The Metal Roof - an energy efficient alternative to traditional asphalt roofing
Metal roofs absorb 34% less heat than traditional asphalt shingles, according to a 1985 Florida Solar Energy Center study. This can translate into significant energy savings.
Most metal roofs reflect away more of the sun’s heat than do asphalt shingle roofs. This keeps the roofing materials cooler so less heat is radiated down through the ceilings to the living area. Also, the underside of the metal surface has lower emissivity than shingles, so even less heat radiates down to the ceiling below.
The final energy advantage is the metal is relatively thin and has a contour stamped into it to simulate other styles of shingles. This contour creates an air gap between most of the roofing and the roof sheathing below it. With a sloped roof, outdoor air naturally circulates up under the metal roof to keep it cooler.
- kansas.com
A metal roof may cost more initially but pays back in the long run even without the tax credit ( Metal roofs qualify for a $500 energy tax credit - use IRS form 5695).
Other benefits of a metal roof:
- long life / durability
- low maintenance
- fire retardant
- green benefit: can contain recycled material
- green benefit: can be installed over existing an existing roof, eliminating the need for your existing roof to go to a landfill
For more info read:
- the original source article Metal roofs can be worth the extra cost
- Pros and Cons of popular roofing materials on roofgenius.com
- Metal Roofing: A Buying Guide on hometips.com
This entry was posted on Thursday, June 21st, 2007 at 9:21 am and is filed under Going Green, Remodeling, Green, Home Improvement, Global Warming, Renovations, Energy Savers, Green Building, Roofing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
on October 31, 2007 at 2:54 pm Brian Selig wrote:
I am a product representative for metal roofing and wall panel manufacturer manufacturer in Houston. It is great to see some positive information out there about these products. You hear so much information about R value and insulation. It makes me sick. Results of tests I have observed show that a 1/2″ air gap between a metal roof panel and a commercial roof accomplishes the same radiant heat prevention that the 1.5″ of rigid polyiso insulation that is below it does. Many standing seam panels already offer clips that float 1/4″ above the deck. Do you know how long it takes insulation and asphalt shingles to release the heat that they collect at night? Metal roofing really does pay for itself. Here in Texas, they provide homeowners insurance discounts for metal roofs due to it’s hail resistance.
on January 4, 2008 at 9:16 am Nathan L wrote:
Metal roofing is very energy effecient. Also the $500 tax incentive expired the end of 2007.