Roofing Trends That Are Changing How We Think About Home Style
Roofing Trends That Are Changing How We Think About Home Style
Roofing trends are changing, and the entire real estate and architectural world is noticing. Everything is different now from even ten years ago, offering homeowners and designers more options than ever before.
Roofing trends don’t just alter homes’ appearances, they also change their functionality. Many new concepts focus on making properties better than ever, offering building inhabitants perks they never expected.
So, what roofing trends are changing how we think about home style? Let’s take a look.
Green Roofs
The emergence of green roofs is perhaps the most profound development in recent years. These are meeting an urban need for more vegetation and even improving the functionality of the roof itself.
Most green roofs are simply lawns. But innovative homeowners are also branching out and looking for ways to make them more eco-friendly. For example, it is now becoming possible to plant sustainable shrublands and highly diverse gardens that encourage and attract new wildlife.
There’s even a movement for communities to build complementary havens on their roofs. Even if one person doesn’t have a particular enabling species on their property, another does.
Rooftop gardens are an extension of this concept. Instead of turning the roof into a patch of mud, these make use of terrace space to perform a similar function.
The nice thing about rooftop gardens is the possibility of introducing larger species. Root length doesn’t matter as much since everything is in sealed beds and pots.
Mixed Roofing Materials
Another trend is the development of mixed roofing materials for different purposes of aesthetic effects. For example, many people are adding wood accents to standard shingles or metal panels to make them more attractive and welcoming. Of course, installations like these require an expert roofing company but they prove that innovation in this sector is still possible.
Many designers are discovering that these mixed approaches are improving the aesthetic of existing building designs. Using a variety of materials makes concepts even more of what they are (i.e. more coastal or craftsman).
Low-Slope Roofing
There’s also an inexorable move toward low-slope roofing in many locations. These are becoming trendy, even if they don’t offer any real rain-channeling benefits.
Many of these low-slope roofs began on gardens and decking areas, increasing the amount of usable space available. However, architects are now adding them to conventional homes, giving them a lower profile and speaking to their eco-friendly credentials.
Low-slope roofs can be problematic in areas prone to flooding but suitable guttering is often helpful. Larger installations prevent overflows and allow the roof to continue functioning in rain-prone areas.
Improved Shingles
Another trend is to use improved shingles. These replace old tiling products by adding new features that make them more attractive and durable.
Early shingles were essentially crude oil condensates mixed with gravel or pebbles. It made for a cheap waterproofing solution, but it was also prone to sun damage and cracking.
However, the technology has moved on significantly since those early days, meaning many shingle installations now last more than 15 years. For example, manufacturers are impregnating asphalt shingles with UV-resistant layers that can resist sun damage. Other companies are working on treatments that restore shingles’ original supple properties.
The market is also seeing the introduction of architectural shingles, designed to mimic other products. These can look like wood or slate at a fraction of the cost of the real thing (similar to vinyl tiles for kitchens).
Cool Roofs
Then there’s been the introduction of so-called “coof roofs” in the face of climate change. These attempt to keep interiors cool without excessive reliance on air conditioning.
Cool roofs reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than conventional materials. Many use reflective paint that sends light energy back into space, or they use reflective tiles. Some of the more advanced versions also have an air layer between the outer and inner surfaces, preventing heat transmission further.
Bold Colors
The role of bold colors in roofing is also increasing. These pricier options change the appearance of the house and may hark back to a more traditional roofing design.
For many homeowners, the optimal choice is deep greens and reds. They send a statement and say that the house is different. The other option is to upgrade the building materials to include elements like chrome or hardwood that stand out.
So there you have it: some of the roofing trends that are changing the way the average homeowner thinks about home style. Roofing is no longer something that’s just “there” but also a part of design.