The Art of Leisure, Lifestyle, and Roofing

Designing Roof Spaces for Leisure 6


Roofs are an essential part of any home. They provide vital protection and structural support, and they help complete a home's overall aesthetic.

But your lifestyle can play a significant role in the choices you make regarding your home and roof design. In fact, different roof styles and materials are better suited for specific places and lifestyles.

Lifestyles to Consider

There are many lifestyles worth considering in terms of home and roof design, but for this article, the focus is on these three.

Mountain Lifestyles

Fresh air, closeness with nature, and wide open space are just some of the draws to a mountain lifestyle. The biggest draw of all? The mountains themselves, which cast a beautiful backdrop for any mountain home.

Those who opt for a mountain lifestyle tend to have a passion for the outdoors and adventure. They enjoy biking, hiking, fishing, skiing, and even stargazing. For them, these activities are fun and relaxing—a break from their daily lives.

Beach Lifestyles

The warm, sunny weather of a beach can draw anyone in. People who live on the beach prefer a slower-paced lifestyle where they can soak up the sun's rays, with ocean views and breathtaking sunsets and sunrises every night.

Like those who choose to live in the mountains, a beach lifestyle is perfect for those who love the outdoors. Plus, there are countless activities to enjoy at the beach that almost all individuals consider relaxing: like building sand castles, playing volleyball, taking a walk (or run) on the beach, or even just lying on the sand. It is a break from daily responsibilities, a chance to enjoy life and the beautiful surroundings.

Ski Lodge Living

Living in a ski lodge is very similar to a mountain lifestyle; it draws in those who love the outdoors and seek adventures. For them, winter weather is a haven, and winter activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, and sledding, are fun for the whole family and provide much-needed relaxation. Even sitting inside by the fire while enjoying the picturesque mountain views from the window is a deeply relaxing activity for those who love a ski lodge.

Where Lifestyle and Relaxation Meets Roofing

One thing that you may not consider when choosing a roof style or material is the connection it shares with your lifestyle and the feeling of relaxation it creates. The right combination of roof style and material will provide optimal protection for your chosen lifestyle, alleviating many potential concerns. This allows you to be more relaxed and assured of the safety of your home, no matter the weather.

Mountain Home Roofs

Mountain homes can take on many styles, with log-style homes being particularly popular. In terms of roofing, the first thing to consider is the shape. Mountain homes experience cooler weather due to the high altitude, which means summers are shorter and winters are longer. Any roof you choose must withstand the weight of this snow and, ideally, allow it to slide off easily. This requires a steeper-sloped roof, such as an A-frame or gable roof.

For materials, mountain homes often favor traditional materials like cedar shakes or slate tiles. Unfortunately, these materials are heavy, which can pose an issue during the winter when it snows. However, a common roofing material that many mountain-goers use is Brava's composite cedar shakes and slate tiles, which are realistic, lightweight, and highly durable.

Beach Home Roofs

Beach homes come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, including coastal and the ever-popular Mediterranean styles. While snow is less of a concern for beach homes, there are other problems to consider: rain, hail, and hurricanes.

Ideally, a beach house roof will have sufficient slope to allow rain to roll off rather than collect in the valleys, where it can cause damage. The various gable roofs, hip roofs, and saltbox roofs are excellent options for beach homes.

In terms of materials, beach homes have endless options, from classic asphalt shingles to wood shakes and shingles; your choice depends on your home style and aesthetics. Keeping the climate in mind is important; the sun and salty air can hasten the deterioration and discoloration of some products. Brava's composite roof tiles offer the necessary durability without ruining the roof's aesthetic. Their Spanish barrel tiles are the perfect complement for a beachside Mediterranean home.

Ski Lodge Home Roofs

Ski lodges have many of the same concerns as a mountain home and, therefore, the same requirements. Steeper gable roofs are great choices, as are saltbox, shed, and hip roofs. Also, like mountain homes, Brava's cedar shake and slate tiles offer a beautiful, durable solution to complete any roof. Want to know the best part? They come in a variety of colors.

A Roof to Tie It All Together

Where you live says a lot about your lifestyle and what you find relaxing, and your roof should reflect those interests.

If you don't want to worry about potential damage from snow, rain, hail, or sea-salt air, a roof covered in Brava Roof Tiles can save you from those worries, providing the ultimate protection with Class A and C fire ratings, Class 4 impact ratings, wind resistance up to 211 mph, and much more.

If you’re interested, contact Brava today to learn more about our composite roofing tiles, and check out our various projects for inspiration. You can even give our visualizer a try.