Roofing Options for 2021/2022
Most of us worry more about the décor inside our homes than what’s on the outside. Certainly, we pick colors for our siding and perhaps choose some pretty shingles for our windows. We pay attention to the shrubs and plants in our yard and ensure lighting is sufficient for making our way around the backyard. But how about our roofing options?
Roofing isn’t something we often give lots of thought to, but the truth is, there are plenty of different kinds of roofs available, and some types and materials may be better for your home and more amenable to the climate you live in than other types. Furthermore, an interesting roof can change the look of your home for the better, making you the envy of the neighborhood.
Let’s examine some of the top roofing trends for 2022
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are a time-tested, long-lasting roofing option. They’re flexible, affordable, and just as trendy now as they were 10, 20, or 30 years ago. One of the best things about asphalt is that it survives just about any weather, including Western Canada’s sometimes extreme conditions.
Furthermore, asphalt shingles are available in various styles and colors. You can have fun by choosing something a little different, perhaps offering an interesting contrast to the other colors on the exterior of your home. While neutral tones were long popular, today’s trends include darker, brighter colors that can be quite striking.
Shake shingles
If it’s rustic you seek, you’ll be happy to know that shake shingles are still in style, especially for homes with a country feel, though they complement various styles of homes. Usually made of cedar, they vary in cut and shape, which makes your roof unique.
Cedar shake shingles are highly resistant to insects and hold up quite well in the wind though moisture can sometimes be a concern. On average, they last about 25-30 years when properly maintained and are naturally insulating, much more so than asphalt. They are more expensive than asphalt shingles but could certainly increase the value of your home in the long run.
Metal roofing
Metal roofing may be your top choice if you’re looking for visual appeal combined with high functionality. They are durable, versatile, and certainly eye-catching, and they seem to be on the road back to popularity these days.
Metal roofs can be made from aluminum, steel, copper, or alloy strips and are offered in many shapes and textures, making them especially interesting. They let you exercise your creativity and make your home stand out…if that’s what you’re aiming for. Furthermore, homeowners like metal roofs because they repel moisture/rain rather than absorb it. This means there’s less chance for a leak than with asphalt or shake roofs.
Purchasing a metal roof will require a little more money upfront than going with a shingle or shake roof, but most who’ve gone in this direction will agree that it’s well worth the expense. Metal roofs require relatively little maintenance as the years go by (often none at all), and the average lifespan of a metal roof is about a half-century, which is longer than most people live in their homes.
And if you’re concerned about sustainability, you should know that many metal roofs contain recycled materials. Furthermore, you can recycle it again once it’s removed at the end of its life.
Eco-friendly roofing options
Regarding sustainability, if protecting the earth is high on your list, you might want to consider synthetic roofing materials, which are largely made of plastic, rubber, and other recycled materials. Also available in various shapes, sizes, and colors, synthetic roofing is super durable and can look trendy or traditional, depending on your preference. Furthermore, they’re very affordable.
For something super eco-friendly, albeit a little “out there”, a “green” roof could be your answer. They’ve been popular in office buildings for a few decades, but we see them in private residences more often. They’re unusual but pretty, are very durable, and provide your home with natural insulation.
These are just a few roofing options you can choose from. You can also make a statement with interesting roof lines, mixed materials, and various other options for the “top” of your home. Let us tell you more about this year’s roofing options and how they can enhance the custom home of your dreams. For more information, call the pros at F.M. Construction at 604-880-4081 and get a better idea of our process.