Honors are awarded for project appearance, performance and originality/use of materials.

The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) www.metalroofing.com announced it has selected two winners for this quarter’s Best Residential Metal Roofing Project competition — outstanding projects that demonstrate the benefits of metal roofing for every region and every season.

This quarter’s winners are from opposite ends of the country, and they represent the wide variety of climate extremes and styles that are common to their areas. From hurricane to wildfire country, the winning homes are similar only in the need to maximize protection, longevity and reliability. For these reasons, metal roofing was the material of choice for these two outstanding projects.

MRA Best Residential Metal Roofing winning project #1 for Q3: Re-roofing project in Anna Maria, Florida installed by Blue Vision Roofing Inc. 

Complexity was the name of the game for this beautiful project, but durability is the end result. Inspired to replace their older metal roof in order to match a newly-built addition, the owners needed no convincing that a new standing seam metal roof was the right choice for their home. Their old roof had withstood multiple hurricanes and was still in good shape after 25 years, so the owners trusted their new galvalume metal roof would also stand the test of time as well as extreme high winds and hurricanes without issue.

Other benefits of the new metal roof included a low maintenance, concealed fastened standing seam system, which is designed to keep the home protected and prevent rust, given the home is just feet away from the coastline.

The gorgeous silver color and high performance coating also is energy efficient and adds excellent curb appeal. The material was rolled and cut onsite by Sunshine Metal Supply and expertly installed by Blue Vision Roofing.

“Just like every other home we work on, we brought integrity and honest workmanship to ensure the homeowner was pleased with their new standing seam roof,” said Antonio Plancarte of Blue Vision. “For us, our customers’ vision truly is our mission.” 

MRA Best Residential Metal Roofing winning project #2 for Q3: Re-roofing project in Maple Valley, Washington, installed by Mountaintop Metal Roofing 

The second winning project for this quarter’s competition is a master of disguise. The beautiful new roof might look like a traditional wood shake roof that is so prevalent in the Pacific Northwest, but it is much safer and more durable.

The homeowners chose a metal roof to reduce the high maintenance and wildfire dangers that come with a cedar shake roof. With so many angles, valleys and ridges (45 different roof planes in total), this project required serious skill and expertise. In the end, the owners were thrilled about the longevity, look and fire resistance provided by their new metal roof. 

Manufactured by Classic Metal Roof, the new roof demonstrates the great style flexibility that metal roofing can offer. Called “The Great American Shake,” the metal shingles resemble the look of cedar shake so closely, it takes an expert eye to tell the difference.

“We enjoy every project we do but every now and again you get a special project. This roof was definitely one of our favorite roofs to complete,” said Jon Sanders of Mountaintop Metal Roofing. “It turned out absolutely beautiful and our customers will never have to worry about their roof again.”

With this phase of the competition now closed, the search is on for MRA’s Best Residential Metal Roofing project for the fourth quarter of 2025. Open to U.S. and Canada homeowners, contractors, installers and manufacturers, MRA partners with MetalCoffeeShop to select an outstanding metal roofing project based on entries received each quarter. Honors are awarded for project appearance, performance and originality/use of materials. Interested participants can find information about how to enter and competition rules online at MetalCoffeeShop. 

About the MRA

Representing the residential metal roofing industry in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofing. For more information about MRA membership, residential metal roofing resources and tools, visit MRA at www.metalroofing.com.

Nestled above the rolling Malibu Hills in scenic Southern California, this property featuring an amazing metal roof defines what it means to blend sleek modern design with lush, organic landscaping.  

Editor’s note: This summary is sourced from an in-depth article originally authored by Sarah Akkoush at Dwell magazine.   

Bata and Rose Mataja knew they wanted a home that reflected their love for art and design when choosing their sprawling 32-acre lot high above the Malibu Hills along the Californian coast.  

The 32-acre lot was not much of a stunner back then, they explain. In those days, the area was all but deserted and undeveloped. A clean slate. In love with the seclusion and natural beauty of the lot, they saw an opportunity to create the home of their dreams, nestled among the dramatic rock formations and lush greenery overlooking the city and ocean beyond. 

Enlisting the help of contractors Hagy Belzberg and George Wittman, Bata began the process of bringing his dream to life. Inspired by the works of Albert Frey, he wanted a design that both felt like a gorgeous work of art, but at its core, still felt like a family home. The result? A stunning, modern testament to the imagination of humankind. Boasting a hefty 4,500 cubic yards of concrete used in the structural design, endless glass windows spanning nearly the entirety of the walls and an impressive metal roof.  

For the sturdy, striking metal roof that also provides exceptional wildfire protection, the pair brought in installer Pacific Metal Roofing and manufacturer Taylor Metal Products. The result: a 10,460 square-foot Versa-Span roofing system with 18” wide panels with 1¾” standing seams. Bata shared, "All the angles are amazing. It's kind of a roofer's nightmare, but that's why the roofers were spectacular. They handled it incredibly."  

Read the full piece on this stunning feat of modern engineering and design from Dwell, sponsored by the MRA.

Image source: Modern Tales Media

By Emma Peterson. 

Catch up on what’s been happening during the roofing world’s busiest season.  

For many homeowners, summer is the relaxing season – full of long evenings enjoying the warm weather and sunny weekends exploring their neighborhoods. But for contractors in the roofing industry, summer is called construction season because of how busy it is. And just like the contractors we connect you too, summer has been a busy time for us here at AskARoofer.  

One of the big topics that was talked about this month was all the products and materials that are making homes stronger than ever. In the second-most read article of the month, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) dove into how advanced construction techniques can enhance durability and safety of a home. In this article, they used Hunters Point, an 86-home community in Cortez, Florida as an example because the longer-lasting, resilient and durable metal roofs in the community helped them endure Hurricane Helene.  

Also on the topic of making homes stronger, Rocky Mountain Snow Guards shared an article about snow guards and how they have grown  from purely functional roofing accessories to aesthetic ones too, “Beyond their essential role in safety and functionality, these systems are now celebrated for their ability to elevate a roof’s appearance and, by extension, the entire home’s exterior.”  

And if you are interested in reading about more materials that have evolved over the years like snow guards, Miguel Jacinto from Renoworks wrote an article that breaks down all you need to know about modern roofing materials and when to use them. 

Read the top article of July 2025:  

5 - Kicking off a roofing project the right way with these must ask questions by Metal Roofing Alliance 

4 - Entering a new age of residential roofing materials by Miguel Jacinto, Renoworks 

3 - Adding elegance above: The aesthetic advantages of snow guards and snow retention systems by Rocky Mountain Snow Guards 

2 - FEMA highlights Florida community as trailblazer for surviving monster hurricanes with better building practices 

1 - The Home Depot enters into agreement for SRS Distribution to acquire GMS

Hunters Point, an 86-home community in Cortez, survived extreme conditions thanks to advanced construction techniques used to enhance durability and safety.

During Hurricane Milton in 2024, winds in Cortez reached up to 110 mph, causing significant damage as the storm impacted the area. It was the same when Hurricane Helene also struck that fall. Overall, the damage caused by both were among the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. 

Yet while hundreds of thousands in Florida and the Gulf Coast were hit hard, one pioneering community weathered the storms virtually unscathed. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) highlights Hunters Point, an 86-home community in Cortez, for its ability to survive such extreme conditions, thanks to advanced construction techniques used to enhance durability and safety.

In a case study, FEMA spotlights Hunters Point design and construction features that allowed it to stand up to extreme winds and hurricane conditions, including:

The use of hurricane-resistant materials

Hunters Point roofs are constructed from steel, which have been proven to be longer-lasting, resilient and durable against wind uplift. Installed correctly, quality metal roofs are rated to withstand up to F2 tornado wind speeds (F-scale stands for the Fujita Scale of Tornado Intensity, with F2 equaling wind speeds of 113-157 mph). They also resist leaks and are much less likely to puncture, tear or crack. 

The FEMA case study offers additional proof that metal roofs are far better suited to Florida and the Gulf Coast’s climate and threat of monster storms. According to Florida officials at a hearing of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, asphalt shingle roofs — the most common type of roof in the U.S., including in the Gulf Coast region — only provide full protection against hurricane winds until they are about 10 years old. 

FEMA points to other materials such as steel straps connecting each floor that create a continuous load path to enhance the building's ability to withstand high winds and windows equipped with hurricane-grade impact-resistant glass, as key features. The homes also are framed using two-by-six lumber instead of the standard two-by-fours, enhancing structural strength. 

Elevation, structural integrity and power storage

According to FEMA, other factors that make Hunters Point resilient include being built 16 feet above the flood zone, significantly reducing the risk of flood damage. The homes’ solar panel systems are capable of providing and storing power for up to 10 days—essential during power outages and grid failures.

FEMA’s Hunters Point analysis highlights that “it is possible to build communities capable of withstanding extreme weather events.” And they don’t have to cost much more. As FEMA states, “the foresight shown by Hunters Point proves that there are affordable and highly cost-effective strategies that communities, local governments, landowners, developers and tenants can put into practice.”

For more information, visit Hunters Point: Leading the Charge in Hurricane Resilience | FEMA.gov and for guidance about how metal roofs can help homeowners weather severe climate conditions in their region, visit www.metalroofing.com. For additional homeowner testimonials about how to incorporate building practices that will survive hurricane threats, visit https://metalroofing.com/why-metal-roofing/testimonials/

About the MRA

Representing the residential metal roofing industry in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofing. For more information about MRA membership, residential metal roofing resources and tools, visit MRA at www.metalroofing.com.

Cool roofs cut energy use, curb greenhouse gas emissions and reduce heat-related illnesses and deaths.

As the part of a home subjected to the brunt of the most intense sun rays, it only makes sense that if you want to make a major difference in keeping your home cooler in the summer, you better pay attention to what you put on your roof. 

More states are recognizing the value of cool roofs: In Atlanta, Georgia, an ordinance encouraging the use of lighter color and high-tech roof coatings on materials like metal that are designed to reflect solar was just adopted as a way to make an astounding difference. As Atlanta council member Liliana Bakhtiari, who introduced the proposal put it, “The science behind it shows that if we hit 80% coverage, it would actually reduce the city's overall temperature by 2.5 degrees.” 

Several states are actively considering or have already adopted cool roof requirements. According to AI, California has the most stringent requirements, and other states like Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii and Texas also have cool roof provisions. Hawaii is specifically looking to align its cool roof standards with California's, according to Facilitiesnet. Despite the opposition, Baltimore passed a cool-roof ordinance in 2023. In some regions like Florida, it’s not just city and statewide efforts: local neighborhood residents are lobbying their HOAs to change outdated rules to allow for more efficient, cooler metal roofs which also offer better longevity and durability benefits. 

It's a fact that the U.S. Department of Energy has recognized for a long time: Lighter-colored and cool roofs can reduce the roof temperatures by as much as 50 degrees. Cool roofs cut energy use, curb greenhouse gas emissions and reduce heat-related illnesses and deaths. One recent study found that reflective roofs could have saved the lives of more than 240 people who died in London’s 2018 heatwave.

Dark forces, debates and the question of color

While the adoption of cool roofs is encouraging, recent reports of a “dark force” lobbying effort advocating against cool lighter-color roofs has reputedly led to the roll back of more efficient roofing in places like Tennessee and Denver. The group is now targeting national professional energy efficiency codes – the standards that many cities and states use to set building regulations.

There’s no doubt roof color matters. According to the Guardian article, study after study has confirmed the benefits of light-colored roofs. They save energy, lower air-conditioning bills and reduce city temperatures. They help prevent heat-related illnesses. And they typically cost no more than dark roofs.

However, color isn’t the only thing that makes a difference. So too does materials and installation methods. Members of the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), a leading nonprofit trade organization, point to high tech coatings and paints that can substantially increase efficiency due to their high solar reflectivity. That means with metal, homeowners can choose the darker color roof they may prefer, without sacrificing cool roof capabilities designed to help save energy and stay cooler. 
To comprehend how metal roofing with these coatings may increase efficiency, the first step is to understand the sun’s energy, which is divided into UV, Visible and Infrared rays. Infrared, non-visible rays make up the biggest majority, and they produce heat. UV rays (non-visible, cannot be felt, yet can cause wear and tear on building materials) and visible rays account for the rest.

While even basic, unpainted metal roofs will reflect more solar radiation than asphalt roofs, by choosing the proper colors and coatings, low-glare metal roofs reflect mostly non-visible, infrared and UV rays, the kind that produce the most heat and are the most damaging. And by re-emitting as much as 85 percent of solar heat gain to help keep homes cooler, even darker color metal roofs will help lower home temperatures during sizzling summer weather.

“Today’s metal roofing styles come in a variety of surface finishes, profiles, textures and substrates and high-performing paint colors,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. “Metal roofs look and perform beautifully because they work to reflect and re-emit heat caused by mostly non-visible rays.”

It’s a fact that home builder and YouTube influencer Matt Risinger highlights at his own home in Austin, Texas, which he built with a dark color metal roof. In a recent video, he points to the efficiency of his new roof as one of its major benefits. “In the (paint) pigments, we can get a solar reflectivity index number that’s very high, and that’s not easy to do for asphalt shingles.”

For more information about how to achieve great curb appeal without sacrificing cool roof efficiency or savings, download a free copy of MRA’s Metal Roofing Buyer’s Guide at https://metalroofing.com/wp-content/uploads/MRA-Buyers-Guide-v2024-05.pdf.

About the MRA

Representing the residential metal roofing industry in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofing. For more information about MRA membership, residential metal roofing resources and tools, visit MRA at www.metalroofing.com.

By Metal Roofing Alliance. 

This essential list of questions should be answered by contractors before starting a reroofing project to keep everyone on the same page.  

A reroofing project is a big endeavor, and it’s one that many homeowners should only go through once or twice in their lifetime if done correctly. It can be intimidating, especially with the number of decisions that need to be made throughout the process. That’s why it's crucial to make sure both the contractor and homeowner are on the same page before any work starts. This ensures that the homeowner is confident in the investment they are making in their home, and the installer is armed with the information needed to make sure the job is done correctly.  

This can feel a bit uncomfortable for some, especially because the parties involved are probably just now getting to know each other. But Renee Ramey, the Metal Roofing Alliance executive director, says it's well worth the awkwardness. She shared, “It’s true that even the best quality roofing material is only as good as the installation. Credible pros will welcome the opportunity to answer questions and should be happy to provide as much information as you need to help you feel confident about your decision.”  

The first question that needs to be answered pertains to what roofing material will work best for the homeowner’s roof, given their regional climate conditions, performance needs and priorities (sustainability and energy efficiency, for example), style preferences and more. Trade organizations including MRA offer free guides and resources to help compare and learn more about different types of roofing materials and quality installation practices.  

Determining material preference is key because it helps narrow down the list of installers and contractors to choose from as some installers may only be experienced or prefer dealing with a certain type of material. Once a material is decided upon, the homeowner should talk to at least three installers to compare bids, experience, project details and claims.  

Here are some key questions to cover during that conversation:  

• How long has your company been in business?  
• What kind of licensure, bonds and insurance does your crew have?  
• What experience do you have working with the preferred roofing materials? 
• Can you show three project examples and references from recent jobs? 
• What processes are there for protecting the property, home and landscaping beyond the roof during the project? 
• What is the brand/manufacturer of the materials you use? How long have they been in business and how long have you been working with them? What is their track record? 
• What kind of product and installation warranties are offered, are they transferrable, and how long is the product guaranteed to last? 
• What verifiable safety, performance and environmental standards, testing and regulations does the manufacturer adhere to? 
• What type of performance ratings does the product have for conditions such as severe weather and fire protection? 
• What customer service support is available if an issue, problem or question arises? 
• Does the manufacturer have favorable reviews from other customers and credible third-party business rating organizations?  
• Are they members of industry-leading trade organizations, such as the MRA?  

For homeowners, it is important to beware of any contractor who demands cash or full payment upfront, has no physical address or identification, steers you to a specific lender or tries to act as the intermediary by asking to file insurance claims on your behalf or wants your personal financial information prior to starting the process. Verify their web and physical address, look up online reviews and ask for references, get cost estimates, schedules and other agreements in writing (in advance) and ensure they have the right permits.  

For contractors, make sure to check in with the homeowner throughout the process. This is important for helping them feel confident and secure. It is also the prime time to find out about things like HOA design rules and requirements before the project starts and problems crop up. 

Original article and photo source: Metal Roofing Alliance

Two homeowners in the heart of hurricane zone say their home is living proof.

In the home improvement and construction industry, the buzz is all about home “hardening” and making homes more resilient in order to better withstand climate extremes. 

That’s especially true in places like Florida and the Gulf coast, where the costs of having to repair, rebuild and replace after monster storms and hurricane seasons now total in the tens of billions of dollars. It’s an issue that’s causing massive spikes in insurance premium costs and making some officials question whether traditional materials such as asphalt roofs are even appropriate in places like Florida, given their substandard performance in severe climate conditions. 

But does using stronger and better materials and building practices really pay off? For homeowners such as David and Rita Daniell who have lived for 40 years on the Gulf coast in Fairhope, Ala., the answer is unequivocally yes. And they should know. Having not only lived through multiple hurricanes and been forced to repeatedly replace the asphalt shingle roofs on previous homes; David Daniell also is a lawyer who works in construction and condominium law.

“I’ve worked after every hurricane since 1985. I’ve looked at a lot of different types of failures of roofs after severe storms and hurricane events,” he said.

Undoubtedly, David has plenty of both personal and professional experience with how asphalt roofing shingles simply don’t hold up in severe storms and hurricanes. So the last time David and Rita needed to replace the roof on their Mobile Bay home, they decided to install a quality metal roof from MRA member Metal Roofing Headquarters. By doing so, their new roof has helped them mitigate risk and saved their home from damage, replacement and repair costs. It’s even reduced their ongoing maintenance costs, making it an even better value. See the Daniell’s story here https://metalroofing.com/why-metal-roofing/testimonials/

“We replaced with metal and never had trouble again,” said David. “High hurricane winds represent a serious threat, so anything a homeowner can do to minimize that risk, such as installing a metal roof, is worth the time and effort. The only thing I would have done differently is gone with the metal roof originally.”

For complete details and more information about resilient, long-lasting residential metal roofing, the free MRA Residential Buyer’s Guide is available at https://metalroofing.com/wp-content/uploads/MRA-Buyers-Guide-v2024-05.pdf.

About the MRA

Representing the residential metal roofing industry in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofing. For more information about MRA membership, residential metal roofing resources and tools, visit MRA at www.metalroofing.com.

By Metal Roofing Alliance.  

Enact change through interactive projects with your community to combat climate change.

On April 22 each year, Americans celebrate Earth Day, a holiday which serves a reminder of the beauty of Mother Nature and to give back by participating in green initiatives in your community. With climate action being the spearheading focus of the day, this is a great opportunity to gather members of your community or family to come together and enact sustainable changes that will make a difference for the environment! Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) shares seven ideas for participating in Earth Day through home improvements.  

1 - Start at the top

Choosing the right kind of roof can help lower annual energy use by as much as 40 percent. According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, better performing metal roofs, called “Cool Roofs,” are ENERGY STAR qualified and can emit as much as 85 percent of solar heat gain to help keep homes cooler. Even unpainted, basic metal roofs are more energy efficient than asphalt. Homeowners can also earn a tax credit through the end of 2020 by choosing a qualified, energy efficient metal roof while saving energy for years to come.

“How to best reduce solar heat gain is a hot topic for homeowners right now,” said Mark Gallant of DECRA Metal Roofing, a leading U.S. manufacturer of stone coated metal roofing and MRA member. “Research shows that high performing metal roofs can have a very significant impact on lowering temperatures and saving energy.”

2 - Harness renewable energy resources

Re-roofing also is a great time to consider ways to be more energy independent and harness a renewable resource by adding solar panels. Metal roofs are the optimal choice for rooftop solar systems because they are made to outlast the panels themselves, helping protect an investment in solar over the long run.

3 - Insulate wisely

Picking more sustainable, better performing building materials is only one half of the battle. Proper installation and insulation are also key. Heating and air conditioning account for almost half of home energy use, so be sure to seal up drafts and insulate crawlspaces, walls and attics.

4 - Go with energy efficient options

Today’s more efficient home appliances and improvement products can save a tremendous amount of energy as compared to older models. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, since national efficiency standards were implemented in 1987, these improvements have helped keep 2.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide out of the air, equivalent to the annual carbon pollution produced by nearly 440 million cars. It’s easier than ever to shop for refrigerators, washing machines and other appliances that have the ENERGY STAR label. In many cases, more efficient models won’t cost extra, yet will work to help save energy and money with every use.

5 - Choose recycled/recyclable materials

There’s a tremendous amount of energy consumed by manufacturing virgin, single use materials, in addition to the massive contribution to landfills at the end of their life span. Choose recycled and recyclable materials that can be used over and over again at the end of their long life, such as metal roofs instead of petroleum-based asphalt that has a shorter lifespan and has to be dumped into the landfill when it wears out. Reclaimed wood products and other smart environmental choices also help eliminate the need for manufacturing virgin resources.

6 - Make a big difference with small steps

Creating more sustainable household habits can have a big impact. For example, reduce food waste by consuming what you buy. Nearly 10 percent of U.S. energy use goes into growing, processing, packaging, and shipping food of which 40 percent winds up in the landfill. Cutting down on water use saves the energy it takes to pump, heat and treat water. According to the EPA, if just one out of every 100 homes were retrofitted with water-efficient fixtures, it would save 80,000 tons of global warming pollution annually. Unplug appliances and devices when not in use because even when they aren’t on or charging, they contribute to “idle load” which adds up to the output of 50 large power plants in the U.S.

7 - Think small and mighty

Smaller, more compact homes with reduced footprints are often more sustainable and cost less to maintain over the short and long run. Rethink the amount of square footage you actually need, and keep in mind that larger homes require a lot more when it comes to not only heating and cooling but renovating and remodeling resources, all of which have an impact on the environment. Along those lines, use high quality, durable, longer lasting materials that require less repair and replacement and will better protect against the increasing threat of climate extremes.

Original article and image source: Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA)

For more than two years, the survey has taken the pulse of the reroofing industry and continues to serve as a regular barometer of the industry’s business conditions.

The National Roofing Contractors Association encourages roofing professionals to join industry trade associations representing contractors, consultants and manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada in taking part in the latest Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing to evaluate business conditions during the first quarter of 2025.

For more than two years, the survey has taken the pulse of the reroofing industry and continues to serve as a regular barometer of the industry’s business conditions. By asking a handful of business questions and measuring responses across several demographics, the survey helps give an indication of the reroofing market’s strength and trajectory. Your response provides valuable insight.

The results of the Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing are made available to all survey participants via an online dashboard that enables users to filter results by region and other metrics.

For the previous survey that measured business activity during the fourth quarter of 2024, 78% of responses came from roofing contractors and 22% came from roof consultants.

The survey is an industrywide effort to collect information about the reroofing market spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations, including the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, Chemical Fabrics & Film Assocation Inc., EPDM Roofing Association, International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, Metal Construction Association, Metal Roofing Alliance, National Roofing Contractors Association, National Women in Roofing, Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association and Single Ply Roofing Industry.

The Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing is available at bit.ly/RoofingSurvey. Survey responses may be submitted through April 14.

About the NRCA

Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit nrca.net.

Sustainability starts at home with every improvement decision homeowners make. 

That’s the timely message from the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) www.metalroofing.com during Earth Day month, which also happens to coincide with the start of the busy spring re-roofing season.  For homeowners looking to increase their sustainability, now is an ideal time to separate the facts from the myths about how the roof they choose may impact the planet. 

Earth Day myth 1: My old roof can be recycled when it’s replaced

Truth: The ability to recycle old roofing material depends on what your existing roof is made of. It is estimated that more than 13 million tons of asphalt shingles get dumped in landfills each year. Even “innovative” new manufacturing attempts to solve the asphalt shingle roofing recycling problem are estimated to only contain about 15 percent recycled materials (and just as concerning, performance and longevity standards have yet to be proven). And not all regions or states offer asphalt recycling capabilities. 

By contrast, metal roofs are 100 percent recyclable at the end of their very long life. Metal has an infinite ability to be recycled, meaning it has an unlimited lifespan. It is one of the only materials in the world that can be recycled again and again, without compromising its qualities.

Earth Day myth 2: Waste isn’t as big of a problem since today’s modern roofs last a long time, right?

Truth: Wrong. In fact, in states like Florida that are prone to extreme weather such as hurricanes, officials have raised concerns that asphalt roofs only provide protection against hurricane winds until they are about 10 years old https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida/2025/02/09/asphalt-shingle-roofs-florida/. Degradation from the sun also weakens asphalt shingles, which are petroleum based. 

The good news is there are roofs available designed to last up to 50-plus years and are rated to withstand extreme, tornado-force winds and intense sun rays. Metal roofs have been known to last homeowners for a lifetime, which greatly reduces the environmental impact (and expense) of having to replace a failed or damaged roof repeatedly. 

Earth Day myth 3: So, tear-off waste is the biggest environmental problem with replacing roofs

Truth: There are other, more invisible environmental issues with commonly-used roofing materials that homeowners may not realize. A recent Yale study https://news.yale.edu/2020/09/02/asphalt-adds-air-pollution-especially-hot-sunny-days shows that asphalt-related emissions from roads and roofing add significantly to air pollution, especially on hot and sunny days. In fact, asphalt — commonly found on the roofs of millions of homes and millions of miles of roads in the U.S. and Canada — can create urban air pollution that is comparable to motor vehicle emissions.

Earth Day myth 4: My roof’s only purpose is to protect my home

Truth: With a little planning, a residential roof can perform a myriad of functions designed to lessen environmental impacts and increase home efficiency. 

For example, metal roofs are the perfect platform for rooftop solar systems, since the panels can attach via clips and fasteners easily (no penetrations to the roof decking required, which prevents possible future leaks and damage) and they last far longer than solar panels themselves. That means, you won’t need to replace the roof before the panels.

Metal roofs also are a great solution for rainwater collection systems https://metalroofing.com/news/rain-rainthis-season-homeowners-with-rooftop-rain-harvesting-systems-say-bring-it-on/. Compared to other materials, metal roofs have much lower concentrations of dissolved organic carbon and other bacteria. That’s because metal roofs are often coated in anti-microbial paint systems, meaning they will shed larger organic matter more quickly and don’t have cracks and crevices that may allow harmful microorganisms to grow. 

Some experts warn that older shingled (asphalt) roofs made before 1980 may contain asbestos which is hazardous if disturbed. Even if your shingles are new, not all varieties are safe for water collection and can leach contaminants and large chunks of grit (rainwater harvested from any type of roof, including metal, should always be filtered and decontaminated before use). 

Earth Day myth 5: A more sustainable roof is good for the environment, but it won’t really make a difference in the comfort and care of my home

Truth: Choosing the right materials, coatings and installation methods when replacing a roof makes a major difference not only for increased sustainability, but comfort. It also adds up to real dollars and cents. Known as “Cool Roofs,” research indicates that homeowners can save on annual energy and air conditioning costs by simply selecting the right type of roof, like a quality metal roof with high tech coatings and paying attention to proper installation practices. They also reduce the need for harsh, environmentally damaging maintenance and cleaning techniques and can be simply maintained using a gentle solution of mild soap and water.

“Metal roofing is a time-tested solution,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. “Homeowners who choose quality metal roofs are not only helping reduce environmental impacts but are improving the performance of their home as well.”

About Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA)

Representing metal roofing manufacturers in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofs. The main objective of MRA is to increase awareness of the beauty, durability and money-saving advantages of quality metal roofs among homeowners, as well as to provide support for metal roofing businesses and contractors. For more information, visit MRA.