Metal’s Benefits

Recyclable

The type of building material you choose can have a big impact on the environment. For instance, asphalt 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 shingles need to be stripped and there are no uses for the old 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 content, and many times this approaches 60%. In addition, the outstanding durability and life-span of metal roofs minimizes consumption due to roof replacement and repairs. In general, metal roofs last 3 to 4 times longer than asphalt shingles, so savings in material consumption are significant.