There’s no denying it’s a great time to be a homeowner nowadays. For starters, there’s an increase in home equity. However, that’s not all. More importantly, homeowners now have a wealth of options when it comes to materials for their homes. The same is true when it comes to roofing materials.
Just like roofing insurance, roofing options are more comprehensive now than ever before. There’s no denying the roof is one of the most critical parts of the home. With that in mind, it makes perfect sense to look for the best roofing materials available.
Below are some of the most innovative roofing options available at your disposal nowadays:
Metal Roofing
A metal roof has the potential to last for up to 75 years. It’s non-combustible and designed to withstand any weather. Light and recyclable, metal roofing also comes in various colors, styles, and sizes. If your home has a contemporary design, metal roofing would be a great idea. The same is true with cabins and bungalows.
Asphalt Shingles
At least 75% of Americans have roofs that are made of asphalt shingles. This is not exactly surprising as asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable options available. Not only that, asphalt shingles are also resilient and easy to install. This is especially true when reinforced with fiberglass or cellulose.
Shakes or Wood Shingles
Shakes or wood shingles are typically made from western red cedar, redwood, cypress, and pine trees. If your house is made of wood, a roof made of wood shingles will complement it perfectly. The same is true for cabins and cottages.
However, it is vital to remember that shakes and shingles would not be a practical option in wet climates. It is also recommended that you check if your place has a fire code that won’t allow the use of wood shingles for roofs.
Concrete Tiles and Clay
Concrete tiles and clay may be heavy but they are known to be very durable. They also have a lifespan of over 50 years. They are also insect-proof, energy-efficient, fireproof, and environmentally friendly. Clay tiles would also make Mediterranean, Southwestern, and Spanish-style homes look more elegant and textured.
Fiber Cement
Compared to regular concrete tiles, fiber cement composite tiles are considered lighter. This can be attributed to the fact that they are made from wood fiber, concrete, and clay. Shaped to appear like shakes, fiber cement tiles are fireproof and durable. They also come in various textures and colors.
Slate Tiles
Slate tiles are made from stone and can last for a century (or more). Slate tiles can be costly and heavy. However, if you want a roof that looks aesthetically pleasing, using slate tiles would be a great idea.
Slate tiles also go very well with European or Colonial-style homes. Slate tiles are also easy to quarry, fire-resistant, and sustainable. They also come in various colors.
Recycled Rubber Shingles
If you are looking for eco-friendly roofing material, you can never go wrong with recycled rubber shingles. Water-resistant and durable, recycled rubber roofs can also withstand harsh weather. That said, it can protect your home.
Solar Shingles
While they look exactly like asphalt shingles, solar shingles are designed to do more. Solar shingles are solar panels that are capable of generating up to 63 watts of electricity each.
Solar shingles are thinner than the typical solar panels, but they are designed to withstand strong winds and other harsh conditions easily. Their flexibility, durability, and power-generating capability makes them one of the most innovative roofing options in the market today.
Green Roof
Many roofing materials nowadays are marketed as environmentally friendly. However, no roofing material is deemed more eco-friendly than the green roof. This innovative roofing has a very distinct look courtesy of the vegetation, plants, and trees on top of it. The fact that your roof can become a potential wildlife sanctuary makes green roofs one of the ultimate options for those looking for eco-friendly and innovative roofing materials today. Green roofs have been known to shield homes from extreme weather conditions effectively. They are also designed to provide superb insulation. Green roofs are also designed to help regulate the temperature inside the home.
White Roof
This might not be common knowledge, but the color of the roof can also affect its sustainability. For instance, if you live in hotter areas of the country, a white-colored roof would be a good idea. Also referred to as cool roofs, white roofs can effectively reflect the sun’s rays and cool your home in the process.
Apart from helping regulate the temperature (especially during the scorching summer months), white roofs can also help you save money as you won’t have to turn up your air conditioner as much to feel cool. This results in a significant cut in the energy bills.
Louvered Roof
As the name implies, a louvered roof is a roof made of louvers. They are angled slats designed to allow light and air to come through while keeping rain, noise, and direct light out. Louvers are typically made from aluminum, glass, metal, and wood.
Louvered roofs are straightforward to clean and will allow optimum light and airflow. When used in patios, they can help ensure that patios are 20 degrees cooler. While typically a bit costly than conventional patio roofs, their benefits still make them stand out.
Over to You
It is reassuring to know that regardless of your roofing goals, there’s a roof type that will suit your vision and your budget. When redoing your roof, check with a seasoned contractor about all the options available for you. From there, you can narrow down your options and decide on the option that will tick all your boxes.
