One of the most common requests being heard by real estate agents from across the nation for homes that use energy-efficient materials. Roofing, especially, is a long-term investment and has a large effect on the overall efficiency of your home’s HVAC system. Younger home buyers entering the market tend to be even more environmentally conscious than their predecessors, and they understand the importance of energy efficiency for the sake of the environment as well as your utility bills. Therefore, if you're in the market for a new home or simply looking at replacing your current roof, here are some of the best roof materials that you can use to increase energy efficiency.

Metal Roofing

Many homeowners are often surprised to find out that metal is actually one of the best materials to help the home become that much more energy efficient. The biggest reason for this is that the metal material, although it may seem hot to the touch, actively reflects the sun's rays away from your home, thus providing you with a much more comfortable interior. In fact, metal is also a very durable material that can last up to 50 years, thus reducing the need for roof repair or replacement for several decades. Metal roof replacements are definitely a great investment if you are looking for a long-term solution.

Asphalt Shingles

When thinking about asphalt roofing, you probably have traditional asphalt shingles in mind. However, many modern shingle manufacturers are creating quality shingles that you can afford on a lower budget. Although they have a relatively shorter lifespan of 25-30 years, they can be a great option for young families and those looking to sell their home in the near future. These types of shingles also do a great job of insulating your roof and preventing that summer heat from entering your home. 

Tile Roofing 

If you have ever looked at a tiled roof, one of the first things you will notice are all the gaps between each one of them. These gaps are exactly why going with tile roofing can make your home that much more energy-efficient. This is because, unlike a traditional flat roofing that attempts to reflect or absorb the sun's heat, tile simply allows airflow to move throughout the area and guide the hot air away from your home. As a bonus, tile roofing material can be found in a wide range of colors and styles, thus making it much easier to fit them into your home's current aesthetics. Classic clay tiles go especially well with a southwestern design style, and more cool-toned tiles can be great for a modern design.

As demonstrated above, there are plenty of roofing materials that do a great job at keeping your home feeling comfortable as well as reducing your monthly energy bills. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you are doing your part to minimize the energy usage of your home in order to create a more sustainable society. Additionally, each of these roofing types compliment a variety of styles, so you can find the exact look that you’re going for when designing your home’s exterior and optimizing its curb appeal. To learn more about your options, make sure to get in touch with an experienced roofing company in your area.