Builders, consumers increasingly turning to metal roofs for durability, energy-efficiency and sustainability

By Nancy Keates
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
Sunday, March 09, 2008

More home builders and renovators are saying no to asphalt-shingle roofs, heralding a revival of interest in slate, clay tile, wood shake and other historically popular materials that are considered both aesthetically pleasing and less harmful to the environment.

But most of these options are impractical. Slate and clay tile are heavy and might require structural reinforcement. Wood isn’t durable and offers limited fire resistance. And next to mass-produced asphalt shingles, all of them cost a small fortune, even on a moderate-size home.

There is one asphalt alternative whose resurgence is on a fast track: metal. Metal roofs are increasingly appearing on new homes and renovations because of their style and relative affordability. Some even mimic the look of slate and wood shakes.

Architectural metal roofs in new-home construction reached a projected 30 percent of the market in 2007, up from 23 percent in 2004, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association’s latest member survey. Meanwhile, fiberglass-asphalt shingles were used in a projected 44 percent of new residential projects in 2007, down from 50 percent in 2004. Slate roofs slipped slightly in that period to a projected 5.1 percent of new homes, while clay-tile roofs grew slightly to a projected 4.6 percent, and wood shakes slipped to a projected 2.1 percent.

Metal roofs boast a number of advantages. They are regarded as more fireproof than wood shakes and traditional asphalt shingles, and they last up to twice as long, contractors say. They can withstand high winds and, when treated with coatings and finishes, they reflect heat, helping keep the house cool and utility bills down in hot climates. As concerns mount over used asphalt shingles clogging up landfills, many consumers like having a roof that is often both recycled and recyclable.

Click to continue reading this article

Tags: austin, building, economy, environment, green, investing, real estate //