Is Aluminium the Future of Sustainability in the Construction Industry?

Lightweight, strong, and highly recyclable, aluminium products can lower energy costs and carbon emissions in a wide range of applications. The aluminium industry is an ideal solution to the world’s energy needs. Energy required to produce new aluminium is down by more than a quarter since 1995 and the industry’s carbon footprint is down by nearly 40 percent. Furthermore, aluminium is fully recyclable. This means it doesn’t lose any of its beneficial properties from one use to the next.

We’ve found that architects spend a lot of time and effort researching new and innovative roof systems that provide both a durable, lightweight roofing solution, and low environmental impact. Using the designs of profiles that are hundreds of years old, such as slates, shingles, concrete tiles and the latest technology, Britmet was able to create identical profiles manufactured from Aluzinc steel.

Aluminium and Zinc are known as ‘lifetime’ products as they will not rust, rot, or warp, increasing their lifespan considerably. In comparison to the traditional predecessors, metal roofing is considered the most energy efficient, with reports that property owners can expect anywhere up to 30% of savings in energy costs. When coated properly, metal roofing is energy efficient because aluminium reflects 95% of solar energy, which reduces the need for high energy usage in controlling the temperature inside buildings. By reflecting heat, metal roofing will keep attic space cooler in summer months but warmer in winter months without costly energy bills.

Moreover, clients notice a long-term reduction in environmentally damaging building repairs, due to its resistance to corrosion, cracking and delamination. Most homeowners might expect to replace asphalt roofing up to 4 times in their lifetime, with all the old roofing being sent straight to landfill. Clay and concrete roof tiles are expected to last 60 years but become subject to cosmetic damage from adverse weather and hostile environments. However, despite being a relatively new addition to the construction industry, metal roofing tiles manufactured from ‘premium metals’ such as titanium, stainless steel etc. have been projected to last up to approximately 100 years.

Overall, with increasing supervision from end-users regarding the choices tradespeople in the construction industry are making, stakeholders and decision-makers are rapidly opting for more sustainable choices for their construction projects.

View more of our sustainable lightweight roofing tiles here. Contact a member of our sales team to find out more today on 01295 250998 or email sales@britmet.co.uk.

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Date Posted: 20th May 2021