You have heard it before! Metal panels are sustainably sourced, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient? But you may want to know more. What is it about metal roofs that makes them energy efficient? How, exactly, can they help you save on heating and cooling costs? In this blog, we will take a closer look at the energy efficiency of metal roofs and how you can reap their benefits.
Cool Roofs
As you may know, metal roofs come in a vast range of advanced colors and finishes. Some of these paint systems are crafted with highly reflective pigments as well as a high thermal emittance. The reflectivity determines how much energy is reflected away from the roof, while the emittance measures the panels’ ability to release heat it has absorbed. The two combine to create what is known as a “Cool Metal Roof.”. Because there is less heat entering the roof system, there is less heat entering the attic space and the overall home. Resulting in a lower utility load; some studies have even shown a cool metal roof can lower cooling energy costs by as much as 20%!
Above Sheathing Ventilation (ASV)
ASV adds a ventilated airspace between the roofing material and the substrate below. This airspace allows energy to move through the space and vent back into the atmosphere, as opposed to being absorbed by the building. For those who live in hotter climates, ASV can have a massive impact on the amount of energy being absorbed into the home. In fact, studies have shown that an ASV system can keep an attic 5 degrees cooler than ambient air, whereas an attic below a shingled roof tends to be 40 degrees hotter than ambient air. The less heat absorbed into the home, the less you will need to run your cooling system.
Environmentally Friendly
Not just for the home, even the manufacturing process of metal panels is more energy efficient than other roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles. Metal panels are often manufactured from a high percentage of recycled material, and can be RE-recycled after their use. Add on the fact that metal roofs have little to no maintenance required over their span of 60+ years. Meaning less drain on resources overall.
For these reasons and more, metal panels lend themselves to the best that sustainable building has to offer, protecting the earth and your bottom line. Contact our team today to learn more. We will be happy to answer any of your questions at 1.855.838.9393 or info@londonecometal.com!
