Exterior Products ReviewLongevity, Durability, and Recyclability Make Metal Roofing a Good Choice for Sustainable Building

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The metal industry concedes that its products cost more, but the group counters that the long-term financial benefits offset price. Because of metal's fire resistance, home buyers in almost 20 states can receive up to a 35 percent discount on their insurance premiums. Additionally, the metal industry says metal roofing can save up to 40 percent in annual energy costs, and some systems qualify for the 2006 Energy Tax Credit.

In short, it costs more initially, but the industry says the attributes and the long-term cost benefits make it more than worth it. Plus, they say, it will likely be the only roof a house ever needs. -- BUILDING PRODUCTS

This article originally appeared in Builder magazine. Diane Kittower and Maggy Baccinelli contributed to this report.

ATAS International. The manufacturer offers a wide variety of metal roofing products that includes standing-seam or corrugated panels, tiles, and shingles. Weather-resistant, lightweight, and strong, the products come in different gauges and in a wide range of standard and "trend" colors. 800-468-1441. www.atas.com.

Met-Tile. The company says its metal "tile panel" roofing system offers the beauty of traditional roof shingles without the weight. Tile construction seals out wind and rain and prevents blow-off in strong winds, the company says. It will not rot and is resistant to fire and termites. Each panel measures 3 feet wide and 2 feet to 20 feet long. Ten colors are available. 800-899-0311. www.met-tile.com.

BlueLinx. SteelLinx metal roofing is low maintenance, the manufacturer says, and is resistant to damage from high winds, hail, snow, and rain. The product is available in a range of Cool Chemistry colors, including polar white, emerald green, burgundy, and burnished slate. 800-839-2588. www.bluelinxco.com.

Everlast. The Everlast II OMNI series features an enhanced primer that provides a thicker, more resistant raw material layer of defense against corrosion while promoting paint adherence, according to the maker. Panels are 38 inches wide and provide 36 inches of coverage. The major ribs are 9 inches apart and have two minor ribs in between them; a stiffener is added to all major ribs, making the panels stronger. 888-399-0059. www.everlastroofing.com.

Follansbee Steel. KlassicKolors pre-painted Terne II metal roofing comes in a wide selection of colors that are designed to last, the company says. The tile's base sheet is coated with a zinc-tin alloy and then painted with solar-reflective coatings so the roofs offer energy-efficient properties. The company fabricates standing-seam and corrugated panels. 800-624-6906. www.follansbeeroofing.com.

Millennium Tiles. These stainless steel roofing tiles are made with 70 percent recycled content and weigh less than traditional materials such as asphalt or slate. The corrosion-resistant panels can be produced in their natural finish or in a colored prismatic process—not paint—that will not fade, chip, or discolor, the firm says. Tiles measure 15 inches by 9 inches. 262-723-7778. www.millenniumtiles.com.

Tamko. MetalWorks Cool Colors shingles promote energy efficiency with high solar reflectance that helps lower energy costs, according to the maker. They are available in a wide range of styles and colors, including StoneCrest slate in Vermont blue, Sierra slate grey, and Sequoia red; StoneCrest tile in Sierra slate grey and Vermont blue; and AstonWood in timber brown, Sequoia red, and canyon copper bronze. 800-641-4691. www.tamko.com.

Decra. The stone-coated-steel roofing systems use aluminum-zinc-alloy-coated steel, covered with 3M ceramic-coated stone granules, and are sealed with a polymer coating. Styles include tile, villa tile, shake, and shingle. Different colors and color blends are available to complement various home exteriors. 877-463-3272. www.decra.com.

Taylor. Taylor Metal roofing features the Kynar 500 paint system, which utilizes pigments designed to reflect infrared light, help reduce heat gain, and conform to Energy Star criteria for steep-slope cool roofing products, the maker says. The coating also provides long-term protection against color change and chalking. The roofing may have up to 90 percent recycled content and 60 percent post-consumer content. 800-574-1388. www.taylormetal.com.

Custom-Bilt Metals. With solid 26-gauge Galvalume construction and an interlocking tab design that aligns panels and creates a waterproof channel, Vail Titan Select shingles stand up to harsh weather, the company says. The Cool Roof Reflective Paint System, which features BASF and Kynar 500 reflective pigmentation technology, provides for efficient cooling performance, the maker adds. The roofing carries a Class A fire rating, a Class 4 hail-resistance rating, and 110-mph wind-resistance rating. 800-826-7813. www.custombiltmetals.com.

Allmet Roofing/Metals USA. The manufacturer's metal-shake product lines have the appearance of wood with all the benefits of metal. The stone-coated product is weather resistant and low maintenance, lightweight—1.3 pounds per foot—and has a Class A fire rating, the company adds. Three lines are available in a variety of colors. 800-265-9357. www.allmet.com.

ASC Building Products. Skyline Roofing standing-seam panels feature the DuraTech xl advanced coating system that provides color retention and integrates the Zincalume substrate for anti-corrosion and durability. The roofing is made up of 25 percent to 30 percent recycled content. It has a 12-inch or 16-inch net coverage and has a concealed fastener design. 800-272-7023. www.ascbp.com.