When it comes time to replace or redesign your home’s roof, it is important to choose roofing materials and styles which suit your home’s appearance as well as its features. Traditional roofing materials such as wooden shingles and ceramic tiles are often a classic and attractive choice, but may not be as durable or energy efficient as more modern options. Contemporary materials and styles, such as metal, green and synthetic shingle roofs, often utilize modern technology and materials to their best advantage. Not only are they stylish, but they may also be longer-lasting and more eco-friendly than their traditional counterparts.

As trends in modern home design shift, placing more focus on sleek, efficient and environmentally friendly options, homeowners must consider making the same changes in their roofing preferences. But if you don’t know what materials are best, or which roofing options will suit your roof aesthetics and budget, it can be difficult to make roofing-related decisions. That is where an expert contracting company like WestBank Roofing comes in. With over 50 years of experience in the roofing industry, we can help you find, install and maintain the perfect roof for you and your home. 

When it comes to modern roofing, there are a variety of options to consider. Some of the most popular choices include:

Metal Roofing

Available in materials including aluminum, copper and zinc, the durable, energy efficient and attractive nature of metal roofing has made it a very popular choice amongst homeowners. And with a variety of styles available, it can be perfectly suited for most any home design. Some common metal roofing styles include:

  • Standing seam roofs are easily identified by the raised seams which bracket the flat middles of each panel. The hidden fastener system inherent to this roofing style is particularly useful in wet climates, as water cannot infiltrate your roof through screw holes. 
  • Corrugated roofs, with their distinctive wavy surface, are one of the most budget-friendly forms of metal roofing. The process of creating corrugated metal, which includes passing a flat metal sheet through rolling dies, helps to strengthen the material, making it more durable in all kinds of weather.
  • Architectural metal shingles, which are intended to resemble classic shingle roofs, offer a similar texture and range of colors without the heat absorption, rot, mildew and shorter lifespans which may plague traditional materials. 

Green Roofs

Also known as living roofs, green roofing is exactly what it sounds like—a partial or complete layer of vegetation planted on top of a specially prepared roof. Green roofs often take two primary forms: extensive and intensive. Extensive green roofs utilize drought-tolerant ground cover plants such as grasses and sedums that will not require a great deal of maintenance. Intensive green roofs, on the other hand, typically include larger plants such as flowers, shrubs and even small trees. These systems require more maintenance, as well as a higher level of structural support. 

Synthetic Shingles

Often made out of a combination of materials, including new or recycled rubber and plastic, synthetic shingles are designed to look like classic roofing options such as cedar and slate. Their curb appeal, lightweight form, and eco-friendly and durable design makes them an ideal choice for homeowners who want modern roofing craftsmanship but a more traditional appearance.

Flat Roofs

A mostly level roofing system—with a slight pitch to help with water drainage—flat roofs are often an affordable, modern-looking and energy efficient choice for homeowners. The ample space provided by this roofing system allows for easy installation of additions such as solar panels, green roofs and patios, which may offer further benefits to you and your home. However, they may not last as long as pitched roofs, and water may build up on your flat roof in wetter climates. 

Fiberglass Shingles

A fiberglass mat coated in asphalt and sprinkled with ceramic granules, fiberglass shingles are lightweight, long-lasting and better than asphalt shingles at preventing heat absorption. However, they are more expensive than asphalt shingles, and may not weather cold or windy climates well. 

Cool Roofs

Made from reflective materials or covered in a reflective coating, cool roofs keep your home energy efficient by casting back sunlight and releasing trapped heat. While white roofs tend to handle these tasks better, modern coatings and pigments mean that dark-colored roofs can still do an admirable job of keeping your home cool.

Choosing the Perfect Modern Roofing Material and Style for Your Home

Choosing the right roofing material for your home requires careful consideration of a variety of factors, including:

1.Cost

For homeowners on a budget, roofing materials and styles such as aluminum, corrugated metal and flat roofs may be some of the most affordable modern options for you to consider. On the other hand, options such as copper, standing seam roofs and synthetic shingles may be some of the least cost-effective.

2.Durability

Think about how your area’s climate will affect your roof’s lifespan. If your area is prone to high winds or heavy rain, for example, materials and styles such as flat roofs and fiberglass shingles may not be the best choice for protecting your home. 

3. Roof aesthetics

Consider the color options, materials and styles available to you before making your roofing choices. Metal roofing, for example, may offer the most color and material diversity when it comes to modern roofing options. Green roofs may not be sleek, but they are environmentally friendly, and—depending on the included plants—they can add a riot of colors and textures to your home. 

4. Roof pitch

While owners of medium-pitched roofs may have a world of roofing options to choose from, the closer you get to either end of the spectrum, the more your field of options may narrow. Make your roof too steep, for example, and you’ll need to ensure that your roofing materials can withstand the pull of gravity.

Contact WestBank Roofing and Start Upgrading Your Roof Today

Choosing modern roofing materials and styles may provide a variety of benefits for your home, including increased durability and energy efficiency as well as a reduced environmental impact. But modern materials do more than just complement the features of your modern home. The sleek appearance of many contemporary roofing options, as well as the wide range of colors and styles available, allows them to mesh well with a variety of home designs. 

So, how do you go about choosing the perfect roofing material or style for your home and budget? That is where a skilled contracting company like WestBank Roofing comes in. As Louisiana locals, we understand the importance of durable and energy efficient roofing, particularly during heat waves and punishing storm seasons. And with decades of experience maintaining and replacing residential and commercial roofs, we are capable of answering a wide range of questions and handling most any roofing need. So if you’re looking to say goodbye to your existing roof and hello to a sleek, modern look that suits your modern home, give us a call or send us a message today.