Steel Roofing
Question: I need to replace my old shingle roof, and I heard metal roofs are a good option for improving my home’s energy efficiency. How does a metal roof conserve energy? Are they worth the additional cost?
Answer: Typically made from steel or aluminum, metal roofs are available in a variety of styles. The efficiency advantage of metal roofing comes from the fact that metal panels reflect more of the sun’s heat than do asphalt shingles. In the summer months, less heat is radiated into the house and that can dramatically reduce your air-conditioning costs. During the winter, however, a metal roof has little impact on the energy efficiency of your house.
A roof’s ability to block radiated heat is measured by its total solar reflectivity (TSR) and when shopping for a metal roof, you should always look for the highest TSR you can afford. To meet Energy Star qualification standards, a roof’s TSR must be greater than 25 percent when new. By comparison, traditional asphalt shingles have a TSR of about 5 percent.
Although they are more expensive to install than asphalt shingles, there are several advantages that make metal roofs cost-effective over the long haul, as I discovered when I recently installed a metal roof on my own home.
I selected a Classic Metal Roofing Systems aluminum roof that consisted of interlocking one-by-two-foot panels formed to simulate a cedar shake roof. It has a TSR of 43 percent, so I expect to save on my summer power bills for years to come. As with many, but not all, installations, the contractor was able to install the metal panels over the existing shingles, saving me the expense of tearing off the old roof.
Although it was more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof, my new metal roof will never have to be replaced. Compared to the cost of installing an asphalt roof every 20 to 30 years, I think metal roofing was a smart choice. I also get a 3 percent reduction on my homeowner’s insurance because of reduced fire hazard.
Steel roofing is a popular option for upscale homes looking for efficiency, durability and a distinct architectural style. Instead of trying to simulate the appearance of standard roofing materials, many homeowners choose standing seam metal roofs, which incorporate interlocking panels that run vertically from the peak of the roof to the eave. These panels come in a wide range of colors and the finish often uses a Kynar-based paint with heat-reflecting additives.
The following companies offer metal roofs:
Classic Metal Roofing, (800) 543-8938
Conklin Metal, (800) 282-7386
Follansbee Steel, (800) 624-6906
Met-Tile, (909) 947-0311
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