Metal roofing for rain water harvesting is considered one of the best options for maximum efficiency and the potability of the harvested rain water. In any building, the roof is the major catchment area of the rain water. Hence, the material of the roof is very important in proper rain water harvesting. According to scientific research, a metal roof had been estimated to have an efficiency quotient of 0.9 on a scale of zero to one. This is ideal for maximum catchment of rain water.

It would be obvious even to lay persons that rain water catchment would be higher with smoother surfaces. All types of metal roofing materials such as galvanized iron, corrugated steel, aluminum, various alloys, etc. provide not only smooth surfaces but they are also bacteria-resistant. Hence, the harvested rain water is highly potable. Metal roofing for rain water harvesting easily meets the major criteria required for using metals as the roofing materials in catchment of rain water. These criteria and the effectiveness of metal roofing against each criterion are listed below.

Metal roof installation:

Durability

The roofing system should withstand the weight of the water even during heavy rains. It should not be affected by the accumulation of water on its surface and last for a longer period. Metal roofing for rain water harvesting is able to meet these conditions perfectly.

Functional Design

The roofing should be easy to fix and maintain. It should not leak during periods of heavy rain also and remain strong. The roofing should allow the accumulated water to flow to the rain water harvesting tank smoothly and easily. The metal roofing for rain water harvesting is better in this aspect, compared to many other types of roofing materials.

Purity of Water

Since metal roofing for rain water harvesting is resistant to bacteria, the water collected from rain is generally potable straightaway. Still, bugs, dust, dirt, and debris that accumulate on the metal roof are likely to contaminate the water to a certain extent. Hence, the rain water harvesting system should have adequate filters and other water purifying techniques to remove these materials from the rain harvested water. It is advisable to clean the metal roof before rains are expected to minimize these problems.

Aesthetics

Since the metal roofing for rain water harvesting could be made from various materials like galvanized iron, corrugated steel roofing, aluminum, and alloys, they could be manufactured in various designs, patterns, styles and colors. This would boost not only the functionality of the roof as a powerful rain water harvesting medium, but also the aesthetics of the entire building. The variations in aesthetics that could be achieved with metal roofing materials could never be obtained by concrete roofing, the major alternative to metal roofing.

Cost Considerations

Metal roofing for rain water harvesting is among the cheapest roofing materials. In particular, compared to solid concrete roofing, the metal roofing is the most cost-effective solution. Additionally, concrete roofing needs to be reinforced and strengthened with water-proofing chemicals and treatments. This increases the cost of concrete roofs even further. The sturdiness and durability of metal roofing materials result in the lowest maintenance cost over several years. Hence, metal roofs are highly cost effective.

Englert Inc is just one of the many metal roofing manufacturers offering integrated metal roofing and water harvesting systems.

From the above features, it is clear that metal roofing for rain water harvesting is the ideal solution.