Worship facilities, like denominations, come in a variety of shapes and sizes, which is why building with metal is an excellent choice. Metal buildings and roofs have come a long way from the old-fashioned metal barn.

With today's technology and design capabilities, metal buildings and metal roofs have endless possibilities (with some, you can't even tell it is metal), and the benefits are inspirational. Steel construction has a variety of advantages, including energy savings, aesthetic appearance, durability, and longevity, just to name a few. Metal buildings, roofs, and wall systems are offered in many options, helping to create visually interesting and architecturally outstanding buildings in a variety of seam types, textures, and configurations, efficiently and economically.   

Saving money is at the top of every congregation's list, and by installing an energy-efficient cool metal roof, you can start saving immediately. Buildings are responsible for almost two-thirds of the nation's electricity consumption and more than one-third of the total primary energy use. Metal is cost-efficient because each job is custom made and engineered to meet specific requirement, eliminating excess material.

In addition, Energy Star-approved metal roofing products can save on energy costs by reducing peak cooling demand by 10% to 15% and can decrease heat transferred into a building. These types of roofs are also referred to as cool roofing, which is an easy answer to today's energy crisis for all parties involved: the architect, the builder, and the church. 

Cool roofing is another easy solution to today's energy crisis because of its ability to reduce cooling and heating usage (which happens to be a major expense in a building's operational costs).  Cool roofing is measured by two indicators: solar reflectance (the percentage of solar radiation that is immediately reflects from a surface), and thermal emittance (the percentage of heat that is re-radiated from the surface to its surroundings).

The combination of solar reflectance and thermal emittance determines the surface temperature of a roof and its ability to act cool. For every 1% increment in a roof's reflectance, the surface temperature decreases 1 degree. Cool White is an example of an Energy Star-approved cool roof color. It comes with a reflectivity rating of 0.7 out of 1.0 and an emissivity rating of 0.86 also out of 1.0.

Reflective roofing can save up to 40% in cooling energy by keeping the inside temperature from rising due to higher temperatures outside. For example, tar and gravel have a reflectivity rating of .03 to 0.18, meaning more heat/energy is absorbed into the building, resulting in higher costs to cool. A brick/stone building has a reflectivity rating of 0.20 to 0.40 and an asphalt road is 0.05 to 0.20. During the hot summer months, this is extremely important to help reduce energy costs and keep the building cool.

In addition to saving energy costs, there are numerous benefits to cool roofing, such as government rebate programs and power utility incentives.

In addition to Energy Star-approved metal roofs, another way to help save energy costs and the environment is to utilize a renewable energy solar metal roof. Technology has allowed us the ability to directly apply solar photovoltaic panels to standing seam metal roofs. Solar photovoltaic systems are offered in a variety of Kilowatts, ranging from 3 to 120 depending on the needs of the congregation. They come fully integrated, and there is no penetration to the roof, so there is no worry about water leaking from the roof.

The "peel-and-stick" solar laminate is applied directly onto the sanding seam roof system; it is safe, stable, and strong. Compared to other solar systems available today, the new solar laminate is lighter, does not require a support frame system, and turns energy into savings easier and faster. Government and state incentives are also playing a part in today's solar energy stand. 

Green benefits, as they pertain to the advantage of a metal building or metal roof's longevity, are just as important. Today's pre-engineered metal buildings and metal roofing systems are manufactured and designed under strict guidelines to ensure they meet the highest construction standards, making metal an environmentally responsible choice and offering protection from the elements such as wind, hail, and fire.

Metal building manufacturers put their products through extensive testing and carry approvals from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Energy Star, AISC certifications (American Institute of Steel Construction), IAS (International Accreditation Service), Factory Mutual (FM), Florida Product Approvals, Texas Department of Insurance, Miami-Dade County, Canadian Welding Bureau, and many more. 

These approvals are extremely important to the well-being of any building. Impact tests are done to make sure the material can stand up to hail or heavy objects that could possible do harm to the roof of a building. Fire-rated tests are completed to make sure that in the unfortunate event there is a fire nearby, the roof and or walls will be able to retard themselves against damage. Florida product approval tests take testing to another level by requiring the material to withstand hurricane-force winds. All of the certifications and testing metal roofs and buildings go through are done to keep your building safe. Why not benefit from their tests, as it may save you from future replacement costs?

Religious facilities are naturally beautiful, and they can be practical and environmentally friendly, too. Whether it is time to re-roof your building or if you are building a new facility for your place of worship, or even adding an educational building or gymnasium, remember the many benefits metal can bring, not only to the congregation but also the budget.

To learn more about some of the information mentioned in this article, please visit the following Web sites:

www.coolroofs.org
www.themetalinitiative.com
www.energystar.gov
www.floridabuilding.org

Carrie Miller is marketing manager for Whirlwind Steel Buildings, www.whirlwindsteel.com.

 Product Roundup

Star Building Systems
Star Building Systems was founded in 1927 and is a leader in the metal building industry with a reputation for performance and quality. From strong structural framing systems to walls, roofs, and compatible accessories, Star offers beautiful solutions to your growing church's needs. A Star building will meet your need for a multi-purpose facility, a sanctuary, classrooms, or a gymnasium. Star prides itself on maintaining state-of-the-art, computerized processing systems in all phases of design, drafting, and manufacturing. 
www.starbuildings.com

 Satellite Shelters
From mobile offices and construction trailers, to containers and blast-resistant buildings and standard or custom design-build modular buildings, Satellite Shelters delivers. They can provide a variety of space across industries. They will make sure your building is as comfortable as you need it to be. For more than 35 years, Satellite Shelters has been a leading national provider of permanent and temporary modular buildings, including worship space. Design build services are available.
www.satelliteco.com

Pac-Van
Pac-Van, Inc.—a nationwide provider of modular buildings, mobile offices, and storage containers—specializes in economical space solutions for schools and churches. Pac-Van has 26 locations from New Jersey to California and can customize a modular or mobile solution for any needs. Call them for a free estimate on your new space. Flexible leasing options are also available.
www.pacvan.com/modular

Vanguard Modular
Vanguard Modular provides award-winning space solutions for churches. The company offers temporary or permanent buildings for offices, classrooms, daycare facilities, fellowship halls, and auditoriums. The experienced sales team makes it easy for churches to create their own unique solutions. For faster and more cost-effective solutions, the company offers in-stock, Ready-To-Roll pre-leased units that are continually refurbished and prepped for quick delivery.
www.vanguardmodular.com

Whirlwind Building Systems
Whirlwind Building Systems designs and manufactures pre-engineered metal buildings used today by a variety of religious organizations, due to their dynamic design options, as well as their ability to save building and energy costs. Whirlwind has more than 50 years of experience and expertise in sales, engineering, manufacturing, and customer service. A variety of frame types allow the buyer to best select both flexibility and economy.
www.whirlwindsteel.com

Nortex Modular Space
Nortex Modular Space serves churches with high-quality modular office and classroom buildings on either a lease or purchase basis. The company manufactures standard, custom, and environmentally friendly able-to-relocate buildings, which represent the future of sustainable modular construction. Nortex Modular Space offers a wide variety of floor plans and interior and exterior finish options to meet the exact needs of customers. Nortex specializes in stucco exteriors, concrete decks, ramps, and high ceilings. 
www.nortexmodular.com