Roofing has long been a part of the human experience, with the earliest examples of roofing dating back to 40,000 BC, when early humans used animal hides to shield themselves from the elements. Over time, roofing materials evolved from simple animal hide coverings to straw and wood, which turned into clay and so forth. Each new material brought advancements in protection and style, paving the way for modern innovations. Still, there was generally a give and take with it; if you wanted style, you had to sacrifice durability. For durability, you sacrificed style. Or, to get both, you had to spend far more than you wanted.
Today's roofing materials do much more than provide protection from the elements. These new, high-tech materials blend the classic aspects of roofing with modern technology to create some of the most innovative, durable, eco-friendly, and attractive roofing on the market without the astronomical price tags.
The History of Roofing Materials
Early roofs were made of whatever materials were readily available. As mentioned, some of the earliest humans used animal hides, like those from mammoths, as a roof. Eventually, these roofs gave way to thatched and wood roofing, using accessible materials that provided adequate protection from the elements while also offering some insulating qualities. This, however, didn't negate the fact that these natural materials were highly flammable.
Later, these materials were replaced by clay, slate, and concrete tiles. While these materials offer more protection and durability against harsh weather, they are extremely heavy, difficult to install, and require additional structural support for their weight.
Finally, in the 20th century, asphalt shingles emerged as the most widely recognized roofing material in the United States. Asphalt shingles offer an affordable, easy-to-install solution that offers decent durability but lacks longevity.
All of these early roofing options had faults; they are flammable, heavy, expensive, difficult to install, or offer limited lifespan. For so long, there wasn't a material that offered everything--durability, including fire resistance, ease of installation, better affordability, and longevity. Fortunately, advancements in roofing have helped to change this.
The Rise of the Modern Roof
For a long time, roofs weren't expected to do more than keep homes dry and protected from nature. However, as time passed, people began looking for more in their roofing: better longevity, sustainability, and more sustainable options. Now, that roofing market is filled with roofing created through new innovations and materials that provide smart, stylish solutions built to last.
Demands for Durability
Before today's modern roofing options, durable roofing wasn't easy to come by. You'd need to opt for materials like slate, clay, and concrete for durability, with lifespans that can last 100 years or more in the right conditions. However, these have never been practical options for everyone—they are expensive, heavy, and require an expert to install them; otherwise, you won't be well protected. Asphalt shingles offer a better price point and, while durable to an extent, certainly can't last 100 years—they'll last, at most, 30 years.
That's where today's more modern options come in. Metal roofing, for instance, can last up to 50 years or more and is relatively durable, though it can dent easily. Composite, or synthetic, roofing provides yet another modern, durable alternative, capable of withstanding all types of extreme weather without issue and offering a lifespan of around 50 years.
A Shift Towards Eco-Consciousness
Sustainability started as a small movement and evolved into an entire lifestyle, with people seeking to make sustainable choices at every opportunity. This includes roofing, as homeowners, architects, and designers are switching from basic asphalt shingles to more sustainable options like metal and composite roofing like Brava Roofing Tile, made from recycled materials that mimic wood, clay, and slate roofing while addressing common issues like weight and maintenance.
Other sustainable roofing options include solar panel roofing tiles, which double as an energy source, and cool roofing technology, which helps to minimize heat absorption in extremely hot climates, keeping temperatures comfortable all year.
All of these innovations have helped minimize the negative impact roofing has on the environment by eliminating waste, reducing our reliance on electricity, and helping to reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses.
Energy Efficiency Meets Style
Energy-efficient roofing used to mean stark white or plain metal roofing—far from the worst options, but leaving much to be desired. Today, many options with materials offer better-insulating properties, which minimize heat loss to integrated coatings that reflect heat and UV rays. Composite roofing is, again, a perfect example of these new innovations. Between insulating properties, reflectivity, and even cool roofing color technology, these tiles provide optimal energy efficiency while also offering beautiful, aesthetically pleasing products that will boost curb appeal.
Embracing Roofing's High-Tech Innovations
Roofing materials have come a long way since their early history, with manufacturers taking creative approaches to meet consumers' demands. Gone are the days when beautiful roofing was out of reach. Now, materials like composite roofing offer not only aesthetics but durability, sustainability, and energy efficiency.
While designers and homeowners are both happy to have aesthetically pleasing products, homeowners also gain the peace of mind of knowing they can save money on their heating and cooling costs and that they have a roof that will protect them for many years to come.
Roofing materials have evolved dramatically over the years, with manufacturers embracing technology and innovation to meet the needs of modern homeowners. Now, there is no need to choose between durability and beauty, cost, or even sustainability. Today's materials, like composite roofing, easily blend all of them together—aesthetics, durability, longevity, and sustainability—at a reasonable cost.
It completely changes the construction industry in terms of roofing. For designers, there is more creative freedom; they can give homeowners what they want without sacrificing style. For homeowners, it is peace of mind knowing that not only does their roof look good, but it also provides superior protection and lowers their energy bills. As technology continues to evolve, home design evolves with it, with roofing remaining at the forefront of sustainable, smart, and sustainable living.
