When you’re building a new structure, whether it’s a commercial building or a residential home, ensuring that you’re using the right materials is pivotal. However, with so many options for how to make a building, it can be hard to know what materials you should be using where and what’s going to best serve your needs. Especially on an important area like the roof, it’s crucial that you pick a material that can withstand anything the elements have to dish out. So to help you in making this decision, here are three reasons you might want to consider installing a metal roof.
Increase Fire Resistance
One of the biggest hazards of a traditionally built structure is its ability to catch fire relatively easily. Especially in the last few years, we have seen on the news how fire can quickly wipeout an entire community in just a few minutes. But with a metal roof, your home or commercial building come become much more resistant to fire. According to Don Vandervort, a contributor to HomeTips.com, the materials used to make metal roofs are non-combustible, meaning they’re very resistant to fire. While the materials used beneath your metal roof will either make the roof more or less combustible, having a metal roof will generally cause your structure to be more safe around fires.
Help With Cooling Costs
In addition to protecting your structure from the hazards of fire, having a metal roof can also help to lower your cooling costs. According to Rodger Russ, a contributor to Buildings.com, metal roofs are also known as cool roofs because they repel rather than absorb the sun’s rays. With their ability to do this, they can help keep the structure cooler, which can cut down on your overall cooling costs. Additionally, if you choose a roof color that is lighter or has reflective materials in the paint, it can help to keep things even cooler for you. While darker colors on a metal roof won’t reflect heat quite as well, the metal roof will still help with cooling the building regardless.
A More Environmentally Friendly Option
Along with the other benefits mentioned above, metal roofs are also a more environmentally friendly option when it comes to building materials. According to Donna Boyle Schwartz, a contributor to BobVila.com, metal roofs are usually made of at least 25 percent recycled materials and are 100 percent recyclable when you choose to replace them. Metals roofs also make it easy to make upgrades or additions to your home that will help you be more environmentally friendly, like adding solar panels or harvesting rainwater.
If you’ll be putting on a new roof soon, consider the benefits of metal roofs mentioned above before you make your final decision on materials.