ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ROOFING: A SMART CHOICE
One of the biggest catch phrases going around right now is “going green”. But, what exactly does that mean when it comes to roofing and how does it affect you as a homeowner?
Typically, most houses here in South Carolina have an asphalt shingle roof on them. Asphalt shingles are basically the worst type of roofing for “green” conscious homeowners as they come. Why? Because they are susceptible to hail damage, absorb heat, hold on to that heat for a long time, are rarely recycled (because it is difficult), heavy and typically last 12-18 years. If you add up that combination, it spells environmental disaster.
Having said all of that, asphalt shingles are the most popular because of their cost, which is low. Let’s face it, we, as homeowners, will overlook the bad parts of something if it is cheaper. That doesn’t make it right, that is just a fact. But when it comes to roofing our homes, we need to start developing a different mind set. A paradigm shift, if you will. We need to start thinking long term and not, “What is best for me now, I don’t care about 10 years from now.”
To their credit, shingle manufacturers are doing something to try and make their shingles more “green”. They have developed what is called “cool colors”, which is a shingle that has a higher reflective material in it. Most of these shingles are being developed in California because of their strict regulations on “energy efficiency”. Title 24 is strongly encouraging shingle manufacturers to create more “cool” shingles, or they could find themselves, in the not too distant future, not being able to sell shingles in the largest state in the U.S.
But, no matter how reflective the “rocks” on top of the asphalt shingle are, it doesn’t change the fact that it is very bad in a hail storm, heavy, and virtually non-recyclable.
Fortunately, there is a product that offers both longevity and “green” friendly features, and that’s metal roofing.
Metal roofing, if you get the right type, is made from 98% post consumer recycled material, is 100% recyclable, is the most energy efficient roofing available, installs over existing roofing material (eliminating costly tear-off and dump fees), will not rust, rot or crack, never needs cleaning and will last a lifetime.
One of the only draw backs I’ve heard to metal roofing is the look. I’ve heard from homeowners that they don’t want their house to look like a Pizza Hut or a bank. And many “Coventry Laws” in subdivisions don’t allow commercial looking, metal roofing. But, there are some fantastic looking options out there for metal roofing that simulate a “wood shake” or “shingle” look. And, if you are in the right area of South Carolina –along the coast or in the country—there is still still the “standing seam” metal roof option.
When it comes to roofing your home, the most energy efficient, storm protected, longest lasting option, is a metal roofing system by Bauer Roofing. The advantages are enumerable.
We know that cost is an issue with every homeowner. The right metal roofing system will obviously be higher than a standard architectural asphalt shingle. If you have questions about metal roofing, whether it is the look, energy efficiency or the cost, give us a call and let us help give you the resources you need to decide what the best roofing system is for your home.
If you are looking for a Columbia roofing company, please call 803-955-0374 or complete our online request form.