Many homeowners are constantly seeking new ways to make their houses greener and more energy efficient. Aside from doing their part to protect the environment, they are also looking for new ways to save money. Many roofing materials and systems are now available that can help to do both.

Recycled Materials

One way is to use roofing materials that are made from products recycled post-industrial or post-consumer. By incorporating recycled products in the manufacture of shingles, fasteners, vents, insulation, roof-deck protection and other constructs, it reduces the need for creating these items completely from newly harvested substances. Steel and plastic, for example, can be recycled and reused to make new roofing materials at least in part. Scrap from hard plastic and mesh roll vents are ground and reused to help create new ventilation products. This also helps the environment by reducing the amount of waste put in landfills.

New Technology

New technology abounds in the manufacture of roofing materials. Many of these processes eliminate toxic emissions. For example, at fastener production plants, solvent-free anticorrosive coatings reduce emissions. When making insulation products, some companies use a process to develop the rigid foam that does not emit greenhouse effect-promoting blowing agents or deplete the ozone.

Green Manufacturers

Manufacturers have found new and innovative ways to be even more eco-friendly. Top coating manufacturing facilities reuse wash and rinse water in production to reduce the amount of water used and discharged. Some glass mat plants are designed with a closed loop water system that eliminates the discharge of liquid waste at the facility. When possible, glass mat scraps are sent to recycling facilities. Some glass fiber manufacturing processes use electric melt, rather than natural gas. This reduces the amount of natural gas resources used. Additionally, no fluoride or carbon dioxide emissions are generated.

Energy Efficiency

Being energy efficient has its financial rewards as well. Federal, state and local tax credit programs reward the consumer using energy efficient improvements to their homes. Many roofers and roofing contractors can help consumers choose the right products and materials to not only receive a tax break, but also reduce utility bills in a variety of ways. Energy-reducing alternatives include reflective roofing to reduce the "heat island effect" of a home. Solar panels can be an efficient alternative power supply. Garden Roofs improve stormwater management while enhancing the home’s aesthetic appeal. Using re-cover roofing alternatives not only reduces landfill waste, but provides extra protection and insulation over the existing roofing system. Using energy efficient roofing systems is also a notable selling point for homeowners. Those who may be putting their house on the real estate market in the near future can potentially recognize a higher resale value.