Going green is on the forefront of a lot of construction movements. But when it comes to metal roofs, some people have trouble understanding what it is about them that makes them "green." Equally, they want to know what a metal roof can do for them beyond its environmental friendliness.

Green Roofing Criteria

You can tell what makes a metal roof green by seeing what makes other roofs the opposite of green.

Roofing materials – Do you know what happens to your roofing materials after you get rid of them? Are they biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable in any way? Here are a few roofing materials to consider.

• Asphalt shingles – toxic, short lifespan, not traditionally eco-friendly
• Wood shingles – short lifespan, may come from acts that contribute to deforestation

None of these things are particularly helpful to the environment on either a local or even a global scale. While there are movements to make all materials more ecofriendly, it's slow going.

So a green roof would have to represent a material that,

• Isn't toxic
• Doesn't cause undue danger to people
• Doesn't cause undue danger to the environment
• Lasts a long time
• Shouldn't turn into a pollutant when discarded
• Shouldn't overburden a landfill

That's a tall order to fill, but a metal roof actually fits all of that criteria. Not only is it 100% recyclable, it usually consists of recycled material.

But What Can it Do For You and Your Home?

Even knowing what makes a metal roof green and sustainable, it's still a tough sell to many people. Knowing that your roof is good for the environment isn't always a good enough reason for somebody who has to consider the costs, labor, maintenance, and everything else that goes with a roof install.

So what can a metal roof do for you?

Add resale value – A professionally installed metal roof can add resale value to your home. That's because modern metal roofs are desirable, look good, and can help save money on utilities.

Save you money on utilities – Metal roofs reflect heat rather than absorb it. This can save you money on cooling

There are many more benefits to metal roofs beyond the fact that they're considered "green." So, for many homeowners, these types of roofs represent a "win-win" in many cases. Of course, as with most things, you need a professional installation if you want your metal roof to perform at its best for you.

Also, it's important that you and your roofing contractor source your metal roof system from a professional metal roofing manufacturer. There are different types of metals that can make up a metal roof, as well as different grades and qualities. So it's important to use a manufacturer that can deliver a superior product.

For more information on metal roofs, contact a professional like Premium Panels Inc.