimated that some 67 percent of commercial buildings have rooftops available for solar water heating. Whether for thermal energy or electricity, quality metal roofs accommodate solar panels without requiring penetrations that could compromise roof integrity.
Steel roofing is also 100% recyclable, and the steel in a new or retrofit roof will contain 25-28% recycled content. Conventional roofing materials, on the other hand, are frequently disposed of in landfills and sometimes classified as hazardous waste.
5) Improve Property Value
Roofs that improve energy performance not only save on monthly utility bills, but they can also help buildings command higher rents and selling prices. Markets are taking notice that energy-efficient buildings carry economic advantages.
Metal roofing systems can add value to buildings and renovations on many levels, from proven longevity and reliable weather protection to energy code compliance, operational savings, carbon emission reduction, enhanced occupant comfort, and higher property values.