Choosing the Right Roofing Material
Discover how your choice of roofing materials, such as aluminum, asphalt, and steel, impacts energy efficiency and sustainability
- By Super Siders
- Roofing
When it comes to selecting the right roofing material for your home, there are many factors to consider, including durability, aesthetics, cost, and environmental impact. In recent years, sustainability and energy efficiency have become increasingly important in homeowners’ decision-making processes. This blog will explore the differences between some common roofing materials—aluminum, asphalt, and steel—with a particular focus on how they contribute to energy efficiency and sustainability.
Aluminum Roofing: A Sustainable Choice
Aluminum roofing stands out as a highly sustainable option. One of the key advantages of aluminum is its energy efficiency during recycling. Recycling aluminum requires significantly less energy compared to producing new aluminum from raw materials. In fact, recycling aluminum uses about 95% less energy than the production process for new aluminum. This makes aluminum roofing a greener choice, especially when compared to other materials like asphalt and steel.
When you choose PermaLock Aluminum Shingles, you’re opting for a roofing material that not only offers longevity and durability but also aligns with sustainable practices. These shingles are designed to last a lifetime, reducing the need for frequent replacements, which further minimizes environmental impact. Additionally, aluminum’s light weight reduces the energy required for transportation and installation, making it an energy-efficient option throughout its lifecycle.
Asphalt Shingles: Common but Challenging
Asphalt shingles are one of the most commonly used roofing materials in North America, largely due to their affordability and ease of installation. However, they present significant environmental challenges. The production of asphalt shingles is energy-intensive, involving the extraction and processing of raw materials, which consumes substantial energy.
Moreover, asphalt shingles have a relatively short lifespan, often needing replacement every 15 to 30 years. This not only increases the energy and resources required for new production but also contributes to the growing problem of construction waste in landfills. Old asphalt shingles are typically not recyclable, which exacerbates their environmental impact.
While asphalt shingles remain a popular choice due to their low upfront cost, homeowners increasingly recognize the long-term environmental and energy costs associated with them.
Steel Roofing: Durable but Energy-Intensive
Steel is another durable roofing material that is often chosen for its strength and longevity. Steel roofing can last 40 to 70 years, making it a long-term investment for homeowners. Additionally, steel is recyclable, which is a positive factor when considering sustainability.
However, the production process for steel is highly energy-intensive. Extracting iron ore and converting it into steel requires substantial energy inputs. While steel can be recycled, the recycling process itself is more energy-consuming compared to aluminum. This makes steel less energy-efficient overall, despite its recyclability and durability.
For homeowners focused on sustainability, steel might not be the best choice, especially when there are alternatives like aluminum that offer similar benefits with a much lower environmental impact.
The Impact of Roofing on Energy Efficiency
Beyond the sustainability of the materials themselves, the type of roofing material you choose can also affect your home’s energy efficiency. For example, PermaLock Aluminum Shingles have reflective properties that help reduce the amount of heat absorbed by your home, which can lower cooling costs in the summer. This makes aluminum an excellent choice for homeowners looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency.
Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, tend to absorb heat, which can increase cooling costs, especially in warmer climates. Steel roofing offers some energy efficiency benefits due to its reflective surface, but as mentioned earlier, its overall energy consumption during production and recycling is higher than that of aluminum.
Making the Right Choice
When choosing a roofing material, it’s important to consider more than just the upfront cost. Durability, energy efficiency, and sustainability should all play a role in your decision-making process.
Aluminum roofing, particularly PermaLock Aluminum Shingles, offers a compelling combination of long-term durability, energy efficiency, and sustainability. While asphalt and steel roofing have their advantages, they come with higher environmental and energy costs.
By choosing the right material for your roof, you can enhance your home’s energy efficiency, reduce your environmental footprint, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
