BELFAIR, Wash., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A growing number of homeowners are choosing metal roofs as an investment grade product that builds in value, while providing environmental advantages. The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) is a non-profit dedicated to educating consumers about the benefits of residential metal roofing. Visit MRA (www.metalroofing.com) at the upcoming Greenbuild Expo, Booth 1763.

Here are story ideas relating to this growing industry.

Increasing Demand for Metal Roofs

Eco-friendly products, including metal roofs, are rapidly replacing petroleum-based asphalt shingles. The McGraw-Hill Construction and Analytics(R) survey showed metal roofing now comprises 11% of the residential re-roofing market, more than doubling in just ten years. Demand for metal roofing is expected to increase to 1.4 million squares for new construction in 2009 and 13.4 million squares for repair and remodeling.

Metal Roofs create a Market for Recycled Steel

An old car, dishwasher or refrigerator can be recycled to re-roof a home. All steel roofs contain a minimum of 25% recycled content, and many have a much higher percentage. At the end of its useful life, metal roofing is 100 percent recyclable -- other roofing materials are routinely removed and disposed of by the ton in landfills.

"Green" (and Brown, Blue, Black, Gray, Red or White) Metal Roofs

A metal roof is available in a wide range of colors and styles. Recognizing the roof as the largest design element of their home, trendy consumers have chosen to make a statement with a unique metal roof.

In areas where roofing styles are mandated, homeowners can choose a long-lasting metal roof that has the same appearance as less eco-friendly choices, without the guilt.

Eco-Friendly Roofing Reduces Energy Costs

Tests conducted by the independent Oak Ridge National Laboratories (ORNL) indicate that a cool metal roof can save a homeowner up to 25% in cooling costs compared to a dark-gray asphalt shingle.

ORNL's field tests have shown the combination of venting and increased reflectance can reduce the heat penetrating the roof deck by about 45 percent for stone-coated metal roofs compared to an asphalt shingle roof in certain climates. Ongoing research with standing-seam cool-colored metal roofs is showing similar results.

The Perfect Base for many Eco-Solutions

Photovoltaic Systems and Solar Panels can easily be integrated into metal roof systems, making them an even better choice. Metal roofs can also allow consumers to harvest rainwater for reuse.

SOURCE Metal Roofing Alliance

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