Sustainability, strength and style: The rise of metal roofing and siding

By Emma Peterson.

Hear from ATAS’ vice president about why metal roofing is a smart, long-term material choice.

The Coffee Shops™ crew had an incredible time at this year’s International Roofing Expo (IRE). While in San Antonio, Texas, we got the chance to find some of our industry friends out on the trade show floor and also got the honor of hosting many of them on our SRS Live Coffee Conversation Soundstage! One such friend that stopped by was Jim Bus, the VP of ATAS International, Inc.

And yes, we mean that Jim Bus – son of ATAS Founders Jacobus “Jack” and Nel Bus. ATAS, which is an abbreviation for Aluminum Trim And Shapes, has watched the metal industry come a long way since their founding in 1963. Jim explained, “Metal actually is the longest continuously used product in the world, you think about copper roofs and zinc roofs in Europe and it's exciting to be part of the market and to see how many people are here. The interest that has grown for metal roofing and walls is just crazy.”  

A lot of this interest can be cited to metal’s sustainability and durability. Jim explained, “The architects, you know the whole country basically, are looking for what's good for the environment. And with the sustainability of metal, it makes it a great product for customers.” Not only is metal roofing and siding often made from recycled materials, but it is able to be recycled more easily than materials like asphalt. Additionally, it does not sacrifice durability for sustainability, metal is actually one of the top-performing products, especially in the face of natural disasters.  

Some examples of this are the fires that have plagued many regions of the United States in recent years. Jim elaborated, “The proof is kind of in the pudding, we don’t really market it too much because you see it with things like the fires in Lahaina, Maui. There was one house that was left standing, partly because it had metal roofing on it. Same in California.” This incredible durability also ties back to sustainability. Because metal stays on the roof or side of the building longer than materials like asphalt, it keeps more materials out of landfills total.  

However, even as these benefits lead to a rising interest in metal, there are still concerns for some. One of the big ones is the cost of metal. But, if you look at that longer lifespan and higher level of protection in the face of disaster, the cost is often worth it. Jim explained, “People say, ‘Oh it's too expensive,’ but with metal you got something that's going to last you, and get something that's going to perform, why wouldn't you protect your investment with the best that you could have?”

The other big issue people have with metal is a perceived limitation in design options. But ATAS is leading the charge on changing this stereotype. ATAS has their own coating line, which enables them to make whatever an architect or designer wants. And the options are endless, from camouflage to woodgrains to marble, almost anything can be printed on metal.  

Check out the full interview to learn more about the metal industry, ATAS and where they’re going next!