We are always asked what the benefits of metal roofing are. Due to this, we have compiled a list of five important and beneficial factors that metal roofing will provide to your home or business.

When building owners were asked what matters most in roofing materials, they ranked service life and lifecycle cost first and second. Initial cost ranked ninth out of 10.

This discovery is from a study by Ducker Research Company on the lifecycle costs of low-slope roofing cut across the three leading roofing material categories: metal, asphalt and single-ply. The message is clear: building owners are searching for a roofing system that lasts for many years and saves money over the long term.

Experience demonstrates that a building’s roof system can account for 10% of total construction costs but up to 60% of total lifecycle maintenance costs. Of course, the lifecycle costs of roofing go beyond material and maintenance. Broadly speaking, the choice of a roofing system impacts energy consumption in categories such as heating and cooling, lighting, feasibility of roof-mounted renewable energy, potential for government tax incentives and utility rebates, as well as the market value of the building itself.

Research and product testing, combined with in-the-field experience over four decades, make a solid case for standing-seam metal roof systems. These roof systems offer durability, low maintenance cost, and adaptability to modern trends driving energy efficiency and sustainability in the commercial building sector.

1) Save on Lifecycle Costs

A study that analysed overall life expectancy of metal roofs found that they had an expected service life of 40 years vs. 23 years for asphalt and 20 for single-ply. Another study placed the lifecycle cost of metal roofs at 30 cents per square foot per year, compared with 37 cents for asphalt and 57 cents for single-ply based on expected service life. Owners recorded spending 3.5% of total installed costs on maintenance for metal roofs vs. 28.5% for asphalt and 19% for single-ply over the expected service life.

Inherent qualities of metal roofs help account for these differences. Today’s standing-seam metal roof systems are proven to supply weathertight performance for 40 years or more. The roof acts as a monolithic steel surface covering the entire building.

Attributes of these roofs can include:

– Roof clips that securely hold the roof panels to the structural members, with the flexibility for the panels to move with expansion and contraction caused by daily and seasonal temperature changes
– Weathertight sealing, with 180 degrees of the roof panel seam field-rolled to complete a 360-degree Pittsburgh double-lock seam, also impregnated with sealant
– Factory punching to ensure proper alignment of the roof panels, paired with heavy-duty fasteners
– Splices staggered to prevent exposed seams and leak points that are located directly over supporting steel to withstand foot traffic and snow loads
– Steel-rod bracing that will not stretch or sag, allowing the roof to retain its original strength and tightness
– Roof curbs and openings engineered at the factory and fasteners concealed inside the curbs to eliminate leak.

These metal roofs in many cases can be applied directly over aging asphalt, single-ply, or metal roofs to restore weathertight conditions and provide long-term building protection.

2) Conserve Energy

Although durability and low maintenance help keep long-term costs down, a sound roof design also helps save energy and generate substantial savings over a building’s life. As part of a tested assembly, a standing-seam roof system can result in energy savings of up to 40%.

The roof is often the least energy efficient part of a building. Heating and cooling typically consume about 30% of a building’s energy, and half of that results from heated or cooled air lost through the roof. A well-designed and properly installed roof helps reduce those losses and maintain more consistent interior temperatures.

3) Reduce Air Conditioning

Metal roof systems can also function as cool roofs, assisting owners save money by repelling, rather than absorbing, the sun’s heat during summer. This can ultimately cut down air conditioning costs.

Roofs painted in light colours reflect more solar radiation and reduce the roof temperature. Infrared reflective pigments allow roofs to reflect significant sunlight even when darker paints are used. In addition, on over cast days or after sunset, metal roofs give up their heat faster than other roofing materials.

Cool metal roofs perform well even when compared with white membrane roofing. Studies show that a metal roof system is more effective than conventional roofs in reflecting the sun’s rays and in preventing solar heat transfer into a building.

4) Add Sustainability

Renewable energy plays a growing role in buildings, and the potential for rooftop renewables is great. A Renewable Energy Laboratory has estimated that some 67 percent of commercial buildings have rooftops available for solar water heating. Whether for thermal energy or electricity, quality metal roofs accommodate solar panels without requiring penetrations that could compromise roof integrity.

Steel roofing is also 100% recyclable, and the steel in a new or retrofit roof will contain 25-28% recycled content. Conventional roofing materials, on the other hand, are frequently disposed of in landfills and sometimes classified as hazardous waste.

5) Improve Property Value

Roofs that improve energy performance not only save on monthly utility bills, but they can also help buildings command higher rents and selling prices. Markets are taking notice that energy efficient buildings carry economic advantages. For example, studies show that rent premiums for ENERGY STAR-certified office buildings can range from 5-8.5%, while resale premiums for such buildings can range from 13-26%.

Metal roofing systems can add value to buildings and renovations on many levels, from proven longevity and reliable weather protection to energy code compliance, operational savings, carbon emission reduction, enhanced occupant comfort, and higher property values.

Metal Deck are based in Kirrawee and have installed and supplied metal roofing materials to the Sutherland Shire and Greater Sydney region for years. You can trust our expertise to help you find the best product that your home or business requires.

If you’ve got any questions don’t hesitate to give us a call!

For Metal Roofing Installation Services Call: (02) 9545 6100
For Metal Roofing Supplys Services Call: (02) 9545 4800