Metal’s Benefits

Recycled Roofing Materials

The type of roofing material you choose can have a big impact on the environment. For instance, asphalt roof shingles generate an astounding amount of landfill waste each year, estimated at 6.8 million tons, or 3% of all municipal solid waste. When a shingle roof wears out and needs to be replaced, the old roof shingles need to be stripped and there are no uses for the old roofing material.

Conversely, metal roofs are 100% recyclable when removed from service. And better yet, metal roofs meet the definitions for both recycled content and recyclability by industry recognized green building definitions. Union’s metal roofs are constructed of a minimum 20% recycled roofing material, and many times this approaches 60%. In addition, the outstanding durability and life-span of recycled metal roofs minimizes consumption due to roof replacement and repairs. In general, recycled metal roofs last 3 to 4 times longer than asphalt roof shingles, so savings in roofing material consumption are significant.