17 Sep What Makes Metal Roofing Eco-Friendly?
If you’re looking for ways to make your home greener and more eco-friendly, you should look to your roofing. Asphalt shingles are a common type of roofing, but it’s far from being one of the most environmentally friendly roofing materials. Metal roofing, on the other hand, has a reputation for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is its eco-friendliness. All that being said, what makes metal roofing eco-friendly? This guide will break down exactly what makes this roofing option so great for the environment.
Longevity
A high-quality metal roof should last a lifetime, so you won’t have to dispose of it during your stay on the property. Not only should it retain a high level of protection, but it should also retain its appearance, meaning it shouldn’t take on scratches, fading, and other cosmetic damage during its time on your home. This is an immense contrast to asphalt shingles, which require disposal after 10 to 12 years of use and can take on damage quite quickly and intensely. Not only is having a more sustainable roof better for the environment, but it also saves you the time and money it takes to periodically replace asphalt shingles.
Recyclability
Some metal roofing is comprised of almost entirely recycled material- here are the different materials that are commonly used and their recyclability:
- Zinc: 9%
- Steel: At least 25%
- Copper: 75%
- Aluminum: Up to 99%
The recyclability of metal roofing surpasses other materials on the market, especially when it comes to asphalt shingles. Instead of being a disposable product that finds its way into landfills as asphalt shingles do, metal roofing will provide your home protection for a lifetime, and at the end of its life, all are 100% recyclable.
Disposing of Asphalt Shingles
If you feel trepidation about disposing of asphalt shingles and replacing them with metal roofing, there may be a solution for you. Often, metal roofing shingles can be installed over existing asphalt shingles, eliminating the need for a tear-off and disposal in a local landfill. This means minimal impact on the environment in your attempt to make your property more eco-friendly.
Now, let’s return to the initial question—what makes metal roofing eco-friendly? As you can see from the points above, metal roofing is made of almost entirely recycled material, doesn’t require you to remove your old asphalt shingles to install it, will literally last you a lifetime, and at the end of its life, it’s 100% recyclable. These aren’t the only benefits of metal roofing, but they’re certainly the most important if you’re aiming to lead a greener lifestyle. At McCarthy Metal Roofing, we can provide metal roofing in Eastern, NC, to homeowners who are ready to upgrade from asphalt shingles to a more sustainable material.