Innovation in the residential roofing market has also transformed the way we think about roofing materials and options available to consumers. Today’s homeowner wants much more than just weather protection from their roof; they are looking for a roofing product or material to provide them with a more ‘green’ approach to roofing, as well as a roof that is more energy-efficient. With that being said, selecting the right roofing company to do the work and to properly install it has become increasingly important due to the need for proper installation of the materials and the need to know how to properly maintain the roof after installation.
Regardless of the motivation for upgrading your roofing material, whether it be due to a desire for a more ‘green’ roof option, or based on the amount of money you could save in the long run through increased energy efficiency, the modern-day roofing materials will not only increase your home’s value but also its performance and comfort. The use of modern technology combined with today’s design versatility has opened up new and exciting opportunities to improve your home’s curb appeal and enhance comfort, making roofing upgrades an investment worth making in the future.
For those who want a more localized approach to choosing their roofing company, a union roofing contractor provides their clients with personalized solutions based on the unique weather patterns and architectural styles found in your area, as well as specific maintenance requirements for the materials being used.
Sustainable Roofing Materials
As more people are becoming concerned about how the improvements to their homes affect the environment, they are looking for eco-friendly options to install on their homes. Therefore, the demand for roofing products that are environmentally friendly (such as recycled shingles and metal roofs made from reclaimed metals) has greatly increased and many manufacturers have developed new products based on these types of products. More and more residential and commercial buildings are installing green roofs, which are roof gardens that contain native plants. These types of roofs provide insulation for homes, reduce stormwater runoff, and enhance urban air quality.
Selecting an eco-friendly roofing product does not just include the selection of recycled products; it also includes the selection of roofing systems that minimize the environmental impact over the entire lifespan of the product, including selecting roofing products that have been certified by nationally recognized environmental organizations. Experts believe that as technology continues to evolve, the costs of these technologies continue to decrease; most of the roofing system options available on the market will be sustainable options, as opposed to specialty, environmentally friendly products.
Energy Efficiency and Cool Roofs
As energy costs continue to rise, it has become increasingly important for the homeowner to install energy-efficient roofs. Cool roofing systems are constructed from high-reflectivity materials and/or enjoy solar reflective coatings which reduces the amount of heat entering the attic and thus less energy is consumed for cooling the home during the warmer summer months.
Light-coloured asphalt shingles, cool roof membranes, and specially produced ceramic coatings, represent the top of the line in cool roofing products.
Installing a cool roof with a Union roofing company will save you money on your energy bills and will make your home more comfortable to live in; additionally, because the roof experiences less thermal cycling (the repeated expanding and contracting of the roof due to changing temperatures), it will generally last longer than a non-cool roof. With additional support from government incentives, including tax credits or rebates in most states, many homeowners are now transitioning to energy-efficient roof products supported by several studies conducted to illustrate the advantages of installing a cool roof. The U.S. Department of Energy’s report indicates that the installation of cool roofing can reduce the surface temperature of the roof by up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which can equal substantial savings over the roof’s lifespan.
Solar Integration
“Recent technological advancements in roofing has led to the growth of residential solar power. Historically, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels were only available on racking systems attached to roofs – however, new technology has allowed solar roof shingles to serve as both a functional component of the roof and a source of renewable energy. This innovative roof system improves the aesthetics of a home while providing a source of renewable energy.
As more people learn how solar technology has improved and use has increased, homeowners are becoming increasingly interested in roof systems that are integrated with solar technology. There are not only numerous financial incentives for integrating solar into your roof, as well as the many benefits related to energy independence and reduced utility costs, but also the potential for increased value in the overall market for the property. As government incentives and awareness of global climate issues continue to grow, it is likely that this trend will continue to grow.”
Modern Asphalt Shingles
The residential roofing industry continues to thrive, which has led to the majority of residential homes having asphalt shingles as their primary form of roofing cover due to their affordability and availability. Recent advances in technology have provided significant improvements to asphalt shingle products with lower price points. For example, new products now offer better impact resistance, proprietary UV-reflecting coatings, and from manufacturers 30% to 50% longer warranty periods compared with previous versions. In addition, consumers have more choices than were previously available with regards to roofing materials.
Modern asphalt shingles have been designed in such a way that homeowners can achieve the appearance of wood or slate products without having to pay the premium costs associated with owning a wood or slate roof or to deal with the added maintenance required for expensive roofing. Additionally, improvements in the manufacturing process for asphalt shingles have caused there to be less chance of granule loss or colour fading, extending the life of the product while remaining visually appealing.
Metal Roofing Popularity
Metal roofing systems were once seen exclusively as a product of industrial construction; however, they now have emerged as a popular option for residential construction in virtually every style. Advances in technology have enabled manufacturers to produce metal shingles and tiles that closely resemble classic roof designs while providing long-lasting durability and performance. On average, metal roofing products can last anywhere between 40-70 years, require little or no maintenance, and are extremely resistant to both fire, hail, and wind.
In addition to the durability of metal roofing, metal roofing incorporates highly reflective properties, which contribute to increasing energy efficiency and lowering cooling costs. The growing preference of homeowners for durable and eco-friendly materials as a result of changing residential design trends indicates that the popularity of metal roofing will continue to increase.
Smart Roofing Technology
Innovative smart technology has revolutionized how homeowners view and maintain their roofs. Innovative new Roof Monitoring Technologies combine embedded moisture sensors, real-time leak detection, and energy monitoring to provide homeowners with a sense of proactive maintenance as well as enhanced peace of mind. The best thing about these smart roof monitoring systems is that when linked to a smart home network, they provide immediate alerts and can be used to prevent costly damage caused by unknown problems.
The integration of state-of-the-art technologies into the traditional techniques used to create residential roofing systems turns the residential roof into an intelligent and functional component of the smart home ecosystem. As such, roofs used in residential homes are now as future-ready as the rest of the home itself.
Design and Curb Appeal
The roofing of a house helps shape the overall look and feel of its exterior appearance. Many homeowners now have more options when choosing their roof colors, roof shapes, and roof designs than ever before due to the vast array of available options today.
Most roofing companies now have digital visualization software that allows a homeowner to see various potential color combinations of roof and architectural style before the actual installation of the roof. This provides the customer an opportunity to see how their particular choice of colors or style will look together prior to them making a purchase decision.
By combining style with function, roofing becomes an exciting way for homeowners to express themselves while simultaneously increasing the value of their home and the appeal of their neighborhood.
Weather-Resistant Innovations
Intensifying weather patterns require residential roofs to endure much more than simply the ordinary wear-and-tear associated with typical residential use. The availability and effectiveness of shingles manufactured to be impact-resistant, metal panels manufactured to resist hurricane-force winds, and advanced waterproof underlayments means that there are now materials that protect homes against hail damage, hurricane-force winds, and heavy snow.
For those who live in areas that experience extreme weather conditions, these weather-resistant products provide valuable peace of mind, as they improve home storm protection and increase roof longevity, thereby enhancing safety as well as property value.
Final Thoughts
As a result of the evolving residential roofing market, homeowners are now able to take advantage and utilise a wider range of new roofing materials, technologies, and designs than they have ever had before. By being educated on these trends and hiring qualified installation professionals who keep current on the latest products and technologies, homeowners can expect to reap the rewards of owning a durable roof system that complements their lifestyle for many years to come.