The concept of sustainability has become a must within the world of construction, and demand for green and eco-friendly building materials has never been higher. This is one of several areas where many metal roofing supplies tend to hold major benefits, helping meet or drive green building initiatives in multiple ways.
At Mid Michigan Metal Sales, we’re proud to serve as the top metal roofing suppliers in all of Michigan, offering a wide selection of metal roofing panels, metal roofing shingles and other high-quality metal roofing supplies. Here are some examples of the ways metal roofing helps promote green building initiatives, from one particular initiative that it’s immensely helpful in to some broader concepts.
LEED Certification
Among a few different forms of certification that can help companies and builders to demonstrate adherence to certain environmental standards, LEED certification stands out as one of the most common. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a third party verification system for green buildings. It provides a framework for designing, constructing, operating and maintaining green buildings or communities.
LEED certification focuses on several key areas that metal roofing can be beneficial in, including:
- Materials & Resources: One of the main categories in LEED certification is the use of sustainable materials and resources. Metal roofing can contribute to this category by using recycled materials, such as steel or aluminum. Additionally, metal roofs often have a longer lifespan than traditional asphalt roofs, reducing the need for replacement and minimizing waste.
- Energy & Atmosphere: Another important area in LEED certification is energy efficiency. Metal roofing has been proven to be highly reflective and can reduce cooling costs during hot summer months. This can also lead to lower emissions from air conditioning units, contributing to a more environmentally friendly building.
- Sustainable Sites: Metal roofing is also a sustainable choice for construction sites. It can be made from recycled materials and is fully recyclable at the end of its lifespan. This reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and helps promote a circular economy.
- Water Efficiency: Metal roofs are designed to be water-resistant, reducing the risk of leaks and water damage. This not only protects the building itself but also promotes water efficiency by minimizing the need for repairs.
When you consider the fantastic protection metal roofs also provide against extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, hailstorms and heavy snowfall, it becomes clear that they are a smart choice for any building looking to prioritize sustainability.
Our next few sections will look at some other broad areas where metal roofs are helpful to green building initiatives and sustainability efforts.
Energy Efficiency
One of the chief benefits of metal roofing is its energy efficiency. Metal roofs are highly reflective, meaning they do an excellent job of reflecting sunlight and keeping heat out during the summer months. This reduces the need for air conditioning, making metal roofs a fantastic solution for buildings in hot climates or areas with long summers. This also translates into significant savings on energy bills for building owners.
Additionally, metal roofs have exceptional insulation properties, which help keep buildings warm during colder months. With proper installation and insulation materials, metal roofs can reduce heat loss by up to 25%, resulting in decreased heating costs and increased energy efficiency.
Recyclability
Another significant advantage of metal roofing is its recyclability. Most metal roofs are made from majority recycled materials and can be fully recycled at the end of their lifespan. This makes metal roofs a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious individuals and businesses.
Moreover, with the increasing demand for eco-friendly products, metal roofs are becoming more popular in the construction industry. By choosing a metal roof, you are contributing to reducing waste and promoting sustainability in the building sector.
Durability
Metal roofing is known for its exceptional durability and longevity. Unlike other roofing materials such as asphalt shingles or clay tiles that may need to be replaced every 15-20 years, metal roofs can last up to 50 years or more with proper maintenance.
This makes it a cost-effective option as it reduces the need for frequent repairs and replacements. Additionally, metal roofs can withstand harsh weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy rain, and even hailstorms.
Versatility
Another advantage of metal roofing is its versatility in terms of design and style options. While some may picture a plain, industrial-looking roof when they think of metal, modern advances in technology have allowed for a wide range of colors and finishes to choose from.
At Mid Michigan Metal Sales, we’re proud to offer the best metal roofing supplies in all of Michigan. Contact us today to learn more about the variety of styles and designs we have available for your metal roofing project!
Factors in Choosing a Metal Roof in a Hail-Prone Area
