It seems as though homeowners have turned their attention to the newest design options for their homes. More than traditional dwellings, they seem to lean towards homes that are more sustainable and energy-efficient. This has resulted in an increase in more modern roof designs as well. Coupled with the desire for homes that work better in today’s environments is the wide availability of roofing materials that make it possible for anyone building or reroofing a home to design a unique and functional roof that is not similar to that of any other home around.
Modern Roof Design Ideas
Have a look at five of the best roofing design ideas that seem to be the preferred choice of homeowners nowadays.
1. Flat or Almost Flat Roofs
While in years past, it was common to relegate flat roofs to commercial structures or outbuildings, nowadays many residences are going for that roofing style. Although they may look flat, these roofs have a very low pitch for water to slide off them.
Many times, flat roofs are also metal roofs with their own set of advantages. To start, metal roofs are incredibly long-lasting and durable. Life expectancy for metal roofs can range from 40 to 70 years and longer. Metal withstands gusts of wind up to 140 miles per hour, and its rust-proof coatings make it resistant to rust. Additionally, metal roofs are energy efficient, reflecting the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them, keeping the house fresher.
2. Shed Style or Mono-Pitch Roof
Single slope roofs are minimalist, efficient, and clean. They go well with both contemporary and traditional-style homes. The main way to recognize a mono-pitch roof is the need for one outer wall to be higher than another. In these cases, the roof is built on rafters and is more affordable than roofs that call for various slopes.
Accompanying this type of roof, homes also have large windows that love to take advantage of natural light. Other homes with this type of roof combine it with one or more different planes in a saw-tooth style.
3. Gable Roof
A gable roof is the well-known double slope that resembles an inverted V. Raised walls connect the two ridge points and form the gable. A factor that determines the steepness of the slope is usually the weather in the home’s location. Regions with snowy winters do better with steeper pitches.
Gabled roofs can be combined with dormers, giving a very distinctive look to the home and adding character to the home’s exterior. Gable roofs have been around for decades, and their look is always pleasing to the eye.
4. Mansard Roofs
Mansard or French roofs are typical of French structural architecture. It may have a flat portion in the center, but that is accompanied by a slope resting upon another hip frame. It is an attractive addition to any home’s façade, and dormers usually complement it. One of the main advantages of mansard roofs, besides their characteristic and easily definable look, is that the inside offers additional living space. Also, the rain slides off it very quickly. Think twice about installing this type of roof since you will need an experienced roofing contractor to do an excellent job with it and also to be able to conduct any repairs when needed.
5. Tiled Roof
A tiled roof is not only beautiful and distinctive; it is also something that can last up to a century. Traditionally, roof tiles were made from terracotta, slate, or fired clay, but today, they are made from concrete that has been molded and tinted. Also, the shapes have broadened to include fluted, flat, curved, or interlocking tiles and can be laid in many different styles.
Tile roofs are a perfect combination for locations that experience routine exposure to salty air or hot weather, such as Florida or California. They also work well for locations where surprise showers are common since they can allow large amounts of water to slide off them.
Before looking to install a tile roof, talk to your roofing contractor since this roofing material is heavy and calls for sturdy structures underneath it. Also, keep in mind that tiles can break easily under some weather conditions. Make sure to purchase some additional supplies for future repairs to avoid running out of the style, shape, and color of your tiles.
Finding the Perfect Roofer for Your Roofing Project
You know that a roof is not something you want to install or replace frequently, and you want to make the right decision this time around. That is why it is so important to work with the right roofer. Someone who has knowledge and experience installing the type of roof you want and will be around should you need maintenance or repair in the future.
A good place to start finding the perfect roofer is by asking friends and neighbors who have had roofing jobs done for a recommendation. If you are new to the area, talking to your Homeowner’s Association may yield good results.
Once you have a couple of names, take the time to interview them and determine their qualifications and whether they are licensed and insured in your area. Home Care Contractors recommend you ask for references. This means asking them for a portfolio of past jobs and hopefully also the possibility of visiting homes where they have recently worked.
You may discover that your roofers are either independent contractors or large roofing companies like park view city. If you decide to go with an individual contractor, you may feel confident that you will always know who to contact throughout the project and should an issue arise in the future. Roofing companies have more experience with large building projects and may be able to pass on discounts they have on roofing materials. However, you may not have a specific individual to call should an issue arise. Weight the pros and cons of each option before deciding who you feel more comfortable working with.
