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MRA unveils new guides with collective advice from leading industry experts If you’ve ever remodeled your home and searched for solid, credible online advice from true industry experts, you know from experience that AI doesn’t have all the answers. In fact, it can be a downright frustrating experience separating trustworthy guidance from all the questionable findings. Thankfully, organizations like the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), a leading nonprofit trade organization that consists of some of the biggest and most credible names in the metal roofing industry, are giving homeowners the ability to tap into free, comprehensive resources to make the most educated roofing decisions possible. That effort includes MRA’s new “mini guides”–entitled “Regional Considerations,” “Preparing for a New Roof,” “Metal Roofing Options” and “Choosing an Installer”–that are designed to give homeowners valuable advice and guidance when replacing their roof and making the best decision for their home. MRA's new mini guides are designed to give homeowners valuable advice from industry experts when replacing their roof Now available on www.metalroofing.com, the new guides are a follow up to MRA’s ever-popular “Residential Metal Roofing Buyer’s Guide” which covers a wide range of comprehensive topics ranging from everything from metal roofing basics, installation advice, decision making criteria, material comparisons and much more. The new mini guides are meant to augment the larger guide yet give homeowners a way to drill into priority topics that are most important to them–quickly and easily–with each mini guide ranging from just ten to twelve pages. Filled with inspiring images, essential tips and recommendations that have been vetted by MRA’s U.S. and Canada members, including leading metal roofing manufacturers, suppliers and contractors, each mini guide is a valuable snapshot of some of the most important elements homeowners need to know before investing in a new roof. For homeowners interested in as much information and detail as possible, MRA also still offers its complete Buyer’s Guide for free as a download on the website as well. “Our new mini guides give homeowners a valuable and credible way to get the customized information they need when it comes to re-roofing their home, specifically for topics they might be most curious about,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. “Good research and doing your homework are the keys for making a wise roofing decision that you’ll be happy with for years to come. That’s why we’re so pleased to be able to offer this extensive collection of guides.” Check out MRA’s wide range of guides and resources available at https://www.metalroofing.com/mra-resources.

Key Points: For a modern mountain home in Colorado, choosing materials that best fit with the landscape led to a one-of-a-kind rustic mountain home recently featured by Dwell https://www.dwell.com/article/colorado-home-san-juan-mountains-metal-roofing-alliance-35c97c3f A metal roof was selected for its beauty and performance benefits, adding to the home’s overall architectural style and timeless qualities. The roof also provides ease and comfort, shedding snow and ice in the winter and helping the home stay cool under intense UV exposure. Dwell magazine recently featured a beautiful modern mountain home with a stunning metal roof. Photo credit: Nathanael Ward Photography The best of modern design meets mountain motif in the latest gorgeous home featured by Dwell, a leading residential home news source known as the bible for incredibly stylish modern architectural trends. The home, located in Colorado and surrounded by stunning mountains and southwestern mesas, is striking for its organic and modern reinterpretation of a mountain cabin. Clad with horizontal western cedar that lends a striking texture and grain pattern to the exterior, the wide panel standing seam metal roof was selected as the perfect complement to highlight not only the home’s architecture, but the surrounding environment. In a shade called “matte musket gray,” the roof, sourced from Phoenix-based Western States Metal Roofing, is a major focal point of the home’s exterior, helping highlight the beautiful simplicity yet uniqueness of the design. The roof’s hue adds architectural style and visual interest, creating ever-changing dynamic variations in different light throughout the day—a characteristic that would be virtually impossible to achieve with any other roofing material. The home's metal roof is as practical as it is beautiful, changing as the mountain light reflects off of it throughout the day. Photo credit: Nathanael Ward Photography And the home’s metal roof is as practical as it as beautiful, reflecting solar heat during the summer months while shedding snow and protecting from ice damming in the winter. As Michael Echavarria, designer and founder of Sonoma, California-based AVA DUNE Studio who designed the home says, “The roof truly ended up serving multiple roles—functional, aesthetic, and compositional.” Read more about how this stunning Colorado home showcases the vibrant colors and the textures of the American Southwest and how the home’s metal roof provides the perfect crowning touch here: https://www.dwell.com/article/colorado-home-san-juan-mountains-metal-roofing-alliance-35c97c3f Architectural Design: AVA DUNE Studio / @avadunestudio Roofing: Western States Metal Roofing / @westernstatesmetalroofing Roofing Installation: 4 Corners Roofing

Key Points: Latest article on BobVila.com shows how great curb appeal can be achieved by choosing the right roof https://www.bobvila.com/exterior/metal-roof-styles/ Coordinating roofing designs can help highlight different architectural styles: learn what might work with your home. When it comes to metal roofing, there are a huge variety of colors, shapes, patterns and textures to consider. One of MRA's Best Metal Roofing Competition winners, Mountaintop Metal Roofing, shows how a great roof contributes to great curb appeal. Photo courtesy of Mountaintop Metal Roofing To be the envy of your neighborhood, it’s important to keep in mind that great home design and curb appeal really isn’t that hard to achieve, but you have to start at the top. After all, your roof is one of the largest exterior features of your home. No doubt it can make a huge statement–both good and bad–so you want to make sure it works with your home’s architecture, not against it. In a recent article published on one of the world’s most trusted home improvement sites, Bob Vila.com explained how to choose a roof that will give your home great curb appeal, and perform well for years to come. When it comes to design, metal roofs offer the widest variety of different styles and can closely mimic other types of roofing material so well that even the experts have trouble telling the difference. But they also come with the added bonus of superior performance, low-maintenance and longevity to help ensure that your home not only looks great, but will save you time, money and headaches over the long run. From shingle, slate, clay tile, standing steam to even custom designs and colors, get inspired by checking out the many different metal roofing styles and ideas that can maximize the curb appeal of your home. BobVila.com explains how here: https://www.bobvila.com/exterior/metal-roof-styles/

Choosing the right coating gives metal roofs real cache, if you know what to look for Key Points: Metal roof coatings offer great performance benefits, adding years to the life of your roof. Thanks to high-tech coatings, metal roofing offers a huge range of styles, colors and textures, more than any other type of roofing material. Understanding your options can help you decide on the type of metal roof that’s right for your home. 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 great curb appeal style. The right coating can help achieve a desired look, address a particular issue and even add years of life to a roof. But unless you’re a roofing expert, 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 reduce heat build-up and air conditioning needs. “This is a case where beauty is much more than skin deep. 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,” said Renee Ramey, executive director of MRA. Here, MRA shares the difference between the two main types of metal roof coatings and what you need to know when choosing a quality metal roof that’s right for your home: Painted Finishes for Metal Roofs Quality metal roofs offer a wide variety of high performance painted finishes that can add curb appeal to any home. Image courtesy of MRA member Ideal Roofing Modern high-performance metal roofing paints not only protect the roof but also substantially increase the energy efficiency and longevity of a roof. High-performance metal roofing paint systems can provide a durable finish with improved gloss retention, superior weather resistance, and reduced color fading. Look for paint systems that are applied to last. As a rule, that means a 0.2-0.3 mil thick prime coat and a 0.7-1.2 mil thick topcoat. Because quality metal roofs come with a baked-on factory finish, it makes roof maintenance a snap. Most manufacturers recommend simply rinsing them off with a hose, or at most, using a solution of gentle soap and water to clean them and keep them looking their best. And it’s not only about performance. There are plenty of high-performance paint systems in a huge range of textures, styles and colors to satisfy even the most discerning homeowner. Sophisticated paint systems can help homeowners achieve a particular look. For example, quality paint finishes can even achieve the multi-toned appearance of natural stone such as slate, delivering beautiful style while offering the strength and lightweight benefits of metal. Stone Coated/Granular Metal Roofs Available finish options such as a stone coated metal roof offers homeowners a traditional look. Image courtesy of MRA member Unified Steel For homeowners who love the look of traditional shingled roofing materials, yet want the long-lasting performance benefits 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 exceptional 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 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.

The right roof helps you batten down the hatches against costly hail damage Key Points It’s been an above average spring and early summer for hailstorms in the U.S. and Canada, in a wider range of regions getting pounded Roofs are the first line of defense for homeowners to protect against heavy hailstorm damage, which can lead to expensive repairs and replacements Quality metal roofs are rated among the best roofs for severe hailstorms and withstanding hail damage, based on national standard impact rating tests Above average hailstorm activity in the U.S. and Canada is hitting millions of homes hard this year…and in some unlikely areas. A homeowner explains why he chose a metal roof instead of asphalt after his neighborhood suffered heavy hail damage Leading the pack as of early May 2026, Illinois has experienced 500 percent more hailstorm activity than usual, punctuated by a record-shattering 6.1 inch hailstone reported in March. The Midwest and the South also have been pummeled by hail this year, with Missouri, Texas, Indiana and Wisconsin taking a serious pounding. Nearly 4,000 spring hailstorms have been reported in the U.S. to date and Canada isn’t far behind. Alberta remains the epicenter of Canadian hail activity where insured losses have exceeded $5.5 billion over the past five years, with Calgary recognized as the country's hailstorm capital. By some estimations, a whopping 43.5 million U.S. properties are at moderate or greater risk from being battered from hail damage and experts say the likelihood is increasing in more areas due to a changing climate. That surprises most homeowners who believe the most damaging of all weather events are hurricanes and tornadoes. “Hail is increasingly recognized as a major catastrophe loss driver and the fact is, the most vulnerable part of your home is your roof,” said Renee Ramey of the Metal Roofing Alliance. A better class of hail protection To protect your home against hail damage, experts say it’s important to understand that - much like wind lift and ignition ratings - a roof also can be rated for impact resistance for how it will perform in a severe hailstorm. The UL2218 Impact Rating test is considered the national standard for measuring a roof’s ability to withstand hail damage. Specifically, this is the UL2218 Impact Rating test conducted by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a not-for-profit organization that independently tests and certifies roofing products. During the test, steel balls of various sizes are dropped on the roofing product from varying heights. Based on the results, roofing products are certified as Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, or Class 4. A Class 4 rating is the highest possible rating and indicates that the roof can withstand hail impact. Many quality metal roof systems achieve Class 4 hail ratings, making them a superior choice and tests show that when properly installed, metal roofing can withstand blows and remain intact even when subjected to the heaviest of hailstorms. Metal rarely punctures or cracks, allowing it to maintain its structural integrity and prevent leaks much better than asphalt or tile. Textured metal roof design patterns also may help disguise small dings and the minor cosmetic imperfections resulting from hard-hitting impacts. Unfortunately, asphalt roofs which are the most common type of roofing material in both the U.S. and Canada, are simply not well suited to survive severe hailstorms which can cause them to crack, dislodge or break, resulting in the need for premature replacement and increasing the potential for costly interior damage. The impact damage from hail can cause failure that is sometimes hard to see on an asphalt roof with the naked eye, until your roof begins to leak. For more information, learn why one homeowner in a hailstorm prone area chose a metal roof to protect his home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iqcpc72vDlk

Pop Quiz! The answers may surprise you. Hail, heavy rainstorms, lightning and high winds: your roof takes the full impact of powerful storms. Protecting your home from one of Mother Nature’s most fearsome forces means understanding how roofs perform. To see whether your home’s roof is up to the test, MRA’s leading roofing experts and installers invite you to test your own knowledge with this simple True or False quiz: True or False: The type of roof on your home makes a difference on how likely it might be struck by lightning. Answer: False. Lightning typically strikes the highest object, regardless of what material it is. According to the National Weather Service, height, pointy shapes and isolation are the dominate factors for where a lightning bolt will strike. The presence of metal makes no difference. That’s why natural objects like trees and mountains (that are obviously not made of metal) frequently get struck. The bottom line: Metal roofs are no more likely to draw or attract lightning than any other type of roof. In fact, metal is used frequently in the most lightning prone areas because it performs exceptionally well in severe winds, hail and rain that are often experienced along with lightning storms. True or False: It’s rare that a home will get struck by lightning and if it does, the biggest danger is it catches on fire. Answer: False. The National Lightning Safety Institute estimates 1 out of every 200 homes will be struck by lightning per year. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), a house is a safe place to be, so long as you avoid water, electronic equipment (including corded phones), TV cables, concrete, doors and windows. Most commonly, lightning causes a power surge that damages electrical systems and appliances. That said, fire is a definite potential. Each year, the U.S. Fire Administration estimates 17,400 fires are attributed to lightning. A properly grounded metal roof may work to help conduct energy from a lightning strike over a broader area of the roof, reducing the amount of heat transferred to the building and reducing the potential damage due to fire. It’s important to remember that most lightning strike-caused fires happen when nearby trees, brush or other organic material ignite near home. Quality metal roofs also work to protect against wayward sparks and carry Class 4 ignition protection – the highest level of protection available against wildfires. Quality metal roofing is top rated when it comes to severe storm, hail, hurricane and high winds protection. Photo courtesy of MRA member Drexel Metals True or False: The underlayment selected is just as important as the roofing material when it comes to performance. Answer: True. No matter what the roof type, quality underlayment is essential. Underlayment helps ensure a roof is watertight and protects against ignition in wildfire prone areas. Also important is a quality roof installation that ensures the roofing system is resistant to damage caused by severe storms, hail, and, in the case of fire, burning embers. True or False: Roof damage from large hailstones is always visible, making it easy to spot needed repairs. Answer: False. On typical asphalt roofs, hail can cause hairline cracks and displace shingles; damage that can be hard to detect. A homeowner may not realize their roof has been compromised until it’s too late and a leak is found, potentially resulting in costly damage to a home’s interior as well. True or False: A Class 4 hail impact roof rating is the best a homeowner can get. Answer: True. Class 4 hail refers to a roof material test that measures a roofing product’s ability to withstand damage from hail impact. Specifically, this is the UL2218 Impact Rating test conducted by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a not-for-profit organization that independently tests and certifies roofing products. The UL2218 Impact Rating test is considered the national standard for measuring a roof’s ability to withstand hail damage. During the test, steel balls of various sizes are dropped on the roofing product from varying heights. Based on the results, roofing products are certified as Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, or Class 4. A Class 4 rating is the highest possible rating and indicates that the roof can withstand hail impact. Many quality metal roof systems achieve Class 4 hail ratings, making them a superior choice for regions that experience frequent lightning, hail, and high winds. True or False: Thanks to today’s building standards, most roofs perform about the same when it comes to protecting a home from high winds. Answer: False. Many roofers believe metal is the gold standard for long-lasting resiliency in severe weather regions. That’s because when installed properly, quality metal roofs are rated to stand 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), resist leaks and are much less likely to puncture, tear or crack due to flying debris or massive hailstones. Even officials in Florida and the Gulf Coast – well-known for hurricanes and monster storms – are calling into question the use of asphalt roofing. According to Florida officials at a hearing of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, asphalt shingle roofs age and can fail prematurely under harsh conditions, only provide full protection against hurricane winds until they are about 10 years old.

Key Points: From hurricanes and hail to wildfires, protecting your home against severe weather starts at the top. Roofing experts share their top three mistakes to avoid when choosing a new roof, and how to make sure your roof will perform over the long run. Homeowners living in hurricane region share their real life story for how and why they made the decision to put a metal roof on the new home they built. Homeowners everywhere know that spring can be a wild ride. From blizzard conditions and “heat domes,” to early wildfire threats, high winds and hail storms, current nationwide weather trends can be summed up in one word: Unpredictable. And that’s just the beginning. In certain regions like the Gulf Coast, spring also signals it’s time to prepare for the coming hurricane and tropical storm season. In the West, predictions of a dangerous wildfire season are already looming, while in the Midwest and central parts of the country, the potential for sudden tornado strikes and costly hail and thunderstorm damage are a scary reality. Homeowners in hurricane zones know that choosing the right kind of roof matters. Watch as these homeowners share their journey for why they choose a metal roof According to the roofing experts at MRA, the one commonality wild spring and summer weather has is your home’s roof will bear the brunt of it—and above all else—you need to be able to rely on it to protect your home. With this season’s trifecta of threats in mind, experts say it’s best to avoid these three common mistakes if you want your roof to survive whatever Mother Nature may have in store for it: 1. Don’t discount quality in favor of a “bargain” Cheap is not always better, especially when selecting materials that will stand up over the long run against severe weather extremes. Quality matters and not just for what you see on the surface. Remember, if your roof decking or sheathing isn’t structurally sound, the roofing materials or upgrades you use won’t matter. Be sure to incorporate safeguards and accessories (such as hurricane clips and snow guards) that will help your home literally “baton down the hatches” in the event of extreme storms and protect it from damage. Installing a Class A roof, the highest possible rating for wildfire protection, and ignition-resistant underlayment can guard against wildfire threats. “No matter what your upfront costs are for re-roofing your home, it’s no bargain if it gets damaged or destroyed by severe weather and you have to repair or replace it again prematurely,” said Renee Ramey of the Metal Roofing Alliance. “And don’t forget to also factor in energy cost and insurance savings that can be realized by putting on a better quality roof.” 2. Avoid installation shortcuts How your roof is installed is just as important as the materials selected when it comes to long-lasting, durable protection. For example, when installed properly, metal roofs are rated to stand 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), resist leaks and are much less likely to puncture, tear or crack due to flying debris or massive hailstones. Class A roofs designed to protect against ignition caused by burning embers from wildfires also rely on proper installation methods to achieve optimal performance. Other installation solutions, such as securing a roof to the walls, decreases the potential of the roof flying off when it’s under intense pressure from high speed winds and severe air pressure fluctuations. During a tornado or hurricane, massive changes in air pressure caused by a penetration such as a broken window can blow a roof off. Securely attaching a roof to the walls of your home helps prevent this phenomenon from occurring. Additionally, talk to your roofer about whether to consider installing a movable flap next to the seam of your roof, which also can help stabilize air pressure. Other things to be sure and ask your installer about? Make sure your roof has proper insulation, venting and underlayment designed to meet or exceed regional building codes for ongoing savings and protection. Proper installation methods matter for durable, worry-free roofs designed to last. 3. Work with your roof design and weather conditions, not against them More and varied roof slopes can improve the aerodynamics of a structure and reduce the pressure on a roof caused by high winds. For new construction or major remodeling projects, work with your architect and engineer on ways to better control and reduce the effects of strong wind force. Keep in mind that high tech metal roofing paint and coatings can make a huge difference for increasing protection and reliability while reducing energy costs. For regions that experience snow and ice, installing snow guards properly also means taking into account your roof’s slope and design, and making sure it’s strong enough to withstand heavy loads without the need for structural reinforcement. Style practicality really shows when a roof is subjected to forces like hail. Even if they look intact, asphalt roofs are particularly prone to impact damage and can crack, dislodge and break, resulting in the need for premature replacement and increasing the potential for costly interior damage. Quality metal roofs can withstand blows and remain intact even when subjected to the heaviest of hailstorms. Textured metal roof design patterns also may help disguise small dings and the minor cosmetic imperfections resulting from hard-hitting impacts. According to Ramey, to help your home tame the beast that is extreme spring and summertime weather, your best bet is to choose exterior materials and installation practices that promise resiliency, durability and long lasting protection. Doing so will pay off not just this season, but all year long and well into the future.

Don’t wait to take action to protect your home from wildfire danger   Key Points It's never too early to prepare your home for wildfire season and take steps to protect it. Experts say paying attention to the 4 "S's" to enhance safety is key Fire-hardened homes limit the use of combustible materials in favor of fire resistant exteriors like metal roofs Fire hardened homes use non-combustible exterior materials like metal roof and stone accents. Image courtesy of MRA member Ideal Roofing To help protect your home from wildfire danger, don’t wait until hot weather hits, say safety experts.   In many regions these days, wildfire season starts earlier and affects many more communities. That’s why taking steps now to help your home survive a wildfire is so important. Experts recommend paying heed to the four “S’s”—Structures, Spacing, Selection and Sprucing—as a way to increase protection for your home:   #1: Structures Because of the behavior of wildfires, how a home or building is designed and constructed is the most important factor in fire resiliency. That includes choosing fire resistant roofs and siding, installing interior sprinklers, making sure decks and patios are made of non-flammable materials, selecting heat resistant windows and more.   Fire-hardened homes limit or eliminate the use of readily combustible exterior materials, such as wood, oil and tar based products, in favor of more fire resistant materials like concrete, stone, gravel and metal.    With a home’s roof being the single most vulnerable area for ignition in the event of a wildfire, materials such as metal roofing systems that carry a Class A rating for fire resistance are essential. In fact, local ordinances in some wildfire-prone areas have declared wood shake roofs to be “a severe fire hazard and danger,” and have even offered incentives to help replace them.   For roofs, choose a fire-resistant material like metal and consider that burning embers can roll off a steep-pitched roof, making them more fire resistant than a flat one. The underside of roof eaves, fascias and soffits should be protected against airborne embers by enclosing them with ignition resistant materials. The underlayment your installer uses matters: ask them how to increase fire resistance when re-roofing your home.   #2: Spacing According to the National Fire Protection Association, homeowners need to pay close attention to three wildfire danger zones surrounding their house: The Immediate Zone (the dwelling and five feet surrounding it); the Intermediate Zone (up to 30 feet from the dwelling) and the Extended Zone (up to 200 feet).   Take special care especially in the Immediate Zone to eliminate highly flammable materials. Consider only planting in containers that are kept well-watered for anything close to the home. Instead of bark or wood chips, mulch with very fine compost or inorganic material such as gravel and rocks.   #3: Selection Choose low flammable landscape and building materials. However, keep in mind that all plants will burn so where they are placed and how they are maintained are more important than the type.   Choose “fire-reluctant” plants by checking out the plant generator list on living-with-fire.org/plant-list-generator/ and avoid highly flammable plants and plants that are considered invasive to your region.   Rules of thumb for good plant options include growing native species that are more adapted to your climate zone, avoiding plants that retain dead leaves, twigs and branches or those that give off a waxy or oily smell. Consider low-growing greenery and plants with high moisture content in your Immediate and Intermediate zones.   #4: Sprucing Keep your property “spruced up” and properly maintained, free and clear of debris. Remove brush piles promptly. Rake and remove woody debris and minimize flammable materials on the property. That includes everything from dry and dead vegetation to gas cans and oily rags that may be stored in your garage.   Structures such as roofs, gutters, decks, beds and pathways in the Immediate and Intermediate zone should be cleaned and free of debris and dry organic matter, especially important in late summer and early fall. Trim trees and bushes away from all structures. Consider a low maintenance roof that won’t collect or support the growth of organic materials, such as metal roofs which are naturally resistant and can be easily cleaned with a simple squirt of water to remove debris. A homeowner living in wildfire-prone area shares his story of how his roof helps protect his dream home.

Key Points: When re-roofing your home, there are plenty of ways you can lessen the impact on the environment. Metal roofs are a sustainable option when re-roofing your home as a recyclable, energy efficient and longer lasting choice, requiring less maintenance and toxic cleaning methods Leading roofing experts share their tips for how to choose a more sustainable roof for your home   The roof you choose for your home has real consequences for the environment. That’s the message this Earth Day, which also happens to coincide with spring and the start of re-roofing season. And the facts about the most common type of roofing found on the majority of U.S. and Canada homes are sobering: A recent Yale study has found that asphalt products, including roofs and roads, can create urban air pollution that is comparable to motor vehicle emissions. YouTube star and expert builder Matt Risinger explains the advantages of metal roofing over asphalt roofs, including for the environment That’s just part of the problem. 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. The problem is even worse in regions prone to hail, hurricane, and climate related disasters due to asphalt failing under such extreme conditions such as in Florida where they need to be replaced much more frequently. Metal vs. asphalt: What’s the environmental difference? Metal roofing has long been the more sustainable option for roofing, thanks to its ability to be recycled. It is one of the only materials in the world that can be recycled again and again, without compromising its qualities. At the end of its very long life, a metal roof is 100 percent recyclable. Compare this to asphalt roofing, where estimates indicate that under 10 percent of the total waste created is reused for things like paving roads. Worse, only 31 states currently allow for this, and percentages vary greatly, with many falling well under that 10 percent mark according to a 2017 U.S. Department of Transportation report https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/recycling/pubs/hif18009.pdf Beyond recycling, MRA executive director Renee Ramey points out that metal roofing lessens environmental impacts in plenty of other ways. They can last 50-plus years, reducing the need to replace or repair your roof as often and they perform much more reliably, especially in regions that experience extreme weather, storms and wildfire threats. Depending on the condition of your old roof, some metal roofs can be installed right over the top, reducing the waste (and cost) caused by tear off and adding to the insulating properties of your home. Speaking of energy savings, metal roofs can make a real difference in lowering your ongoing energy costs while increasing the comfort of your home. Considered “Cool Roofs,” many 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 a qualified Cool Roof can lower roof temperatures by as much as 100 degrees F. Asphalt roofs often require unattractive, toxic and expensive maintenance to remove organic growth Metal roofs also reduce the need for harsh, environmentally damaging maintenance and cleaning techniques. In fact, to keep your metal roof looking as good as new, all that is required is a gentle squirt of water and mild detergent every so often. By contrast, organic material such as leaves and pine needles tend to stick to asphalt roofs which can lead to moss and algae, requiring expensive, environmentally harmful professional treatment annually. How to choose a sustainable roof for your home When choosing a metal roof, you can do your part in completing the loop by asking prospective metal roofing installers how much recycled content is used in the manufacturing of products you’re considering, to help identify the most sustainable option possible. The minimum amount of recycled content metal roofs contain is 25 percent, and most have percentages that are substantially higher. When recycling a metal roof, homeowners should look for local metal recycling resources in their area or ask their installer if they provide such a service. Also, ask about coatings when choosing your new metal roof. High quality metal roof paint and stone coated coatings make a huge difference when it comes to protecting your home and lowering your energy costs. 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. Make your home’s roof work with the environment, not against Interested in taking your home’s environmental performance up a notch? Consider the many different functions your roof can perform  to lessen environmental impacts and increase home efficiency. For example, metal roofs are an ideal 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. Compared to other materials, metal roofs have much lower concentrations of dissolved organic carbon and other bacteria (note rainwater harvested from any type of roof, including metal, should always be filtered, and decontaminated before use). By contrast, 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. Want to know more? Geeking out on how metal roof recycling works Step by step, here’s how the metal roofing recycling process works. Once the metal is received, recyclers first sort it based on its quality and material type. The metal is compacted to save room and then shredded or broken down into smaller pieces to be melted in a way that requires less energy. Steel is then typically formed into blocks, while aluminum is rolled into sheets. Copper is also routinely recycled, with the highest scrap value of any building metal. Scrap is then melted in a large furnace which does require energy, but much less than what it takes to make raw materials*. Metals are then purified and transported to different mills to be remade into new products, including metal roofing. “It’s the ultimate goal of recycling in action,” said Ramey. “Unlike asphalt or other roofing materials, the need for raw materials and energy for manufacturing is greatly reduced, and reusing metal again and again will not impact its performance qualities, now or in the future.” *According to the Metal Construction Association, recycling decreases the amount of energy required to produce metal products like metal roofing. For example, producing aluminum from recycled material requires only 5 percent of the energy required to produce aluminum from originally sourced bauxite ore and every ton of recycled aluminum saves four tons of bauxite. Using recycled aluminum instead of mining for new materials also reduces air pollution by an estimated 95 percent and water pollution by an estimated 97 percent. Source: Technical Brief: Recycled Content of Metal Roofing and Siding Panels, Metal Construction Association

Earth Day is every day by making environmentally-sound roofing choices for your home Key Points: More sustainable and environmentally friendly roofs lessen the burden on the planet by being made from recyclable materials and last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacement. Petroleum-based roofs are major contributors to air pollution and landfill waste. The right type of roof also can perform multiple environmentally-beneficial functions, such as reducing energy consumption, rainwater collection and solar generation. For homeowners looking to lessing their impact on the planet, quality metal roofing is a great choice. Do you know how the roof you choose for your home impacts the planet? According to roofing pros, there are lots of ways to make sure you get a more sustainable roof for your home, so long as you know the facts. Check out these commonly-held myths behind what makes a roof sustainable or not, and learn the truths to make the best choice for you and the planet: 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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).  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.”

Energy costs are going through the roof this year. Learn pro tips for how to maximize an investment in residential solar systems and save   Key Points As energy costs rise, re-roofing your home is a great time to consider installing a solar system to help your home become energy-independent Installing solar on the right kind of roof is essential to help protect your investment and savings Building industry experts share 6 tips to help you maximize benefits of a rooftop solar system       Are you sick of being at the mercy of your local utility company and the seemingly never-ending rising costs of electricity? Now might be a great time to consider how to turn your roof into your own personal power producer. Residential solar systems can greatly reduce—or even eliminate—your reliance on your local utility company. And with the cost of solar panels continuing to go down as they become mainstream, re-roofing is the perfect opportunity to seriously think about going solar. Long lasting metal roofs are great for rooftop solar systems, and easy to install with specialized clamps that don't damage the roof. Image courtesy of MRA member S-5! But before you consider getting a solar system for your home, experts say the first step is making sure you have the right roof to support it. “To keep costs down and protect your investment in a rooftop solar system, it’s important to choose a roof that is strong and durable, as well as allows for easy installation and long-term maintenance,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. Quality metal roofs last up to 50-plus years, far exceeding the predicted life span not only of typical asphalt roofs but today’s residential solar panels, which are estimated to last roughly 25 – 30 years. That’s critical, because if the roof underneath fails before the panels do, the savings generated by solar can be quickly wiped out. Should you need to replace your asphalt roof (which may only last 10 – 20 years) before your solar system wears out, you will be faced not only the cost of repairing or replacing your roof, but also the significant labor costs required to remove and re-install a solar panel system. Other important considerations include how the system will attach and be installed on the roof. When installing rooftop solar systems, drilling or penetrating the roofing material or decking should be avoided as much as possible. Rather than screwing or bolting systems into the roof itself, today’s metal roofing systems use specialized clamps and accessories that attach solar systems securely without the need for drills or holes. That keeps the roof weathertight and helps eliminate potential leaks or damage that may ultimately compromise the roof’s integrity. Well-known builder Matt Risinger of The Build Show endorses metal roofing for rooftop solar systems in his recent video. To stress this point, well-known Austin, Texas builder and social media influencer Matt Risinger of The Build Show recently his latest “Going Solar? 3 Reasons Why Metal Roofing is Best” video he considers quality metal roofing and residential solar system installation to be an “unbeatable duo.” “No rooftop penetrations. That’s got to be the number one reason I like the combination of metal roofing and solar,” said Risinger. “There’s nothing that has to be sealed or weather proofed. We basically leave a weather tight roof in place and simply clamp everything onto it.” “Compared to a typical asphalt roof, metal is going to go through hailstorms and wind storms much better, no problem,” he added. For homeowners looking to protect their solar system investment, the experts share the following 6 key tips:   Think long term. Metal roofs are the best option for photovoltaic systems, greatly reducing the risk of a roof failing before a solar panel system does. The estimated lifespan of solar panels is typically about 25 to 30 years while metal roofs last for 50-plus years, two or three times the average lifespan of other types of roofing materials. That means the roof will easily outlast the panels. Start with a strong base. Metal is exceptionally strong and durable yet lightweight, able to support the weight of heavy solar systems by using a simple attachment and clip solution that does not require drilling holes into the roof or the need for self-ballasted systems, reducing the possibility of roofing failures and potential leaks. Additionally, no structural support is needed to help carry the extra weight of the solar panels. Maximize the energy savings. Considered “cool roofs,” metal offers additional energy efficiency benefits, especially combined with solar. Even basic, unpainted metal roofs will reflect more solar radiation than asphalt, which typically absorbs and holds heat. Metal roofs with special coatings deliver high total solar reflectance and high infrared emittance, keeping homes cool and saving energy by re-emitting most of what solar radiation is absorbed. Reduce environmental impacts even more. Metal can be 100 percent recycled rather than dumped into a landfill at the end of its long life. It reduces long-term maintenance by naturally resisting moss and fungus, cutting down on the need for strong chemical treatments. Consider all-season climate conditions. Even when the sun isn’t shining and solar isn’t top priority, metal stands up better to other climate extremes including hurricane-force winds, severe rain and hailstorms, heavy snowfall and dangers such as wildfires. Find a qualified contractor. Some contractors push homeowners towards a certain roofing material, not because it’s the best or most appropriate, but simply because it’s the option the installer is most familiar with. Make sure your installer is properly trained, experienced and skilled in installing metal roofs to accommodate solar panel systems.  Related link and more information about rooftop solar systems, visit: https://www.metalroofing.com/solar

Key Points: Wildfire season is earlier than ever for many regions. The time is now to make sure your home is as protected as possible. Experts offer advice and tips for steps you can take around your home to make it wildfire ready. Programs like Firewise USA offer homeowners and neighborhoods resources, tools and information to increase wildfire resilience. Baby, it’s dry  out there and for many regions, that means wildfire danger is already upon us. Some leading sources are issuing frightening forecasts:  Due to alarmingly low snowpack levels, unusually scarce moisture patterns and early heat “domes” that have spiked temperatures and exasperated drought conditions—especially in the western regions of the U.S. and Canada—2026 may indeed be a very long and tough wildfire year. “In some places, there really isn’t a ‘wildfire season’ anymore; it’s essentially all year long. That means, homeowners need to stay vigilant and prepared year around,” said Renee Ramey of the Metal Roofing Alliance. On the bright side, more resources are available now than ever to help you take action to get your home prepared and protected against the threat of wildfire. The National Fire Protection Association ( NFPA ) offers its Firewise USA  program and plenty of free information and resources designed to help make homes safer. Many communities now participate in Firewise USA programs and offer free wildfire safety home assessments in their neighborhoods. Soon, additional incentives may be available for homeowners to take actions that better protect their homes. California is leading the way by recently enacting   “Safer from Wildfires” regulations  that require insurance companies to recognize  Firewise USA ®  designated communities by providing discounts to property owners in those communities. NFPA processes Firewise USA applications and provides information on the communities that have earned that designation to companies that provide data to home insurers doing business in California.   According to home improvement and Firewise USA experts, here are 5 essential tips you can implement now to decrease the threat of wildfire danger to your home: 1)       Protect against little sparks, which can cause big disasters 85-90% of homes are lost in a wildfire due to burning embers that can travel from miles away, rather than direct flames. The best defense includes eliminating opportunities for those sparks and embers to enter your home by protecting your roof, gutters, the crawlspace, under decks, and along wooden fences and any hidden corners where dry organic material accumulates. Here are some specific actions to take: Install a Class A fire-resistant metal roof  which will maintain its fire resistant properties over time without degrading. Ask your installer about extra protection including fire-resistant underlayment and installation methods. Remember that wood shake roofs are particularly dangerous in wildfire zones; make it a priority to replace them with a Class A roof instead. Eliminate wood piles or use certified fire resistant tarps to cover. Install 1/8” metal mesh screens to cover small vents and stainless steel screens for larger widths and lengths such as wood deck skirting and large vents. Consider installing gutter guards that effectively screen out organic materials common to your region. Perform gutter/roof maintenance and cleaning regularly. Understand how wildfires behave and take steps to guard against those dangers by watching this short video   Wood shake roofs are the least protective in a wildfire. You can get the same look in ignition-resistant Class A metal which offers far greater protection 2)       Keep it tidy Use a critical eye when evaluating the exterior of your home to help reduce ignition risk. Can the wooden outdoor furniture be stored safely away when not in use? (Note: never store anything combustible under a wood deck.) Is there an old wood fence that is no longer serving a purpose that could be removed? Are organic material and debris starting to accumulate up against or too close to your siding? Does your yard debris pile need to be hauled away and are there any dead trees or plants that need to be removed or limbed? Regularly doing this home self-evaluation and performing needed maintenance can help increase protection against wildfire dangers.   3)       Pay attention to your landscape design and plant selection Carefully select, position and maintain vegetation (paying extra special attention to the 0 to 5 foot zone around your foundation). Your plants and trees should never touch or be close enough that fire can “jump” from them to the roof. Don’t use wood mulch that could ignite. Instead, choose noncombustible materials like gravel, rock, concrete and pavers.  Trim tree branches at least 6 feet up from the ground. Check with your local extension service to see if they provide listings of fire-resistant plants suitable for your area, which typically have these things in common: Branching patterns that are open and loose Plants that have little dead wood and tend not to accumulate dry, dead branches and material Sap is waterlike and doesn’t have a strong odor Leaves that are wide, flat, moist and supple   4)       Be prepared Register for Emergency Alerts in your region so you are notified and alerted to local wildfire dangers as soon as possible. WATCH DUTY   is a service powered by over 150 volunteers in 22 states– firefighters, dispatchers, and first responders – who diligently monitor radio scanners and other official sources 24 hours a day to send you the most up-to-date information.  Download the app   (Apple or Android) to get alerts of nearby wildfires and firefighting efforts real-time. Prepare an emergency “go now” bag  that you can grab with essentials and evacuate immediately if necessary. Install new reflective address signs so emergency responders can easily find your property at night or in thick smoky conditions.   5)       Make it a team effort You can take all the steps necessary to help protect your home from wildfire danger, but if your neighbors aren’t doing the same, your property and your community can still be at high risk.  Get involved and encourage your community or HOA to participate in neighborhood safety and evaluation programs available through Firewise USA and other organizations, which help provide resources, volunteer information and tools that make wildfire safety a community wide effort. The NFPA even offers select programs and grants  for communities to help them increase wildfire safety.   Check with your local HOA and advocate for any existing CCRs, rules and regulations that aren’t up-to-date or don’t allow for improvements and designs that reduce wildfire threats, including the use of more ignition resistant materials like Class A metal roofs. For more information about metal roofs and wildfire protection, visit https://www.metalroofing.com/fire