I recently went with Geothermal and now I need to replace my asphalt shingle roof-it was done incorrectly and now is leaking. I would like to go with something more energy efficient. What type of roof is best for energy efficiency? And how costly is it? We have a small house (about 940 sq feet above grade and 940 sq feet of finished basement) with an attached garage. St Louis area. No steep pitch. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.

On my fathers house, he used a glossy white ceramic tile roof. It was deathly expensive, but never needs replaced and will let just about the least amount of heat into the attic in the summer. It is kind of like a radiant barrier built into the roof. Your best Bang/Buck roof would probably be a lighter colored metal roof

I agree, a light colored metal roof would be your best bet. It will be more expensive than replacing your asphalt shingles, but you can legimately expect 40+ years of reliable service.

I second a light colored or galvanized metal roof. Standing seam (hidden fasteners) has been the residential standard expensive though. When I build my own house I will look into the exposed fastener sheet metal, like pole barns get, it is much cheaper and the same thickness and finish. The key is the screws and their washers have improved over the years, older pole barns used nails with lead washers, the nails would become loose and the lead washers did not seal well. Same holds true for the penetration collars.

ICF,
You are correct. The exposed fastener metal is far less expensive than standing seam. And in my opinion, just as good, if correctly installed. We have used in on several projects over the past 15 years, with no problems. I visited one our oldest sites just last week. It is a vacation lake home on a heavily wooded site. The metal still looks new. The key is to use the best quality panels. I recommend 29 ga. high tensile steel, with galvalume base, and Kynar finish.

Roof leak is the big problem. I think you can repair your roof instead of changing roof because there are many products in the market which provides you the solution for your leaking roof. Liquid rubber liquid roof are the best products. I think you have to go for liquid roof to repair your roof. I also use liquid roof for my roof. Believe me its amazing. I suggest you that you have to use liquid roof for your roof.

how about using roof calculator on the internet..

http://roofshingles.blogspot.com/