A winner for the final quarter of 2021 has been chosen! 

A beautiful home renovation project in Portland, Oregon, that achieved a stunning combination of impressive performance and aesthetics has been selected by the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) as its 4th quarter and final winner of its Best Residential Metal Roofing Project competition for 2021.

The inspiration behind the home’s beautiful metal roof was a desire by the homeowner to completely rebuild and renovate their 1910 home in a way that maintained its original clean lines while incorporating best performing building materials. Given the home’s location in a region that receives heavy rain and moisture in the winter and spring, but has hot, dry summers that make wildfire danger a serious threat, low maintenance and protective metal roofing turned out to be the perfect choice.

The beautiful dark standing seam metal roof complements the home’s clean lines with its unique Northwest modern style and provides maximum peace of mind, especially given the home’s site is surrounded by trees. 

“This project demonstrates how choosing a quality metal roof can accentuate great architectural design and offer easy to care for, low maintenance protection for many years to come,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. “The homeowners are thrilled with their choice. They appreciate their new roof so much, they also decided to use metal for siding on the upper story and chose metal roofing for their second home on the Oregon Coast as well.”

With the final 2021 quarterly winner selected, the 2022 Q-1 competition for MRA’s Best Residential Metal Roofing competition is now open and the Alliance is kicking off some exciting new changes this year. The quarterly competition is open to all homeowners as well as builders, contractors and roofing installers in the U.S. and Canada (where allowable) who believe their metal roof project is the best based on either performance, style or both.

The MRA is offering a $300 cash prize to each quarter’s winner and will showcase them in the organization’s marketing efforts. To enter MRA’s 2022 Best Residential Metal Roofing competition, simply upload a photo and a short project description here. For updated rules and more information, visit www.metalroofing.com.

About Metal Roofing Alliance (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. The main objective of MRA is to increase awareness of the beauty, durability, and money-saving advantages of quality metal roofing among homeowners, as well as to provide support to the residential metal roofing industry. For more information, visit MRA at www.metalroofing.com.

By Lauren White, RCS Editor. 

As consumers’ desire for more resilient roofing options increase, so do metal roof sales.  

Metal roofing is having a moment. It’s growing popularity is not only due to consumer demand for resilient roofing, but also because of the variety of colors and styles available. Metal roofing is the second most popular type of residential roofing in the U.S. according to data from the 2019 Dodge Report, which was commissioned by the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA). Technavio, a global market research firm, found that the metal roofing market growth is projected to increase by $2.67 billion between 2021 and 2026. 

MRA credits the increase in demand for metal roofing to the desire for building products that are more durable, provide long-lasting performance and will stand up to extreme weather. Homeowners living in areas prone to such weather events recognize the benefits and security a metal roof can provide them: protection, reliability and longevity. 

The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based research organization, predicts that metal roofing sales will be boosted by an increase in offerings from manufacturers, including a variety of colors and patterns to further appeal to homeowners and offer any aesthetic a homeowner might want.  Currently metal offers more styles, colors and design options than any other roofing material.  According to a Dodge report, metal roofing styles have shown an increase in popularity from 22% in 2015 to 34% in 2019. 

“As consumers become more educated about their options and gravitate towards building materials and practices that are resilient, sustainable and long lasting, we’re seeing that reflected in what builders are choosing to use,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. 

In addition to offering more options to homeowners, manufacturers recognize this increased demand provides contractors with an opportunity to add metal roofing to their repertoire of offerings. With this in mind, manufacturers like Sherwin-Williams are providing resources to help contractors learn how to be successful in adding metal to their offerings.   

Sherwin-Williams' site makemorewithmetal.com, has information on how to get started working with metal, lists the benefits of metal roofing by different regions in the U.S. to share with customers, and has testimonials from contractors who share their experiences breaking into the metal roofing industry. This resource has everything a contractor needs to get started working with metal to not only expand their offerings and increase their profit margins, but also to benefit their customers. 

Download MRA's Comprehensive Metal Roofing Buyer's Guide for free.

Learn more about Sherwin-Williams in their RoofersCoffeeShop Directory or visit makemorewithmetal.com.

This Portland home renovation was awarded because of the high-quality products used and its overall look.

A beautiful home renovation project in Portland, Oregon, that achieved a stunning combination of impressive performance and aesthetics has been selected by the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) as its 4th quarter and final winner of its Best Residential Metal Roofing Project competition for 2021.

The inspiration behind the home’s beautiful metal roof was a desire by the homeowner to completely rebuild and renovate their 1910 home in a way that maintained its original clean lines while incorporated best performing building materials. Given the home’s location in a region that receives heavy rain and moisture in the winter and spring, but has hot, dry summers that make wildfire danger a serious threat, low maintenance and protective metal roofing turned out to be the perfect choice.

The beautiful dark standing seam metal roof complements the home’s clean lines with its unique Northwest modern style and provides maximum peace of mind, especially given the home’s site is surrounded by trees.

“This project demonstrates how choosing a quality metal roof can accentuate great architectural design and offer easy to care for, low maintenance protection for many years to come,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. “The homeowners are thrilled with their choice. They appreciate their new roof so much, they also decided to use metal for siding on the upper story and chose metal roofing for their second home on the Oregon Coast as well.”

With the final 2021 quarterly winner selected, the 2022 Q-1 competition for MRA’s Best Residential Metal Roofing competition is now open and the Alliance is kicking off some exciting new changes this year. The quarterly competition is open to all homeowners as well as builders, contractors and roofing installers in the U.S. and Canada (where allowable) who believe their metal roof project is the best based on either performance, style or both. The MRA is offering a $300 cash prize to each quarter’s winner and will showcase them in the organization’s marketing efforts.

To enter MRA’s 2022 Best Residential Metal Roofing competition, simply upload a photo and a short project description at woobox.com/kz4fzh. For updated rules and more information, visit www.metalroofing.com.

About Metal Roofing Alliance (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. The main objective of MRA is to increase awareness of the beauty, durability, and money-saving advantages of quality metal roofing among homeowners, as well as to provide support to the residential metal roofing industry. For more information, visit MRA at www.metalroofing.com.

MRA offers tips and advocates for action as high prices put squeeze on homeowners this winter.

Freezing temperatures and big jumps in heating bills have homeowners throughout the U.S. and Canada searching for relief and long-term solutions.

Sources such as Bloomberg News are reporting the biggest jump in energy bills in more than a decade, making it much more expensive to heat homes this winter. Combined with sub-freezing cold snaps being experienced in many regions, homeowners who are looking to stay comfortable without breaking the bank are feeling the squeeze.

Part of the solution to combat wildly fluctuating and unpredictable home energy cost increases includes home improvements designed to make the biggest long-term impacts to help consistently reduce utility bills. Leading experts at trade organizations such as the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) say that homeowners would do well to consider home improvements that reduce energy use not just in the winter, but all season long. That’s because while homeowners are experiencing the pain of higher energy costs this winter, there’s little indication the situation will be any better this summer.

“Choosing better performing materials and installation practices that offer increased efficiency such as quality metal roofs can make a major difference in controlling energy costs while making homes more comfortable and resilient over the long term,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director.

MRA also reminds homeowners that adding or replacing attic insulation and ensuring proper roof venting will keep your home comfortable and protected in any season. Have a professional roofer conduct an energy audit in your attic and make sure it includes proper venting. Other tips to help keep save energy this winter include:

• Sealing drafts around windows and doors, including closing the chimney flue when fireplaces are not in use to prevent cold outside air from seeping in

• Installing a programmable thermostat and setting it a few degrees lower, especially at night

• If possible, direct heat only to those rooms being occupied by closing vents or using customizable room thermostats

• Using ceiling fans to help circulate warm air and keep it from collecting near ceilings

• Changing furnace filters

• Using drapes effectively, including closing them at night and opening in the day to allow sunlight in

• Lowing hot water heater temperatures by a few degrees

• Consider additional efficiency tips offered by the Department of Energy at https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver

MRA also is advocating for incentives and to reinstitute tax credits and financial relief for homeowners who want to take action to make their homes more efficient. While some utilities continue to offer local rebates to help encourage homeowners to make more energy efficient choices, many of the federal tax credits and incentives that used to be offered through programs such as ENERGY STAR have been revised, reduced or in some cases, were phased out at the end of 2021.

Unfortunately, the lack of strong, ongoing incentives to help encourage more efficient practices is coinciding with a massive spike in costs for residential heating throughout the country and an urgent need to reduce fossil fuel reliance.

“While smaller steps to save energy at home can certainly help, they pale in comparison to the difference that actions such as choosing a more efficient, better performing roof, increasing insulation and properly weatherizing your home can make,” said Ramey. “At MRA, we advocate for better building and remodeling practices that benefit both homeowners and the environment, now and for the long run.”

About Metal Roofing Alliance (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. The main objective of MRA is to increase awareness of the beauty, durability, and money-saving advantages of quality metal roofing among homeowners, as well as to provide support to the residential metal roofing industry. For more information, visit MRA at www.metalroofing.com.

The first day of winter starts Dec. 21 this year, yet already freezing and sub-zero temperatures are hitting much of the U.S. and Canada.

For homeowners, it’s a good reminder for how best to safely prepare your roof for snow and ice. The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) warns that when heavy snow accumulates on surfaces such as metal roofs that do not have quality snow guards installed correctly, the forces of nature can work to produce a rooftop avalanche. With the potential to release thousands of pounds of snow accumulation in a split second, such an occurrence can severely harm and injure people and property unless proactive precautions are taken.

“Snow guards – which work to hold back rooftop snow and allow it to melt more gradually and predictably – are designed to prevent senseless tragedies from occurring. They are absolutely essential in areas that experience snowfall and freezing temperatures,” said Renee Ramey, MRA Executive Director.

While snow guards may seem like a simple concept, a well-designed system is based on math and science, not guesswork. If basic engineering principles are not followed, snow retention systems can be rendered ineffective – an accident waiting to happen. That’s why, when installing and designing an effective snow guard rooftop system, homeowners and their installers/snow guard designers should:

• Understand local snow loads: Contact your local building officials to get information on the ground snow loads in your area. A roof’s potential snow load can be calculated from the ground snow load information.

• Evaluate your roof’s characteristics: Your roof’s profile, material, slope, width of your panels, the rafter length (eave to ridge) and length of eaves help determine where your snow guards will be placed. Resources from industry leaders such as S-5! can help you determine what the profile of your roof is, if you don’t know. The company also offers a handy, easy-to-use Snow Guard Calculator available online. Additionally, S-5! offers the option to have the final computations stamped by a professional engineer and recognized for use in all 50 states.

• Approach placement with care: Snow guard placement should be well thought-out and prescribed by an experienced system designer or installer. To properly place snow retention systems, a clear understanding of roof geometries, how snow accumulates and how snow behaves on a metal roof is necessary. As a general guideline, the entire eave line of a building should be protected, rather than focusing on an isolated area of the roof. For safety’s sake, avoid shortcuts such as placing snow guards only above doorways, which can make snow load shedding even more unpredictable.

• Choose products you can count on: Primary snow guard system components should be fabricated from noncorrosive metals and have a life expectancy at least equivalent to the roof itself. Beware of any non-mechanically fastened, plastic components or adhered products: none of these options have the proven ability to remain in service for the typical expected roof service life. Choose only products that offer proper gauge and testing verification.

Homeowners also need to be aware that even with the potential of danger, there are currently no building or governmental codes, standards or requirements for the proper installation and use of snow guards. That means, ensuring your installer or roofing professional is using quality products from reputable manufacturers and following best practices set out by organizations such as the Metal Construction Association (MCA) is important. Download MCA’s “Qualifying Snow Retention Systems For Metal Roofing” for free.

“With a little care and planning, a reliable, well-designed snow guard system can provide great peace of mind and protect your home and family during severe winter weather for many years to come,” said Ramey.

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.

Choosing the right coating gives metal roofs real cache, if homeowners know what to look for

For homeowners looking for serious low-maintenance performance and durability for the roof over their head, it’s hard to beat metal.

Quality metal roofing finishes and coatings up the ante even more, by delivering a wide range of benefits and style. The right coating can help achieve a desired look, address a particular issue and even add years of life to a roof.

Yet sorting through all the choices and considerations for metal roof coatings can be confusing. There are also specific performance characteristics that span the variety of available finishes. For example, certain coatings labeled as “cool” utilize special pigments which reflect infrared radiation and UV rays. These cool coatings can help alleviate heat build-up and reduce air conditioning requirements.

According to the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), the leading nonprofit organization representing the residential metal roofing industry, here are the basics homeowners should keep in mind when it comes to selecting among the wide variety of metal roof coatings available on the market:

Painted finishes for metal roofs

Modern high-performance metal roofing paints not only protect the roof but also substantially increase the energy efficiency and longevity of a roof. In addition, high-performance paint systems offer a wide range of different looks and colors to satisfy homeowners’ aesthetic desire. Quality metal roofs come with a baked-on factory finish, which also makes maintenance a snap. Most manufacturers recommend simply rinsing them with a hose and at most, using a solution of gentle soap and water to clean them.

High-performance metal roofing paint systems can provide a durable finish with improved gloss retention, superior weather resistance and reduced color fading. These paint systems should be applied to a metal substrate at 0.2-0.3 mil thick prime coat and 0.7-1.2 mil thick topcoat.

Sophisticated paint systems also can help homeowners achieve a particular look. For example, quality paint finishes that closely mimic the multi-toned appearance of natural stone such as slate deliver beautiful style while offering the strength and lightweight benefits of steel.

Stone-coated/granular metal roofs

For homeowners who love the look of traditional shingled roofing materials, yet want the long-lasting performance of metal, stone coated metal roofs are an excellent choice.

Starting with a base layer of metal (typically steel), the specially-primed roofing panels are first coated with an acrylic polymer adhesive and then the granular stone coating is applied, bonding the two. Finally, a clear coat sealer is applied over the top for extra protection. This type of finish offers homeowners all the benefits of metal roofing, in addition to great curb appeal for their home.

Stone coated metal roofs also can be a solution for homeowners who live in areas where homeowner associations (HOAs) may not allow for standing seam painted metal roofing styles. Because stone coated metal roofs mimic traditional shingles so closely, they can fit within certain neighborhood design requirements while offering far better protection and performance as compared to asphalt.

“As represented by our manufacturer members, homeowners have plenty of industry-leading options for quality metal roofing coatings to select from,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. “From outstanding curb appeal to long-term performance, there’s no doubt that choosing the right finish for your metal roof can make a world of difference for your home.”

For more information about metal roofs, download the free MRA Metal Roofing Buyer’s Guide at www.metalroofing.com

About the Metal Roofing Alliance

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 Colin Sheehan, RCS Reporter. 

Why metal roofing continues to grow in popularity within residential markets across the U.S. and how to add it to your list of services.  

With the Read, Listen, Watch® (RLW) initiative, RoofersCoffeeShop® has made it easier than ever for members of the roofing and construction industries to learn how they want. Whether you want to read a transcript, listen to a podcast or watch a webinar, the Coffee Shop has made it possible for you to learn your way. 

In a recent RLW brought to you by RoofersCoffeeShop, Heidi J. Ellsworth talks with Mark McDonald of Sherwin-Williams and Nick Lee of Coastal Metal Sales about how contractors can take advantage of exciting trends in metal roofing. They also discuss changing regional residential markets and tips on how contractors can incorporate metal into their residential offering. 

“We're seeing tremendous growth overall,” said Mark. “The Metal Roofing Alliance works with the Dodge Report, and I'm on the board with the MRA as you know, and the trend that we're seeing is a pretty dramatic increase in share for metal roof.”  

They hypothesized that the leading factor of the growth in metal roofing is due to its survivability. The sheer longevity of a metal roof, especially as severe weather events become more and more prevalent, is a pressing factor to many people. There’s also the aesthetic value of metal roofing, as well as its cost efficiency.  

One market for metal roofs currently exploding in the U.S. is Florida, where Coastal Metal Sales is based out of. They manufacture standing seam metal roof panels and are witnessing the rise of metal roofing across the state.   

“[Florida] used to be a more tile and shingle [place] and now all these neighborhoods with the tile, you see metal roofs popping up everywhere,” said Nick. “The Florida Keys has always been big metal and it's even more because of the storms. [Metal is] able to survive through the big winds." 

Metal roofing is also more cost-effective from an energy saving standpoint than asphalt. However, both Nick and Mark discussed whether or not these perks were important to a homeowner or if this information is reaching the homeowner at all.  

“How is that sitting with the homeowner? How's that sitting there with their decision? Is that part of your current decision-making process?” asked Mark. “I think it is certainly a point that we're communicating to the market and trying to get that word out.” 

Read, Listen or Watch the entire interview to hear more from Mark and Nick about how you can incorporate metal roofing into your contracting business.

The numbers are in and it’s good news for metal roofing.

More homeowners are choosing sustainable, resilient metal for their re-roofing projects, according the latest 2020 Dodge Report that measures overall roofing demand and activity on an annual basis. The report reveals that the share of metal roofing used for residential re-roofing in the U.S. rose from 12 percent in 2019 to 15 percent in 2020.

“There’s no doubt homeowners are getting the message: Durable, stronger and longer-lasting quality materials are a much better investment for your home over the long run, especially in light of climate extremes,” said Renee Ramey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA). “That mindset is reflected in the latest numbers and overall growth of the metal roofing industry.”

The Dodge Report also reveals that while traditional metal roofing styles such as standing seam remain popular, homeowners also are gravitating to the wide variety of designs that metal roofing offers, including shingle, shake, tile and slate. Steel remains the most common type of metal roofing for re-roofing projects, due in part to its affordability and strength. Like other metal alloys, steel also increases energy efficiency and can be 100 percent recycled at the end of its long life, making it a sustainable and better performing choice for even the harshest climate conditions, including high winds and hail, heavy snow and ice loads.

Importantly, the adoption of metal roofing rose in regions that suffered severe impacts from climate extremes in recent years, including the Mountain and Atlantic areas. Hurricanes and wildfires have intensified in those regions and affected more homeowners, causing them to gravitate towards resilient and protective products that can help better safeguard their homes. Quality metal roofs, which carry the highest possible Class A fire rating and can withstand hurricane force winds, are an essential component in fortifying homes against the worst that Mother Nature can throw at them.

While not measured by the Dodge Report, the MRA also theorizes that homeowners are increasingly attracted to metal roofing’s low maintenance and easy care benefits, based on the organization’s own data and web site that receives hundreds of thousands of visits from homeowners looking to learn more about metal roofing every year. 

“It’s clear homeowners don’t need one more thing in their lives to worry about, and the fact that metal is exceptionally easy to care for and will outlast other types of materials while offering great peace of mind is undoubtedly a very strong selling point these days,” said Ramey.

 About Metal Roofing Alliance (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. The main objective of MRA is to increase awareness of the beauty, durability, and money-saving advantages of quality metal roofing among homeowners, as well as to provide support to the residential metal roofing industry. For more information, visit MRA at www.metalroofing.com.

The MRA is calling on federal, state and local governments and utilities to take more action to incentivize homeowners to make smart, energy-efficient decisions.

The start of fall is typically the time to prepare for cold weather. But with a changing climate many regions are experiencing hotter weather longer, making home air conditioning systems not just nice to have but a need for families everywhere.

That increasing demand is why the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) is calling on federal, state and local governments and utilities to take more action to help incentivize homeowners to make smart, energy efficient decisions when it comes to home building and remodeling practices. While some utilities continue to offer local rebates to help encourage homeowners to make more energy efficient choices, many of the federal tax credits and incentives that used to be offered through programs such as ENERGY STAR® have been revised, reduced or in some cases, are being phased out completely by the end of 2021.

Unfortunately, the lack of strong, ongoing incentives to help encourage more efficient practices is coinciding with a massive spike in demand for residential cooling throughout the country and an urgent need to reduce fossil fuel reliance. As reported by Yale School of the Environment, as temperatures climb, demand for home air conditioning in the United States is expected to surge 59 percent over the next 30 years, increasing emissions, straining power grids and financially burdening millions of middle- and low-income American families who already struggle to pay utility bills.

Better residential building and remodeling practices designed to save energy — such as choosing highly efficient, better performing quality metal roofs—could help offset those impacts significantly, according to the MRA. Cool metal roofs offer high solar reflectance and help emit heat gain, reducing the amount of air conditioning needed by as much as 10-15 percent. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that an ENERGY STAR-qualified roof can lower roof temperatures by as much as 50 degrees F. In the past, federal incentives have recognized the powerful energy savings potential of quality metal roofs that can emit as much as 85 percent of solar heat gain to help keep homes cooler. Yet federal tax credits for Cool Roofs are no longer in place to assist homeowners who are looking to make a more efficient and sustainable choice.

Encouraging homeowners to improve home insulation and consider installing residential solar systems would also make a significant difference in reducing the energy and environmental burden caused by the increasing use of home air conditioning. But these types of investments, while they help lower costs significantly over the long run, often carry a higher upfront price tag. That makes them out of reach for many homeowners, and why programs that help alleviate upfront investments in better performing, more efficient improvements are so essential.

“There’s a trifecta of forces happening: hotter weather, the need to reduce energy use to help combat climate change, and alleviate the financial impacts on families not just today, but over time,” said Renee Ramey, executive director of the MRA. “Incentive, credits and rebates are important because they can help give homeowners an avenue towards making investments that address these issues over the long run. More utilities, as well as federal, state and local governments, would be well-served to consider programs designed to help encourage these practices as much as possible.”

For more information about how energy efficient metal roofs perform and their benefits, visit www.metalroofing.com

About Metal Roofing Alliance (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. The main objective of MRA is to increase awareness of the beauty, durability, and money-saving advantages of quality metal roofing among homeowners, as well as to provide support to the residential metal roofing industry. For more information, visit MRA at www.metalroofing.com.

Not all roofs are created equal, and that’s especially true when it comes to controlling extreme summertime temperatures.

With a hotter-than-ever summer predicted in many parts of the U.S. and Canada, understanding how a roof performs to keep homeowners cool while maximizing energy savings is essential. Helping your customers choose the right materials, coatings and installation methods when replacing a roof makes a major difference for increased sustainability and comfort, and it adds up to real dollars and cents: Research indicates that homeowners can save up to 40 percent on annual energy costs by simply selecting the right type of roof and paying attention to proper installation practices.

To comprehend how roofs can increase efficiency through shielding against the sun’s energy, it’s important to understand the different types of sunrays, which are divided into UV, Visible and Infrared. 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 most non-visible, infrared and UV rays — the kind that produce heat and are the most damaging. And by emitting as much as 85 percent of solar heat gain to help keep homes cooler, even darker color metal roofs may help lower home temperatures during sizzling summer weather.

“There is a misconception out there that metal roofs may conduct more heat or cause a shiny glare when the sun hits them, but nothing could be further from the truth,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. “A quality cool metal roof can reflect and re-emit heat caused by mostly non-visible rays while also looking great and performing beautifully.”

Many cool metal roofs are ENERGY STAR®-qualified based on total solar reflectance and thermal emittance properties, a term that describes how much of a material’s absorbed energy is released and emitted back into the atmosphere (versus causing indoor temperatures to rise). The Environmental Protection Agency estimates an ENERGY STAR-labeled roof can lower roof temperatures by as much as 100 degrees F.

Share these tips with homeowners so they can ensure their new roof will deliver extreme heat protection, maximum energy savings and long-term satisfaction:

• Pay attention to air flow and ventilation — both of which are essential in all seasons. Good eave and ridge ventilation systems help maintain consistent roof temperatures.
• Consider other potential threats; areas that experience extreme heat also are often prone to wildfire danger. Many quality metal roof systems carry a Class A fire rating — the best in the industry for fire resistance.
• Ensure your installer uses quality materials from a reputable manufacturer and offers solid warranties. For metal roofs, check to see if they are members of industry-leading organizations that stand for quality, including the MRA.
• Choose the most sustainable material possible to help increase energy efficiency while reducing waste. Metal roofs save energy, can last up to three times as long as other materials and are 100 percent recyclable at the end of their long life.
• Do your homework before you re-roof. Learn more by tapping into free resources such as the MRA’s Residential Metal Roofing Buyer’s Guide at www.metalroofing.com.

“Choosing the right roof has a big impact on a homeowners’ budget and bottom line,” said Ramey. “When it comes to comfort, practicality and performance all year long, quality metal roofs simply make more sense and are more sustainable.”

About Metal Roofing Alliance (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. The main objective of MRA is to increase awareness of the beauty, durability, and money-saving advantages of quality metal roofing among homeowners, as well as to provide support to the residential metal roofing industry. For more information, visit MRA at www.metalroofing.com.