Why is metal roofing suddenly everywhere, not just in the commercial sector, but also gracing your neighbors’ beautiful Tennessee homes? Is the higher upfront investment compared to asphalt shingles worth it in the end?
Let’s cut to the chase. Yes, metal roofing saves energy. If you’re getting ready for a roof replacement, choosing a metal roof can potentially cut your energy bills by up to 40 percent without taking any other steps.
We could actually just leave it there. You have an answer to your question, as well as some others you’ve been wondering about.
You want to know more, though. After all, your new roof is one of the most important investments you’ll make.
What Makes Residential and Commercial Metal Roofing So Energy Efficient?
The simple answer? It’s part materials, part installation.
If you’ve ever left a spoon or knife out in the sun (or, for that matter, keyed your pin code into a slightly dated ATM with metal buttons), you’ll have noticed that metal can get hot in the sun. In that case, it’s only natural to wonder why roofing contractors like to point out that metal roofing reflects a lot of heat, rather than absorbing it and raising the overall temperature on your property.
Even unfinished (bare) metal roofing (including aluminum, zinc, tin, and copper) is much more reflective than asphalt shingles, which absorb heat. With a reflective coating, that energy efficiency only goes up. The relatively small amount of heat your metal roofing does absorb? With an “emissive” granular roof coating, that’ll be bounced right back off your property.
Not all the magic lies in metal roofing materials, though. The way your roofing company installs it also matters. With a batten and counter batten system, the airflow around your roof forms a protective barrier that prevents heat from entering or leaving your space. Compared to shingle roofing, which doesn’t allow for that kind of airflow, that’s pretty cool — in more ways than one.
What Are the Benefits of Metal Roofing in Tennessee?
Metal roofing materials have gained a reputation for being especially helpful in cold climates, where people looking for the right residential or commercial roofing choice are mainly interested in preserving heat inside the building.
How does it stack up in regions with hot summers and relatively mild winters? That’s where reflective coatings shine. Reflective paint or granules — available for commercial metal roofing and beautiful metal shingles designed for homes — can bounce up to 90 percent of the sunlight that hits your roof right back up.
When it gets cold, you’ll still benefit from all the heat-retention benefits metal roofing offers. When it’s hot, you’ll have the freedom to turn your AC down a few notches without losing comfort. If you live in a city like Memphis or Jackson, your metal roof will also help combat the dreaded “heat island” that comes with living in a highly urban area full of asphalt.
Your metal roofing system becomes a key part of your approach to climate control, with results you (and your budget) can enjoy year-round.
Curious About Metal Roofing?
Metal is among the fastest-growing materials in the roofing industry — and that’s no longer just because of commercial properties. More and more homeowners choose gorgeous metal shingles or standing seam panels with reflective finishes, too.
The one thing that holds many people back? The cost. Metal roofing has a hefty price tag, and while that investment eventually pays for itself, it can be a daunting commitment.
Whether you’d like to take advantage of our free consultations or you just want to take a closer look at what a metal roof can do for your Tennessee home or commercial building, let the Titan Roofing & Construction team help today.
