A brand-new roof is like a facelift for your house. Not only does a shiny, new roof improve the appearance of your home, but it can also increase property value and boost home equity. If it’s time for a new roof for your house, you might be wondering which solution is best for your roof.
There are several factors to consider when replacing your roof. Budget and ROI, or return on investment, is a significant factor. However, aesthetics, durability, benefits, longevity are all significant factors, too.
Here are six innovative roofing trends for your modern home and roof makeover. One of these six trends is sure to check all your boxes. Let’s take a look.
Trend #1: Asphalt Shingle Alternatives
Asphalt shingles used to be the primary choice for budget-conscious remodels. While asphalt shingles are still an option, there are many superior alternatives to asphalt shingles on the market. Why not go with asphalt?
For one, asphalt isn’t incredibly durable and doesn’t fair well during storms. They also break down during heavy winds and heat, and they’re huge offenders for allowing heat to permeate through the home. Their lifespan isn’t as long as alternatives either.
Synthetic asphalt shingles are still cost-effective, and they have the classic look without any of the downsides. They’re often wind, damage, and fire-resistant. Also, rather than absorbing heat, synthetic asphalt reflects the sun’s UV rays to keep cooling costs down.
Trend #2: Solar Roof Shingles
Most scientists agree that the planet is in crisis, which has given rise to the sustainability movement. Solar PV panels are growing in popularity, and solar shingles are an alternative to the PV panels. They’re easier to install and look much more like a traditional roof than the large panels do.
Moreover, solar shingles pay for themselves over time via energy savings and adding solar energy to a home statistically increases property value. Solar shingles are usually formed from tempered glass or some other rigid material.
Trend #3: Flat Roofs
A flat roof is precisely what it sounds like. It’s a roof that’s (almost) completely flat. The most significant advantage of this roof type is cost. The cost to install and maintain a flat roof is much cheaper than any other alternative on the market.
Aside from cost benefits, homeowners are choosing flat roofs, because they offer more usable space. If you don’t have a backyard, or if you live in an urban area, a flat roof is an innovative roofing trend that allows you to enjoy the great outdoors from on top of your house.
The other reason people are opting for flat roofs is that they’re much more friendly for PV solar panels. So, if you don’t want to go with the solar shingles, a flat roof with a solar panel option is a great alternative.
Trend #4: High-Quality Vinyl
High-quality vinyl is an innovative roofing material for many reasons. For one, it’s durable and does well in inclement weather. Beyond that, it’s fire and moisture resistant. However, the most appealing part of vinyl is its ability to match almost any look and aesthetic.
Take, for instance, wooden roofs. Wood roofs look amazing, but they’re a pain to maintain, expensive, and flammable. Vinyl cedar shingles look like the real deal without all the drawbacks. High-quality vinyl is a great alternative when you want the look without the headache.
Trend #5: Metal Shingles
Metal is a popular material for roofing, and it’s gaining popularity. Metal roofs can last up to seventy-five years. They do really well in storms and can resist fire, too. They’re also a sustainable material and are more energy-efficient than most alternatives.
Metal has a unique aesthetic, so if you’re into industrial or rustic design, metal might be a perfect match. The only definite downside to metal roofs is that storms are really noisy.
Trend #6: Louvered Roofing
While you likely won’t use louvered roofing on top of your house, louvered roofing is a popular choice for patio and deck roofs. Louvered roots are made of louvers, which are slats that allow light and air to come through while blocking direct rain, light, and noise. They can be made out of wood or metal.
If you have a backyard area (or a flat roof), a seating area is a must-have. And, that covered seating area needs a roof. A louvered roof is a perfect option, because it allows for ventilation and natural lighting, unlike others such as roof cleaning Portland.
Give These Innovative Trends a Try
If you’re redoing your roof, one of these six innovative roofing trends is sure to work for you. Take note of your budget, goals, and aesthetic preference and contact a contractor that understands your needs.
Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the home building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.