From Guest Blogger Lizzie Weakly: How a Steel Roof Can Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Would you like to make your home increasingly more energy efficient while adding a major, eye-catching design feature and never need to replace your home’s roof ever again? Think steel roof. Although the cost of a steel roof is substantially higher than traditional roofing materials, a steel roof is virtually maintenance-free and will probably last a lifetime. The practical benefits of a steel roof include making the interior of your home much safer in bad weather conditions along with making a huge difference in your utility bills.

From a visual standpoint, a steel roof is versatile in terms of design in order to perfectly complement any architectural style, from a contemporary home to a century-old traditional farmhouse. For many people, the most attractive feature about a steel roof is the overall improved energy efficiency.

Here are the primary reasons why a steel roof is one solution to making your home as energy efficient as possible.

Benefits of a Steel Roof

Steel roofs are considered “cool” roofing systems and are extremely energy efficient for a number of reasons. According to Metal Roof Outlet Inc., they offer many key benefits, including longevity and durability. Furthermore, they’re very compatible with many other eco-friendly home upgrades such as rainwater collection systems and solar panels. Several types of metal roofs are reusable or recyclable at the end of their long life, including steel roofs.

Thermal Emittance and Reflection

Traditional roofing materials only reflect as much as 15 percent of the harsh rays of the sun. On the other hand, steel roofing can reflect up to 90 percent. Another key feature of a steel roof is thermal emittance, which means a product’s ability to release heat efficiently. These two factors combined play a significant role on surface temperature.

Other Green Benefits

The positive environmental effect of installing a steel roof on your home goes way beyond just energy efficiency, sustainability, and the fact that they can usually be installed right over your existing roof. The steel material itself usually consists of 35 percent recycled content.

If you can afford the initial cost of a steel roof installation, over time you’ll eventually recoup those costs. When choosing your new steel roofing materials, look for the official Energy Star rating in order to verify that the materials are highly energy efficient. Also, keep in mind that several types of energy efficient roofs are actually eligible for a 10 percent tax credit as well. A durable, long-lasting steel roof is the ideal solution since steel is widely known for its superior strength and a product everyone trusts.