2020 has been a wild ride, and it’s only halfway through! But amidst the pandemic, the protests, and the tensions that have popped up all over the globe, new trends have emerged in almost every industry - and roofing is no exception. The first part of 2020 has brought new trends to the roofing industry, trends that are most likely to continue throughout the rest of the year and beyond. Here is a closer look at what has become popular.
Trends
Metal roofs
Metal roofs are one of the strongest roofing trends in 2020. They are not a new concept - in fact, metal has been used as a roofing material since the 1800’s - but now more than ever, they are becoming a popular roofing option for homeowners, and for a good reason.
- Metal roofs are long lasting, and when properly installed and maintained, they can last up to 70 years or even longer before they need to be replaced.
- Metal roofs are also the only roofing material on the market that remain 100% non-combustible throughout their entire lifespan. This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners who are worried about fire protection.
- Metal roofs are eco-friendly. Many metal roofs are made from recycled materials, and are completely recyclable after their lifespan, making them one of the lowest-impact roofing materials on the market.
Light colored shingles
The second 2020 roofing trend is that of light-colored shingles. While black and dark grey shingles will probably never go out of style completely, more and more homeowners are beginning to choose lighter and more colorful roofing materials. Whether shingle, metal, or faux slate, these cooler greens, warmer blues, taupes, beiges, and lighter greys are in. The lighter colors help contribute to a softer-looking exterior, and can also help keep a home cooler by absorbing less heat than darker colored materials. As an Owens Corning company, Cenvar Roofing is proud to offer shingles in 7 different color blends, and dozens of shades, making your color options virtually endless.
Solar Roofing Panels
The installation of solar roofing panels is another trend that is picking up steam in 2020. Solar panels are a relatively low impact way to boost the sustainability and eco-friendliness of your home. The vast majority of roofs are good candidates for solar panels, and depending on the size, shape, slope and direction of the roof, solar panels can generate up to enough solar energy to power your home. Not every roof can sustain solar panels, but the best way to find out is to have your roof analyzed by a professional.
Synthetic roofing materials
Synthetic roofing materials are another trend that has been around for awhile but is starting to gain traction. Everything from synthetic roofing shakes, to faux slate roofing material is starting to become a popular roofing material alternative. Synthetic materials are popular because they have a very realistic appearance, but they are less prone to splitting, warping, rotting, or discoloration. Here at Cenvar Roofing, we specialize in synthetic slate, or what we call “faux slate.” Faux slate boasts of most of the benefits of slate roofing material. This material is much lighter than traditional slate and can be installed on homes that were not engineered for the extra weight of traditional slate, but it looks so much the same that most people cannot tell the difference between the two.
Flat roofs
At first glance, a flat roof is a somewhat strange concept, they are a trend to watch for in 2020. These roofs, instead of having slopes, angles, and sides, are almost completely flat. Flat roofs are often used to achieve a more modern, minimalist look for the home exterior. Flat roofs are also fairly cost-effective, compared to installing a more traditional style of roof, which makes them an increasingly appealing choice. Flat roofs also come with significant eco-friendly potential. Depending on the position and location of your roof, flat roofs are great for solar panels, and can potentially be turned into a green roof, or even a rooftop deck.
Cool Roofing
Some places get a lot of sun, which not only causes extreme heat, but the strong rays beating down day after day can cause UV damage which will degrade your roof over time. This has led to the trend of what is called “cool roofs.” These roofs are designed to reflect sunlight back into the atmosphere and therefore keep your roof from overheating.
As an Owens Corning company, we primarily source our materials from one of the largest, most innovative roofing material suppliers in the nation. These materials include the trademarked “Cool Roof Collection”, which is a shingle collection specifically designed to reflect the strong sun rays, and prevent heat from entering your home. These shingles are proven to reduce home energy costs, because they keep your home cooler during the hot summer months, and can help protect your roof from extreme temperatures, and the damage that comes with it.
Green Roofs
Green roofs, also referred to as live roofs, are an emerging trend in 2020. They too, have been around for awhile, but it was not until more recently that started becoming popular in American cities. In fact, in 2018, Washington D.C. was home to the most green roof square footage in North America - and the trend is continuing to pick up speed. Green roofs are exactly what they sound like - covered in green. They are typically covered with a layer of soil deep enough to support plants, and then a layer of vegetation thrives overtop.
For the eco-friendly homeowner, or someone who enjoys things a little bit off the beaten path, green roofs are a fantastic option. They can have a positive impact on the environment, and can even lower your electricity bill, as they help insulate your home. They are just as protective as traditional shingles, so the integrity of your roof won’t be jeopardized.
Cenvar Roofing
Here at Cenvar Roofing we keep an eye on new roofing trends, because we strive to be an innovative leader in the roofing industry. If you have questions about innovative roofing materials and would like to schedule a further conversation with a member of our sales team, we would be happy to discuss your options with you. Fill out our free estimate form and someone will be in contact with you soon!
