So the 21st century has thus far been eventful. We have seen the world go from early computers and beepers to the ubiquitous use of the internet, social media, and smartphones. If you took a teenager of today and put him in the year 1999, chances are there would be plenty of things he’d have questions about—particularly how do you get someplace without GPS? Of course, every industry has changed significantly thanks to these and other technologies and advances. The roofing industry is no different. As always, there are trends that tend to define a period of time and so far the 21st century has seen some major changes to the industry. Let’s take a look at some of this century’s most popular roofing trends to date.
The Question of Roof Performance. Just like many other aspects of the house, today’s homeowners want to know about roof performance. You may have heard the term ‘home performance.’ This refers to the home’s functionality. The term roof performance essentially means the same thing, specifically relating to how it stands the test in terms of energy efficiency and also how it performs in terms of resisting wind damage and even the reflection of UV rays. Yet, the question of roof performance is tied with how the roofing material is working with the rest of the house, how it functions under certain weather circumstances, and more.
The Metal is in. Metal roofs have been around for a long time. In fact, they have quite the history but in the past couple of decades, people have seemed to take quite a liking to the metal roofs. Metal roofs were used initially in barns and other places. There are plenty of reasons for this: first and foremost metal is a highly durable material. Because we are in the Southwest region, metal roofs are a great option for keeping the UV rays reflected and not entering the home or causing damage. Metal can reflect sunlight.
Lighter Shades. Lighter colors are actually recommended here in the Southwest because of the many days of sunshine we have. A lighter shade on your roof might help in not absorbing so much heat. The lighter shades are particularly popular in our region but have also been in popular demand throughout the country as the light shades seem to compliment some of the more modern tastes.
Solar Panels and Performance Enhancing Roofing Materials. The addition of solar panels is something that is growing throughout places like Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. This is because there is a lot of sun can occur in these places, especially throughout the summer. Slowly, it is also becoming more accessible for homeowners to install solar panels on their roofs and as it continues to be in closer reach to a lot more people, they will continue to rise in popularity.
Flat roofing as an option. Homeowners of the 21st century are also looking for minimalist and stylish options. One of these options is a flat roof or flat roofing in all or part of the home. The flat roofs seem to contain some aesthetic appeal to the homeowners of today. They do showcase a kind of minimalist home exterior. At the same time, it is not terribly expensive and can be quite cost-effective. Flat roofs can be versatile and fit different kinds of homes to add a contemporary flair or new style.
Roof protectants and coatings. Roof coatings have become quite popular for commercial roofs but also residential roofs. Roof coating is a great way to extend the life of your roof without having to do a full replacement yet. If your roof is relatively new and in good condition and you want to add an extra layer of protection, a silicone roof coating might be a great way to go! These are easy-to-apply coats that make it more resistant and energy-efficient as well. There is quite a bit of versatility and choice when it comes to the coating that you use.
An Oldie but a Classic. And of course, you have your asphalt shingles—which continue to be the most widely-used type of roofing in America. Of course, in the past twenty years, the materials and quality of these shingles have improved. The process by which they are made has also improved. Here at AAAA Contractors, we use only high-grade quality materials. These shingles, when installed correctly, will give your home a solid twenty years of good service and resistance to weather, wind, and tear.
Looking for New Roof Ideas? Call the Experts at AAAA Contractors
Here at AAAA Contractors, we have been doing roofing for decades. We know that times change and new roofing trends come into being. Even when that’s the case, the importance of quality roof installation and repair is never out of vogue.
