Choosing a new roof is a significant investment for most homeowners. With the right selection, people can enjoy decades of effective protection and a stylish appearance for the home. In recent years, homeowners have started to look more carefully at the energy efficiency and sustainability of the roofing materials they buy. Here are several common roofing options that are known to be the most efficient use of resources, with the ability for people to reuse or recycle them at the end.

Metal Roofing Material

For its durability, energy efficiency, and sustainability, metal roofing is widely considered the most green roofing material available. Although metal roofing materials comes from a finite resource, it can be recycled over and over again. Experts estimate that as much as 95 percent of a metal roof could be recycled, requiring only 5 percent new. Properly installed, this material can last 50 years, or more for certain types. The lightweight and reflective nature of metal also helps minimize heat gain in the summer, lowering a home's energy expenses.

Clay Roofing Material

Clay, also a finite resource, may not seem to be a very sustainable material. However, once shaped and baked, clay tiles could last at least as long as the home. Clay is built to survive most kinds of weather and has a high resistance to heat. While clay is not a good candidate for recycling, careful removal of the tiles could provide an excellent opportunity for reuse. There is a market for homeowners to sell their clay tiles for others to put on a roof or use in other ways.

Slate Roofing Material

Slate is another classic roofing material that takes an important role in resource efficiency. Slate tiles are heavy and could break if not installed correctly. Otherwise, as a natural cut stone, these tiles can easily last for centuries. Many owners of historic homes and buildings rely on reclaimed slate tiles to provide an accurate appearance for the building. Homeowners should factor the type of slate into their purchase. Hard slate is known to last decades longer than soft slate.

Asphalt Roofing Material

Asphalt is one of the most common roofing materials available. It is also generally the most affordable, costing much less than many styles of metal roofing. Although people might not immediately think of asphalt as a sustainable material, there are a few ways homeowners can minimize their resource use with asphalt. Recent technological innovations provide a variety of reflective coating options for asphalt shingles. These help to reduce heat absorption in summer. In addition, asphalt recycling is available in most regions. Although the shingles cannot be made into new roofing, they can be processed and used in asphalt to pave roads.

Roofing Colours

Homeowners should keep in mind that the colour of the roof can make a significant difference in the way it uses energy. Energy experts suggest buying roofing with the lightest colours possible. This helps to reflect light back instead of absorbing it. As part of a plan to increase energy efficiency in the home, a white or pale-coloured roof could lower energy consumption. Darker shades can still provide a degree of efficiency and sustainability, but homeowners may want to consider an additional reflective coating for them.

Finding a green roofing material depends on a homeowner's goal. The ability to keep a roof for the lifespan of the home calls for a choice like slate or clay. Options that are relatively easy to recycle can include metal or asphalt. By making this choice, homeowners can improve their energy efficiency and keep materials out of the landfill.