People toss around terms like "green," and "sustainable," a lot. Many people don't understand quite what they mean, other than they're both good for the environment. Metal roofs are actually both green and sustainable. Here's what that means for you.
What Makes a Metal Roof "Green?"
Metal roofs aren't toxic, nor do they pose an environmental threat. Your use of a metal roof means you won't add anything negative to your local environment by using it. Even if you should ever replace it, the materials can go right back into another metal roof or other project. Recyclability actually crosses between green concepts and sustainability.
The metal also lasts far longer than many other roofing materials. It contributes to the energy efficiency of your home, which helps you to use fewer resources to maintain your comfort. All these things lower your environmental footprint.
By contrast, other roofing materials, such as asphalt, have shorter life spans. When you're done with such roofs, they typically go to a landfill and sit there. If you replace them with another roof that will have the same short life and end, you contribute to the toxicity of your environment.
What Makes a Metal Roof "Sustainable?"
Metal roofs are fully recyclable. In fact, you can even start with a metal roof made from recycled metal. Metal roofing materials typically have a higher degree of energy efficiency than other roofing materials, but not in a way you may think. Energy efficiency, in terms of sustainability, means how much overall energy went into the manufacture, shipping, installation, and maintenance of the metal roof.
For example, if your metal roof came from recycled metal then no one had to mine new material for the roof. No one had to ship the material from halfway across the world. Contractors will waste less gas and manpower servicing the roof, since it won't need as much constant maintenance and upkeep as other materials.
These are the types of things that contribute to sustainability. Green materials aren't always sustainable, but the use of green materials does lead to more sustainability over time.
What Does it Mean for You?
You don't have to consider yourself environmentally conscious to take advantage of the benefits offered by metal roofing. Metal roofs are ideal for anybody that wants an elegant, energy efficient, long lasting roof for their home. You can have all that while also doing your part for both your local environment and the world.
Check out websites like http://www.premiumpanels.com for more information.
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