Many kinds of permanent roofing--particularly "cool metal"--can save your household up to 40% of its annual energy costs which (in most cases) actually makes the roof less expensive than asphalt shingles when considered over a 5 year period. If you consider a 30 year time frame, metal roofing is up to 4 times CHEAPER (based on energy savings and no need to replace it).

The secret to metal roofing's energy savings is in its variety of finishes. As shown below, the basic, unpainted metal roof will reflect much of the solar radiation usually absorbed in your attic and home by an asphalt roof. In the summer time, pre-painted or granular coated metal roofing systems not only reflect solar energy but also cool your home by re-emitting most of what solar radiation is absorbed.