Environmental Importance of Recycling when Re-roofing

July 27, 2020 at 4:11 PM

Metals begin as simple rocks, and the process of smelting metals from these raw materials consumes heaps of energy. Fortunately, almost all metals can be recycled! From a simple soda can to an entire aluminium roof, scrap metal can take many forms and be turned to an endless array of new products. If you’re planning a roof replacement in Auckland, you may want to consider recycling your used roofing. It’s good for the environment and can even be great for your pockets. Here’s what you need to know about recycling your roofing materials.

What metals can be recycled as scrap metal?

There are two types of recyclable metals: ferrous and non-ferrous. The easiest way to determine whether you have ferrous or non-ferrous metal is with a magnet. If the magnet sticks to your metal, it’s ferrous. If it doesn’t stick to your metal, it’s non-ferrous.

Determining the type of metal is vital when determining its value, though you can be more specific by consulting the London Metal Exchange. Ferrous metals such as stainless steel and cast iron aren’t worth as much but are often found in larger quantities. Alternatively, non-ferrous metals such as copper, aluminium, brass, and bronze are more valuable.

Our aluminium metal roofs are made up of 99% recycled content. Recycling aluminium can save up to 4.9 billion litres of gasoline every year. Similarly, steel roofs also give back to the environment.

What is the recycling process?

The metal recycling process starts with:

1. Collection – Metal materials are collected and sorted before they are delivered to the scrap yard.
2. Sorting – Scrap processors will separate the scrap metals, distinguishing what can be recycled from what can’t.
3. Processing – The metals will then be crushed and compressed into compact blocks to save space on conveyor belts.
4. Shredding – The crushed metals are then broken down into tiny sheets to allow for further processing.
5. Melting & Purification – The sheets will be melted in a large furnace. The melting process will require a considerable amount of energy but is much less compared to the energy needed to smelt metal from raw materials.
6. Purification – Impurities are separated from the metals.
7. Melting & Solidifying – After the purification process, the molten metal is set to cool and solidify. This is the stage where your scrap metal is made into a solid metal ready to be used again.
8. Transportation – Once the bars have been made, they are packed and transported to factories that need them.

What are the environmental benefits of recycling metals?

Most metal roofs are comprised of anywhere from 25-90% recycled materials. When removed, metal roofs are 100% recyclable, so new roofing solutionsare an opportunity to recycle your used roofing for a good cause. The primary benefits of recycling your roofing materials are:

• Preserves natural resources
• Reduces CO2 emissions
• Reduces energy consumption
• Saves you money

Save the earth when re-roofing!

Re-roofing jobs account for millions of tons of roofing waste, which is why it’s so important to effectively manage roof waste. At Roof Auckland, we’re dedicated to efficient processes and recycled materials. If you need a roof replacement, we can save you money by taking advantage of recycled materials and helping you recycle your old roofing! Our sustainable roofing systems like Colorsteel can be installed within just four days. For quality roofing in Auckland, call us today!