Homeowners are always looking for innovative roof designs that are energy-efficient. Today, there are so many roofing options with new materials and new designs that make a roof not only stand out but also last longer and offer more protection. Some of the more modern roof designs include flat or nearly flat roofs, curved roofs, sculptural roofs, and reflective roofs. There are also no-separation roofs where the siding and the roof are made of the same material for a seamless transition. Besides these designs, the new materials are more sustainable and longer-lasting. Read on to learn more.
Contemporary Roof Designs
- Skillion Roof – This is a roof with no ridge on the roofline. Instead, the roof sports a single slope with the two sides of the roof being on different angles. With these roofs, the walls of the house have different heights, which presents an opportunity to add clerestory windows. A skillion roof combines with a lean-to roof where the roof leans against an outer wall with a single slope to create a more modern design. These roofs are inexpensive and construction does not take so much time. Inside, the ceiling can be constructed flat or can be vaulted.
- Open Gable – This is the most classic roof design. It has two roof sections sloping in opposite directions. The roof edge is at a high point, giving the roof a steep slope that allows ice to slide off with ease. There are fewer leaks with this kind of roof, and they also allow more ventilation and more space in the attic. You can have flat or vaulted ceilings. A Dutch gable forms when a hipped roof combines with a gable roof. On one side, there is a gable roof with sloping edges, and on the other side, there is a valley with sloping sides forming a V.
- Hip and Valley – This roof is formed when you have two sloping roofs meeting to form a valley. The valley is that section where the two sloping roofs meet to form a V shape. This roof offers improved strength and durability, it is more appealing and offers increased energy efficiency. However, it is more challenging to install compared to a gable design or a skillion design.
- Dormer – Dorners are structures projecting from a sloping roof. They may have a window to allow light into the attic. The use of a dormer converts a dark loft space into a bright space that you can use to add living space. This kind of roof requires that you do major alternations to the roof, but it will pay off in the long run.
Innovative Roofing Materials for Your Next Roof
- Synthetic Wood Shakes – Natural wood shakes are expensive to buy and install. They also need more maintenance than synthetic shingles. The synthetic wood shingles have the same look as the natural shingles, and they also last as long and withstand the weather as much as natural wood shakes. These shakes are made from cement, metal, asphalt, plastic, or rubber. The vinyl cedar shakes are among the popular synthetic wood shakes. These are made from real split logs molded with polyurethane.
- Metal Shingles – Metal is among the most popular modern roofing materials. The material is more durable and more energy-efficient. When installed right, metal can last for more than 70 years and withstand hail, debris, and high winds. The material is also fireproof. Metal shingles come from steel or aluminum, but some can be in copper or zinc. You can have these shingles in different styles with most of them having the look of traditional shingles, but with the benefits of metal. The challenge with metal shingles is that their underside can pool water. To ensure that doesn’t happen, a good underlayment is necessary. Instead of the conventional paper underlayment, roofers are using synthetic underlayment that is more effective.
- Louvered Roofs – Louvered roofs, just like louvered windows, are slates placed at an angle that allows light and air, but does not allow rain, direct light, and noise into the room. These roofs can be made from metal, wood, or glass and are common as roofs for decks and patios. Louver designs can be installed in different wall designs, they are easy to clean, and they give you light and sufficient ventilation. However, they are relatively more expensive to install.
- Synthetic Slate – Do you need slate shingles, but at a more affordable cost? Synthetic slate shingles have the exact look of natural slate materials, but they cost up to 60% less to install. These materials are created from petroleum-based materials manufactured with either rubber, cellulose fibers, or plastic. They are light and can be designed to be fire and weather-resistant.
Conclusion
There are many more innovative materials and designs. Work with a roofer to identify the best materials and best designs for your area. For all the roof designs and materials, seek beauty and value, durability, energy efficiency, and protection from the weather.