Trends have an impact on more than just our wardrobe. With endless series about exterior and interior design, the “small house movement,” DIY tutorials, and so on, the TV business brought more attention to home-improvement trends. Roofing systems were not overlooked; in fact, it is in the roofing business that the most practical and long-lasting trends emerge.
Some of the trendiest roofing trends are focused on energy saving, a movement that has resulted in the development of an entirely new variety of roofing solutions that are both environmentally friendly and energy efficient.
Using Solar Panels
Solar panels have been around in different forms for a long time. The green movement, on the other hand, has given panels a lot of attention as a roofing choice. They were once seen to be large and unsightly until manufacturers built sleek and stylish versions, which sparked a surge in interest. Tesla, a pioneer in the electrical and solar industries, has introduced solar tiles that resemble traditional roofing tiles. They help you save money by conserving energy and lowering your utility bills.
There are four different kinds of Tesla’s new solar roofing. Each of these alternatives resembles roof tiles, however they are composed of quartz glass tiles with solar cells embedded in them. Tesla’s solar roofing provides enough energy to fully power a home, with the energy meant to be saved in battery units so homeowners may have a backup energy supply.
Cool Roofing
While exploring the reflecting qualities of various materials and colors, the concept of a cool roof emerged. Because of the light color and reflecting paint, white adhesive, and special gravel combination, cool roofs reflect sunlight and do not absorb heat. Due to fewer AC usage, the reflective surface will minimize your household’s power consumption.
Instead of collecting and transferring heat to the building below, a cool roof reflects and emits it back to the sky. Many cool roof products are equivalent in price to conventional roofing materials. When it comes to those that are more expensive, the difference is frequently rapidly made up in energy savings. In addition, some utilities provide rebates to help with the expense of upgrading to cool roofing materials.
Green Living Roofs
A few decades ago, claiming to have a living roof would have been considered major evidence of insanity. However, technology has evolved, as have trends and norms. Your living roof now reflects well on you as an environmentally conscious citizen. The presence of a layer of plants on top of your house distinguishes green or living roofs. Engineered soil, protective fabric, waterproof membrane, and finally, a green layer of plants are all layers in these roofing systems. Green roofs are good for the environment because they create a natural habitat and reduce acid rain. At the same time, its insulating capabilities save you energy and money while providing the best protection for your property.
The majority of small-scale DIY green roofs can be found on sheds, porches, or the roof of a garage.
What’s New in Asphalt
One of the most used roofing materials is asphalt. It’s been around for decades, with ups and downs in popularity. Many homeowners returned to their roots and decided to invest in this traditional roofing material. After all, asphalt has shown to be a robust and dependable roofing material, capable of withstanding adverse weather conditions such as high winds or fires. As a result, it is a good lesson for everyone to remember things that have worked for humanity for centuries.
Traditional three-tab asphalt shingles are the most cost-effective alternative, but architectural shingles are becoming increasingly popular. The term “architectural” in roofing refers to shingles that have a three-dimensional pattern and construction. True architectural shingles (also known as “designer” shingles) have many thickness layers to form a shadow line that gives the roof a slate or wood shake appearance.
Depending on the manufacturer, asphalt shingles can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years. 3-tab shingles often last 15 to 20 years. Multi-layered or laminated architectural shingles, on the other hand, have gained in favor during the last decade. These tiles are heavier and have fewer cracks in which dirt can build, in addition to having a better aesthetic appeal. Architectural shingles have a longer guarantee due to their added weight.
There’s Metal Everywhere
For a long time, metal was regarded as undesirable in the home and was primarily employed for commercial purposes, as seen on large industrial structures. Metal roofing is now one of the most popular residential roofing materials. It’s no surprise that people have finally realized the benefits of this material; it’s one of the most durable roofs; it can endure fires, winds, rain, snow (pretty much any weather condition), and modern systems are available in panels or shingles. Metal’s reflective characteristics are one of its best features for roofing, as it does not absorb heat and helps you save energy and money. Metal roofing is increasingly featured in construction magazines due to its low maintenance and good protection.
Standing seam or an imitation of shake, slate, tile, or regular shingles, you can buy quality metal roofing with just about any appearance. In addition, most metal roofs are backed by a 30- to 50-year warranty.
Metal roofs come in four different styles or profiles, which include:
Standing Seam: The most well-known metal roofing profile, this choice features continuous panels that stretch from the roof’s ridge all the way down, with seams held together by elevated rivets.
Metal Shingle/Slate: This style mimics the look of slate tiles or even traditional asphalt shingles while also providing the benefits of metal.
Metal Tile: Traditional concrete tile roofs are hefty, but they’re also delicate and expensive to repair. Metal Tile, on the other hand, has the elegant contours of traditional tile with the lightness and strength of steel.
Metal Shake: This is an investment-grade alternative to classic wood shake roofs, presenting an authentic look of wood while providing a number of color options with longer-lasting, fire-resistant metal.
Since of the range of designs and finishes available, it’s possible that you’ve seen a lot of metal roofs on houses but didn’t realize it because they may “hidden in plain sight.”
Composite roofing tiles are popular because they have the appearance of real wood without the hassles of upkeep.
Composites
When choosing between asphalt shingles and conventional slate or shake, composite or synthetic shingles that simulate wood shakes or shingles offer a compromise. They offer the same beauty and quality as slate, but at a fraction of the price. Both wood and asphalt shakes are claimed to last two to three times longer. Polymer-based shingles are comprised of plastic and rubber. They are light, eco-friendly, recyclable, and mold, fungus, and rot resistant. They are more expensive than asphalt shingles, for example, but the quality and energy efficiency more than compensate, making them well worth the investment.
Residential metal roofing is available in a wide range of shapes and designs, including standing seam, shake, slate, and tile. Some metal roofs today have a granular appearance to make them look like typical asphalt shingles. Metal roof panels interlock with one another, creating a strong wind resistance.
Galvanized steel, galvalume steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc alloy can all be used for metal roofing. Steel roof systems are the most durable option, with a zinc, or a combination of zinc and aluminum, metallic coating bonded to the steel at the manufacture to prevent rust. After that, an epoxy primer is applied, followed by a baked-on acrylic finish that adds color and protection. Aluminum is a lightweight material that is often used in residential roofing. Although aluminum does not rust, it still needs to be coated for a completed look. Coatings comparable to those found on steel roofing are employed. Copper and zinc alloys are both noted for their low-maintenance durability, although they can be costly.
Inquire about the flashings and accessories on the roof system, as well as how the valleys are installed. If your area is prone to freezing temperatures, a “open” valley system that carries water on top of the roof instead of a “closed” valley system that carries water through channels beneath the panels would be a better choice. Ice and snow have been found to obstruct the secret passageways, allowing water to infiltrate the roof system.
Light-colored metal roofing can assist reflect heat, lowering energy costs. This works well with steel, copper, and zinc roofs that are painted in a bright color or have a light metallic coating. Aluminum, on the other hand, is designed to reflect radiant heat, even when painted dark colors.
Choose a roof system that uses appropriate metal for all fasteners and roof components. Choose a system with hidden fasteners. Water can potentially infiltrate the roof system through any exposed fasteners or gaps in the panels. Rather than using screws to attach the panels directly to the roof, several metal roofing systems employ “clips” to secure the panels. The clips let the metal to expand and contract, which is critical in standing seam systems with long panels.
For long-term durability, metal roofing, particularly steel roofing, requires a good coating. The metal and the coating are frequently used to calculate the length of a product’s warranty. Choose a finish that has withstood the test of time. Also, confirm that the finish is resistant to fading, chalking, chipping, and separating from the base metal.
Advanced Architectural Asphalt Shingles
The term “architectural” in roofing refers to an asphalt shingle with a three-dimensional design and construction that resembles slate or wood shake. The three-dimensional design, often known as “designer” shingles, not only improves the aesthetic of the roof, but the extra thickness of the tiles also provides additional weather protection.
Another recent improvement in architectural shingles is the creation of a Scotchgard Protector, which protects against algae-caused dark, dingy streaks on roofs. Your home’s roof retains its natural color after the algae threat has been removed.
Polycarbonate Roofing
Corrugated Polycarbonate Roofing Panels are an excellent alternative for bringing covered outdoor ideas to life. Corrugated Polycarbonate is a lightweight, extremely durable, and simple to install material. It can be used to cover almost any form of outdoor structure to expand the amount of space available for outdoor living, storage, or shelter. With three basic colors and five specialized colors to choose from, you can find the perfect balance of light transmission, diffusion, and color. A panel is virtually unbreakable and up to 20 times more impact-resistant than fiberglass, providing the best hail protection in transparent or translucent products. Snow, ice, and temperatures ranging from -40° to 212° F (40° to 100° C) are no match for it. UV protection of 99.9% protects you, your family, and your pets from the sun’s harmful rays.