The roof is a critical part of any structure. It provides protection and ties the exterior of a home together.
There is no shortage of roof styles and ideas, but modern roofing is becoming more popular than traditional options. From more pleasing aesthetics to greater protection, modern alternatives offer more benefits than their counterparts.
Here are 5 modern house roofing ideas to consider:
1. Flat Roofs
As the name implies, flat roofs have little to no pitch. Compared to other roof styles, they are fast, easy to install, and are, therefore, cheaper—making them a great option for those renovating on a budget or looking for a more modern roof aesthetic.
Flat roofs are also typically made with concrete or corrugated metal and require substantial waterproofing and drainage to reduce the risk of leaks. Other covering options include heated asphalt, fiberglass, and polyester liquid roof membranes to create a watertight roof interior.
Flat roofs provide the perfect foundation for solar panel installation and can easily be converted into green roofs. Alternatively, you can use the top of a flat roof as extra living space by setting it up like a patio.
2. Solar Panels
Solar panels have become one of the most popular roofing ideas within the last few years, and they provide an alternative power source for many homeowners. Panels are typically installed on the roof and can be adjusted depending on the need for better-absorbing sunlight.
3. Green Roofs
One truly unique modern roof idea is green roofs, also called “vegetated roofs” or “living roofs.” These roofs are extensions of existing roofs and consist of a waterproofing membrane, soil, and plants. Well-designed green roofs offer many benefits, including:
Improved Air Quality: Green roofs work like air filtration systems for the environment by helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
Enhance Energy Efficiency: A green roof is also insulating and can help reduce a homeowner’s energy usage by reducing their need to use their heating and cooling at high temperatures.
Retains Stormwater: Many places struggle with excess stormwater that overwhelms the sewage system. Green roofs help to reduce the amount of stormwater that enters the sewage system by absorbing some of that rainfall.
Extends Roof Life: A green roof helps to extend the life of a roof by protecting it from the elements; green roofs can last up to twice as long as traditional roofing.
4. Synthetic Roofing Materials
Synthetic, also called composite, roofing materials, are another great option when looking for modern roofing ideas for a home. They use recycled materials, which makes them a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly roofing option. Companies like Brava offer composite tiles in a variety of styles, like Spanish barrel, slate, and cedar shakes.
They offer a realistic appearance but with many more benefits than the traditional materials, including:
Class A and Class C Fire Resistance
Class 4 Impact Resistance
Wind Resistant up to 110+ MPH
Extremely lightweight
Various color options and Color-Fast technology ensure colors won’t fade or bleach
Minimal maintenance requirements
Can handle extreme temperature changes
5. Cool Roofs
Cool roofs are a type of roof designed to reflect more sunlight than traditional roofing materials, and therefore will absorb less solar energy. This helps to lower the temperature within a building, sometimes by about 50 percent, which is extremely beneficial in hot areas like California, Nevada, Arizona, and other similar areas where temperatures can get extremely high. It helps keep the buildings cooler and significantly reduces energy bills.
There isn’t one specific material for cool roofs, which makes it possible to be creative and combine modern roof ideas. The outermost layer makes roofs “cool roofs.” Some options include cedar shakes, metal tiles, and synthetic roofing are some of the many materials for cool roof options.
A Shift Towards Modern Roofing
Whether you’re replacing an old roof or choosing a roof for new construction, making the right choice is important. These days, it needs to look good and be secure and, ideally, offer more protection and benefits than traditional materials do. For that, you want to consider more modern roofing options like those listed above. From solar roofing to cool roofs, these modern house roof ideas provide style, protection, and other benefits that will serve any homeowner well.
Contact Brava today to learn more about composite roofing, get free samples, and get some modern roof design ideas to help inspire your planning!