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Part 1: Metal Roof and Wall Systems Prove Durable, Cost Effective
Part 2: Metal Roofs Much Improved From Earlier Generations
Part 3: Solar Compatibility, Rainwater Collection Two Benefits of Metal Roofs
Solar Compatibility, Rainwater Collection Two Benefits of Metal Roofs
October 2011 - Roofing
Metal roofs are "solar ready," Bush says. Even if a facility owner isn't planning to install solar panels immediately, the metal roof systems will accommodate them down the road.
In addition, the smooth texture of metal roofs makes them ideal for shedding rainwater. It can be captured in storage tanks, and used for irrigation or other purposes, Kriner says.
Along with their environmental attributes, metal roof and wall systems are available in dozens of standard colors, Bush says. Most providers also can create custom colors. Most are highly reflective and meet Energy Star requirements.
Looking at Life Cycle
While metal roofing and wall systems are more expensive at the outset than other types of building materials, their cost over the long term is quite competitive. For starters, metal has two to three times the service life of other options, Haddock says. "That's huge when you consider that the premium in cost is only 20 to 25 percent. So you can pay an extra 25 percent and have a roof that lasts three times as long." In addition, the lower maintenance costs of metal roofs make them more competitive in the long run.
When a building owner plans to hold the building for at least 20 years, the higher initial cost usually can be justified, Haddock says. "In those situations, metal has a distinct advantage."
Even these initial cost differences are narrowing, Kriner says.
In some cases, a metal roofing structure may run about the same as a built-up roof, once the costs of the insulation and deck needed to support the built-up roofs are factored in, Evers says. "You need to look at the entire structure: the deck, insulation and roof."
In addition, because metal roofs are lighter than many other types of roofs, the structures that support them often can be lighter as well, Evers says. This is one more way that metal roofing and wall systems can save both money and resources.
Comments
rainwatergeek wrote re: Solar Compatibility, Rainwater Collection Two Benefits of Metal Roofs
on 10/8/2011 12:17:19 PM
While metal roofs are preferred, especially for potable rainwater systems, most other roof materials are acceptable with the possible exception of built-up roofs with gravel ballast. Metal roofs do make it easier to flush particulates off the roof in the first moments of a rain event (first flush) keeping the stored water cleaner. The American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association has a lot of good information on their website: www.arcsa.org
Another good source of information on rainwater harvesting, including a link to a study about suitable roof materials can be found at: www.rainwaterharvestingtexas.com
