A metal roof may seem like an unlikely candidate to keep your house cooler in summer. In fact, according to the
Metal Roofing Alliance , new coating technologies have resulted in energy-saving residential metal roofing systems that immediately reduce the internal temperature in your house and lower utility bills by up to 10%. As a bonus, U.S. homeowners who install an Energy-Star rated metal roofing system may be eligible for up to
$500 in tax credits . Today’s residential metal roofs are very different than those you may see on old barns. In fact, they are high-tech wonders that feature highly reflective coatings that provide year-round relief from high energy costs. Metal roofs, which comprise 10% of the U.S. re-roof market, also offer a variety of styles, including tiles, shakes, shingles or standing-seam panels to either make a statement or blend in with the neighborhood. The latest paint technologies allow even darker colored metal roofs to absorb less heat through the use of highly reflective pigments that reflect solar energy. Tests conducted by the independent
Oak Ridge National Laboratories (ORNL) and
Florida Solar Energy Center show that a cool metal roof can save a homeowner 10% in cooling costs compared to a dark gray asphalt shingle. In areas with cold winters, above-sheathing ventilation is the key to achieving year-round benefits. ORNL’s field te
sts have shown that the combination of venting and increased reflectance can reduce the heat penetrating the roof deck by about 45% for
stone-coated metal roofs compared to an asphalt shingle roof in certain climates. “The one thing a house can’t do without, the roof, provides a perfect opportunity to make a big difference to the environment and consumers’ wallets. New eco-friendly products, such as metal roofing, are rapidly replacing petroleum-based asphalt shingles,” said Bill Hippard, chairman of the non-profit
Metal Roofing Alliance , a coalition dedicated to educating consumers about the benefits of modern metal roofing. “Metal is an investment grade roofing product. Most homeowners who install a metal roof will
never have to buy another roof .” For more information and a photo gallery of roofing options, homeowners can visit
www.metalroofing.com or
http://www.metroroofs.com/ or visit our website at
www.walkerroofing.com !
