Von Löwen Designs

With the ever increasing awareness of the green movement and realization of the actual environmental impact of their purchasing decisions, a developing number of homeowners are turning to metal roofing as an Earth friendly alternative to traditional roofing materials. Metal roofing is growing in popularity every year, and a significant portion of that growth is due to their many green attributes. Metal roofing materials are virtually 100 percent recyclable, making them a very sensible choice from an environmental standpoint, with many systems now available coated with infrared reflective ‘cool roof’ finishes, which reflect much of the sun’s infrared radiation offering significant energy savings as well.

Of course, the environmental benefits of metal roofing are only one part of the big picture. Benefits, such as Class A fire resistance, extremely light in weight, allowing a majority of installations to be applied directly over the existing roof, excellent wind resistance, and overall durability, promise homeowners that this is literally the last roof they will ever need to buy.

Custom-Bilt Metals offers a very nice assortment of practical roofing applications including their standing seam panels, which are offered in a variety of styles with more than two-dozen cool roof colour options. Some very aesthetic copper shingles, steel shingles, aluminum shakes and even an intergated solar option available called FusionSolar.

FusionSolar, is a more affordable rooftop solar power generation system integrated within a standing seam metal roof. A thin film solar laminate, FusionSolar is bonded directly to the roof panels in the factory and has been tested to withstand winds of 160 mph. The flexibility and durability of the laminate makes it ideal for metal roofs, where expansion, contraction and curving are considerations. No roof penetrations are required, allowing the panels to blend in naturally, and because the material is lightweight, no additional structural support is required. A turnkey solution, FusionSolar delivers design simplicity, achieves lower installation costs and qualifies for tax incentives.

Prospective customers receive a customized return on investment (ROI) report to help determine payback period and to understand how much total power consumption is offset by generating clean, renewable and dependable electric power. Offering a lower cost-per-watt than roof-mounted polycrystalline panels, FusionSolar will pay for itself in 10 years or less.

They say a picture is worth 1,000 words, so before you leave be sure to visit Von Löwen Designs to view an assortment of refreshing examples in kitchen and bath design concepts, refined palette and interior finishes, and sustainable yet chic, green remodeling ideas that may encourage and inspire your next remodel or home improvement project.