A home’s roof is important; it provides shelter, insulation, and protection from the elements.
With the latest technology and designs, it can even do a lot more than that. In some ways, it can even repair itself!
If you’re designing the roof for your new home or considering a roof replacement, there are a few ways you can create a unique, creative roofing solution that turns heads and adds function as well.
Cool Roofing
Cool roofing is particularly useful in the warmer months or a hot climate.
While traditional roofing is typically dark, cool roofing is a bright white or material that helps reflect the sun’s light.
This can save on energy bill costs in the heat. The white is also a pretty unique roof color that can add curb appeal to your home.
Self-Repairing Roofing
While no roof is going to patch up a hole itself or repair major damage, there are some roofing types made from thermoplastics that can repair minor scratches or other forms of wear using the heat from the sun.
The heat allows materials in the thermoplastic to separate and create new bonds as it cools. Neat!
Smart Roofs
Whether you love or hate the smart home technology craze, you have to admit there are some perks.
Smart roofs involve sensors that connect to wi-fi and alert you when there is an issue like damage, leaks, or too much weight.
Smart roofing isn’t as popular in the residential market yet, but it’s likely to expand as technology grows.
Solar Roofing
Switching to solar is both great for the environment and for your utility bills over time.
However, solar panels are pretty big, and it may not be convenient to place them all in your yard.
The solution? Your roof!
Many homeowners and businesses attach solar panels right on top of their roofs, allowing for more direct sunlight and a convenient place to store them.
If you’re not a fan of the look of traditional solar panels on the roof, solar shingles are much sleeker and blend in with the roof much better, allowing for a traditional roofing experience with the bonus of solar energy.
Green Roofing
Green roofing is quite literally that—green! Many nature enthusiasts and environmentally-friendly homes love the look of a roof lush with greenery.
Growing grass, plants, or even trees on your roof can be a beautiful, natural-looking option that adds a ton of curb appeal to any home.
Roofing with vegetation isn’t just for aesthetics; it can even add insulation to your home and improve air quality.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is a trending creative roof idea that is attractive for many homeowners who crave a sleek and modern look as opposed to traditional shingles.
While it does come with a price tag, metal roofing tends to reflect light better, add insulation, and last longer than many other types of roofing.
Skylights
If you can’t get enough windows or natural light in your home, a great way to address this is through skylights or rooftop windows.
Skylights are a unique and beautiful way to bring the sunny daytime and beautiful night sky right into your home.
Skylights can take up as much space on the roof as you want, adding a custom, luxury look to any home style.
Rooftop Patio
In addition to rooftop vegetation, many homeowners are finding value in an entire rooftop patio.
Having space on the rooftop to entertain adds square footage to the home, and the elevated location adds some great scenic views whether your home is in an urban setting or the middle of nature.
You can use the space to keep a garden, read, or relax if entertaining isn’t your thing. You can even add a pool with certain roofs.
Roof Shape
Your home doesn’t have to take on the traditional slanted gable roof look.
A roof shape can say a lot about a home’s look.
Flat roofs are growing more popular for those who enjoy modern-style or minimalist home exteriors.
Barrel roofs or other shapes are unique, fun, and add an architectural flair unlike any other home.
Choosing a Roof
If you’re having trouble deciding what roof type, look, and function is right for you, getting in touch with roofing contractors in your area is your best bet.
They can let you know what roof materials are great for the area and climate you’re in, as well as recommend the style that best suits your home and needs.
There are many ways to transform a traditional roof into something more functional or aesthetically pleasing.
You can even change your roof to insulate better or reflect less light!
You can make any roof better suited to your tastes and your home.
Seeking out roofing contractors is a great choice to know which materials and styles will work best for your location.