When it comes to modern construction, sustainability is no longer a niche concern; it’s a core principle guiding the decisions of architects, developers, general contractors, and facility managers. The push for greener buildings, driven by both environmental responsibility and increasing demand for certifications like LEED, has led to a reevaluation of traditional building materials.
While new, innovative materials often grab the headlines, sometimes the most sustainable choice is a time-tested one that has been refined for the modern era. Corrugated metal for roofing and siding is a prime example of a material that is not only durable and high-performing but also a leader in sustainable building practices.
At Corrugated Metals, Inc., we’ve been at the forefront of providing custom metal roll forming and corrugating for over a century. We’ve seen firsthand how the industry has evolved, and we’re proud to offer products that meet the growing demand for environmentally responsible construction. In this blog, we’ll explore why corrugated metal is a smart, sustainable choice for your next project, focusing on its longevity, recycled content, recyclability, and energy efficiency.
LONGEVITY AND DURABILITY: THE FIRST STEP TO SUSTAINABILITY
The most sustainable building is one that lasts the longest. The longer a building’s components remain in service, the less need there is for replacement, which in turn reduces the consumption of new materials and the generation of waste. Corrugated metal is renowned for its exceptional durability and long lifespan, making it a cornerstone of sustainable design.
- Built To Withstand the Elements: Corrugated metal panels are engineered to resist some of the harshest weather conditions. From heavy rain and snow to high winds and hail, metal roofing and siding provide a protective barrier that far outlasts many other common building materials. This resilience results in fewer repairs and replacements over the building’s life, thereby minimizing the environmental impact associated with manufacturing, transporting, and installing new materials.
- A Lifespan That Speaks for Itself: While materials like asphalt shingles may need to be replaced every 15-20 years, a properly installed corrugated metal roof can last for 50 years or more. This extended lifespan not only offers a significant return on investment but also aligns with the principles of sustainable construction by reducing the frequency of reroofing projects and the associated waste.
- Enhanced with Protective Coatings: Modern corrugated metal panels are further enhanced with advanced metallic coatings. These coatings form a barrier that provides superior corrosion resistance, significantly extending the material’s lifespan even in harsh coastal or industrial environments. This level of protection minimizes the need for maintenance and premature replacement, directly contributing to resource conservation.
- Resistance to Fire, Rot, and Pests: Unlike wood and other organic materials, metal is non-combustible and impervious to rot, decay, and insect damage. This inherent resistance eliminates the need for chemical treatments that can be harmful to the environment, contributing to a safer and more durable building envelope.
- Structural Efficiency: The corrugation process itself adds significant strength and rigidity to the metal panels. This inherent strength of the corrugated profile enables the use of lighter-gauge steel without compromising structural integrity. Using a lighter gauge reduces the overall material tonnage required for a project, which lowers the building’s embodied carbon and reduces transportation costs and emissions.
By choosing a material that is built to last, you make a conscious decision to reduce the project’s long-term environmental footprint. The longevity of corrugated metal is a testament to its value as a sustainable building solution.
RECYCLED CONTENT AND RECYCLABILITY: EMBRACING THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
The construction industry has traditionally followed a linear “take, make, dispose” model, which is a significant contributor to resource depletion and landfill waste. The shift toward a circular economy, where materials are kept in use for as long as possible, is essential for a more sustainable future. Corrugated metal contributes to the circular economy due to its high recycled content and complete recyclability.
- A Foundation of Recycled Material: Steel, one of the primary materials used in our corrugated products, is the most recycled material on the planet. Most structural steel produced in North America contains 90% or more recycled steel. This means that when you specify corrugated metal for your project, you are using a material that is already part of a closed-loop system, reducing the need for virgin materials and the energy-intensive processes required to extract and process them.
- Significant Environmental Savings: The benefits of using recycled steel extend far beyond just diverting material from landfills. Producing steel from recycled scrap requires significantly less energy — up to 75% less — compared to creating it from virgin iron ore. This energy reduction translates to a substantial decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and a lower overall carbon footprint for your building. The process also drastically reduces water consumption and the environmental impact associated with mining raw materials.
- 100% Recyclable at the End of Life: When a corrugated metal roof or siding panel reaches the end of its long service life, it doesn’t have to end up in a landfill. Steel is 100% recyclable with no loss of quality. It can be melted down and reformed into new steel products, creating a continuous cycle of use and reuse. This high level of recyclability is a key factor in achieving a circular construction model and minimizing the environmental impact of demolition and renovation projects.
- LEED Credits for Recycled Content: The use of recycled materials is a significant component of green building rating systems, such as LEED. By incorporating corrugated metal with a high recycled content into your design, you can earn valuable points towards LEED certification, demonstrating your commitment to sustainable building practices and helping you meet the sustainability goals for your project.
The circularity of steel makes corrugated metal an exemplary material for projects aiming to reduce waste and conserve natural resources. At CMI, we are proud to contribute to a more sustainable construction industry by providing products that are both made from recycled materials and fully recyclable.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY: COOL ROOFS FOR A COOLER PLANET
The energy consumption of buildings is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Improving the energy efficiency of the building envelope is a critical step in reducing a building’s carbon footprint. Corrugated metal roofing, particularly when treated with “cool roof” coatings, can play a significant role in enhancing energy efficiency and creating more comfortable indoor environments.
- Reflecting the Sun’s Rays: Cool roof coatings are specially designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than traditional roofing materials. This high solar reflectance means that less of the sun’s energy is transferred into the building, reducing the demand for air conditioning during hot summer months. This can lead to significant energy savings.
- The Science of Cool Roofs: The effectiveness of a cool roof is determined by two key properties: solar reflectance and thermal emittance. While high reflectance reduces absorption of solar heat, high thermal emittance allows the surface to radiate away any absorbed heat efficiently. Modern cool roof coatings excel in both areas, maximizing energy savings throughout the day and even after sunset.
- Combating the Urban Heat Island Effect: In urban areas, the proliferation of dark, heat-absorbing surfaces, such as asphalt roofs, contributes to the urban heat island effect, where cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. By reflecting sunlight into the atmosphere, cool metal roofs help to mitigate this effect, leading to cooler local air temperatures and improved air quality.
- An Ideal Platform for Solar: The durability and structural integrity of corrugated metal roofs make them an ideal platform for mounting photovoltaic (solar panel) systems. The long lifespan of a metal roof ensures it will outlast the solar panels themselves, avoiding the need to remove and reinstall a costly solar array for a roof replacement. This makes metal roofing a future-proof choice for buildings designed to maximize renewable energy generation.
- Enhancing Indoor Comfort: In buildings without air conditioning, a cool metal roof can help to keep indoor temperatures lower and more comfortable during hot weather. This is particularly important in facilities where maintaining a stable indoor environment is crucial for the well-being of occupants or the protection of sensitive equipment.
- LEED and ENERGY STAR Certification: Cool roofs are recognized by programs like LEED and ENERGY STAR for their energy-saving benefits. Specifying a cool metal roof can contribute to achieving these certifications, further enhancing the sustainability credentials of your project.
At CMI, we offer a range of coatings and finishes that can enhance the solar reflectance of our corrugated metal panels, helping you to design a more energy-efficient and sustainable building.
THE SUSTAINABLE CHOICE FOR MODERN CONSTRUCTION
As the construction industry continues to embrace sustainability, the materials we choose matter more than ever. Corrugated metal roofing and siding stand out as a proven, high-performance solution that aligns with the principles of green building.
From its exceptional durability and long lifespan to its high recycled content and recyclability, corrugated metal makes a significant contribution to sustainability. When you add the energy-saving benefits of cool roof coatings and their compatibility with solar technology, it’s clear that this versatile material is not just a practical choice, but also a planet-friendly one.
At CMI, we are committed to supporting architects, developers, general contractors, and facility managers in achieving their sustainability goals. We understand that you need materials that are not only environmentally responsible but also strong, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing. With our extensive experience and custom capabilities, we can provide the corrugated metal products you need to build a better, more sustainable future.
If you have questions about the sustainable advantages of corrugated metal, don’t hesitate to contact us. Ready to move forward with a project? You can request a quote online to get started.