The environment is on everybody’s lips nowadays. It may have taken a while, but better late than never, we say!
Now there’s environmentally-friendly everything – from lightbulbs to showerheads, there’s a green alternative for almost everything you use in your house. Not only does it help protect our natural environment, but it can also save you quite a bit of money at the same time!
So, it should come as no surprise that your roof can also play a role in reducing your impact on our planet.
Metal roofing has a tangible impact on your energy use, among other things. And when it comes to the environment, every little bit counts!
So how exactly can a metal roof help the environment?
In the past, we’ve blogged about common misconceptions that people hold about metal roofs. And one we see pop up time and time again is the belief that a metal roof will make your house hotter.
This couldn’t be further from the truth… in fact, one of the biggest draws of a metal roof is its ability to reflect heat away from your house! While metal does heat up quicker and might feel warmer to touch, metal roofing is one of the best choices you can make for your house.
It might not sound like much, but think about how much you use your air conditioner during the summer months. Now think of how much power that must be using up – according to the Australian government, heating and cooling can account for up to 40% of your overall household electricity usage!
A metal roof can go a long way to reducing your impact on the environment. Less energy used means less greenhouse gases being emitted, reducing your impact on the atmosphere – not to mention, it lightens the load on your wallet too!
Most commercially available metal roofs in Australia are treated with special reflective coatings that make your metal roof even more reflective than other metal roofs – because if there’s one thing Australia is known for, it’s our powerful sun!
COLORBOND Steel is Watermaster Roofing’s roof material of choice. Designed for the harsh Aussie climate, it’s tough, durable, and can last up to 50 years!
Durable COLORBOND Steel absorbs heat, reducing the amount that actually reaches the inside of your home. Your house stays cooler during summer… and that means it’s less reliant on your air conditioning unit.
For those with tiled or shingled roofs, regular washing and maintenance is essential to keep your roof looking its best. In most cases, that means a lot of scrubbing and a lot of water.
Not to mention, it’s potentially dangerous if you go into it without the proper level of protection or safety measures.
But what about homeowners with metal roofs?
Fortunately, metal roofing is very low maintenance. It’s also is tough and resilient.
Additionally, without the nooks and crannies of a tiled roof, mould and algae have a much harder time finding a foothold. In our experience, a properly installed metal roof can easily last 50 years with minimal maintenance!
Australia is highly prone to drought – every single drop of water matters. You might already have a front-loading washing machine, water-saving taps or a rainwater tank. But did you know a metal roof can be a great water-saving feature as well as a fantastic addition to your house?
This is especially true for people with larger houses. A large house means a lot of roof to clean. With a low-maintenance metal roof, you can drastically cut the frequency of roof maintenance… and that can mean a lot of water being saved.
Additionally, since metal roofs can last decades longer than tiles, a home with metal roofing doesn’t need to be re-roofed anywhere near as frequently. And that means less waste going to the tip.
Speaking of waste…
Of course, no roof is indestructible. While a metal roof might last longer than tiles or shingles, the simple fact of the matter is that one day, your metal roof may need replacing.
And when you replace your old roof with a new one, where does the old one go?
The answer: to the tip. Needless to say, this isn’t exactly the best outcome – it’s estimated that up to 40% of all Australia’s waste eventually ends up in landfill. Sustainable materials, however, can drastically cut landfill.
Metal roofing is 100% recyclable. When your metal roof needs to be replaced decades down the line, you can be confident your old roof won’t be dumped in landfill; it will be melted down and reused, reducing the amount of waste that sits in rubbish dumps!
Embracing sustainability in your house is a small but meaningful way of safeguarding our environment for future generations. The fact that it can often save you a pretty penny certainly doesn’t hurt either!
While you mightn’t think of metal roofing as a “green” addition to your home, make no mistake: your roof does influence your environmental impact.
The environmental benefits of metal roofing are clear – from an energy, waste and economic standpoint, they just make sense.
If you are considering an environmentally-friendly roof for your home or next project, Watermaster Roofing is Melbourne’s metal roofing expert. Contact us here or give the team a call today on 1300 576 075 to arrange a no-obligation inspection.