We choose to use a standing seam metal roof for a number of reasons:

1. Durability (the roof should last more than 50 years)
2. Environmental (can be recycled at end of life)
3. Allows for solar equipment mounting without roof penetrations
4. Allows for rain water collection without contamination
5. Reflects summer heat

Some other roof changes include:

1. The old asphalt roof was replaced with a standing seam metal roof
2. A ridge vent was added to keep the attic cool
3. The plywood soffit was removed and the vinyl soffit was replaced with vented vinyl soffit . This increased attic ventilation (the plywood soffit only had 3 small vents on each side of the house).
4. Under roof decking was furred and lauan nailed to it to create an air gap from soffit to ridge vent. This increases air flow through the soffit to ridge vent.
5. All fiber insulation was removed. Attic lauan, ceiling and gables were foamed to create a semi-conditioned attic.
6. A whole house attic fan with motorized louvers was added to gable.

With these changes, the attic should stay below ambient high temperatures during summer and above ambient low temperatures in the winter. Adding a radiant barrier should improve performance even more.