Guest Post from Matt Lee at Innovative Building Materials
Are you looking to revamp your roof? If so, there are a few options out there that you may have not considered. Beyond traditional roofing materials, there have been some popular new trends emerging lately in the realm of roofing. In case you need some fresh ideas on how to bring the best out of your roof, here are 5 design trends you should consider for your next roof installation.
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Foam Roof Insulation
One trend that’s taking off right now is foam roof insulation. This kind of insulation has been proven to be superior to other types and meets or exceeds any and all building codes you might run into. When it comes to performance and unparalleled energy efficiency, foam polyiso insulation for your roof is an excellent option.
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Roof Underlayment
On the topic of insulation, another hot trend is the practice of installing a high-quality roof underlayment beneath your normal insulation. This product is able to create a super airtight barrier that protects against even the smallest amounts of rain. It also provides extra durability and another layer of insulation that will help you achieve your home’s full potential when it comes to energy efficiency.
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Cedar Shake Alternatives
Cedar shakes are once again coming back into style. Not just any cedar shakes, however. Normal cedar shakes are known for their beauty but come with a hefty price tag and the cedar shake roof life expectancy is much shorter than that of other types of shingles. Vinyl cedar shakes, on the other hand, provide you with all the beauty of regular wooden shakes for a cheaper cost and with much more durability.
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Metal Roof
One option trending right now that might surprise you is the metal roof. Metal roofs have been around for ages but are just now making a comeback. One of the biggest benefits of having a metal roof installed on your home is that it will reflect solar radiant heat very effectively. So effectively, in fact, that it will reduce the cost of cooling your home by up to a whopping 25%. Add to that the fact that they are fully recyclable and can be made from up to 95% recycled content and you’ve got yourself one stylish yet environmentally friendly roof.
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Soffit
Many houses already come equipped with soffit. Soffit is the material underneath your roof where it hangs over the edge of your house. A ventilated soffit has vents in which allow heat from inside the top of your house to escape. A good soffit can not only look great on your home, it can make it more energy-efficient while protecting your roof from overheating damage as well.
Roofing Trends are Widely Varied
Aside from the options on this list, there are a wide variety of new roofing trends you can choose from. If you’re ready to repair your current roof or have a complete new roof installation, contact Ranch Roofing today and get started!
Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the 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.