Environmental Impact
An increasing concern for many homeowners is the environmental impact of the products they choose for their homes. In considering this impact, here are key considerations:
- How long-lasting (sustainable) is the product?
- What raw materials are used in producing the product?
- What embodied energy goes into the product?
- Does the product enhance energy efficiency?
Painted metal roofing meets these criteria very well, being a long-term product which, at the end of its useful life, is fully recyclable. The low weight of metal roofing also encourages installation over old shingles without having to spend money to tear them off and dispose of them in a landfill.
Additionally, aluminum roofing has up to 99% recycled content while steel and copper have about 35% recycled content. As a consumer, this is a great opportunity to purchase a major home component that closes the recycling loop. And, the embodied energy of recycled metal is far, far less than that of virgin metal.
The energy efficiency of metal roofing we looked at earlier is a significant part of the environmental friendliness of metal roofing.
One other thing to consider when it comes to sustainability is the lack of labor in the skilled trades today. A rapidly increasing part of the total cost of roofing your home is being taken up by the skilled labor costs. Installing a long term product saves you from those labor costs that economists predict will only worsen in coming years and decades.