With rising gas prices and an on-going ozone debate

If you want to go bigger on getting green, consider your home. Buying a brand new home with green features can be expensive, but that isn't the only way to get green. Consider your roof: when was the last time you replaced the shingles or tiles? Much like your car's oil, your roof needs regular checkups and occasional changes to ensure it's doing its job to the best of its ability. Before you buy a pack of shingles and take the weekend off, consider a better option: metal roofing. Benefits While you're immediate reaction may be to vehemently disagree, let's go over why a metal roof is your best roofing option. 1. Green: Metal roofs are the definition of being 'green'-not only are they made of 50% recycled material, they're 100% recyclable at the end of their life. As if that wasn't enough, they are also more energy efficient than other roofing options: metal roofs have a bad reputation for holding heat or cold in, when in reality they reflect it. By reflecting the hot sun, your air conditioner doesn't have to work quite as hard, which means your wallet doesn't, either. Your metal roof is also lighter on your house than a shingle or tile roof would be. By putting less weight on your roofing structure, your house is healthier and requires less maintenance. However, swapping to a metal roof doesn't mean you can skimp on its check-ups: it's durable enough to last for a lifetime, but it should still be checked to prevent any large problems. 2. Style: Being green doesn't mean you need to sacrifice your style: after all, who doesn't love yoga pants? Metal roofs get a bad reputation for being ugly and harsh, a stark contrast against your cozy country cottage. With a variety of colors, styles, and finishes to choose from, no one will be confusing your house for a skyscraper. Metal roofs can be almost entirely customized, which will add curb appeal and increased value to your home. It's a winning situation all around! 3. Resistant: Do you replace your shingles following a day of wind? Give your back a break with a metal roof: they are resistant to most harsh weather. Metal roofs are also dent-resistant; although the extent of that depends on what metal you choose (aluminum is not as strong as steel, for example). Metal roofs can't crack, rot, split, blow off, or burn, either; and to top it all off, an environmentally-friendly coating allows it to shrug off dirt and the aging effects of the sun. Concerned about the possibility of listening to the hail hit your metal roof during a bad storm? Don't be: metal roofs aren't as noisy as their stereotype would have you believe. With proper insulation, you won't be able to hear the hail hitting your dent-resistant metal roof. 4. Wallet-Friendly: The initial cost of installing a metal roof is going to be more expensive than simply buying new shingles, but the benefits become apparent following installation. For example, metal roofs only require check-ups following storms to check for damage: say goodbye to buying new shingles! Its long life, energy efficiency, and resistant qualities all combine to provide you with instant savings. That's not all: your metal roof could earn you tax credits for being green. Your insurance company may also offer additional discounts, so be sure to make a few calls following installation. For homeowners looking to take the next big step in getting green, look no further than a metal roof. The long list of benefits a metal roof can provide will have you wondering why you didn't invest in one sooner.