Like any technology, roofing will keep seeing innovation as long as people, like those at J&B Construction, keep working on it every day. With how much homebuilding innovation is leaning towards sustainability and efficiency, it’s no surprise new roofing solutions with those benefits have taken steps forward. Scott Cline, J&B Construction co-owner, highlights roofing trends and how they can have a positive impact on your energy bill.
Metal Roofing
Simple and tough, metal roofing is gaining popularity for its cost-effectiveness, insulation, and durability.
For starters, metal roofs are durable and will last a long time, easily recouping their somewhat-increased cost compared to asphalt roofing. “You can expect a metal roof to last two or three times longer than asphalt, making it a smart investment,” Scott said.
Metal roofs shrug off severe weather conditions and don’t catch fire, eliminating the regular inspection and occasional maintenance other materials need. Screws and other points of vulnerability do exist, and should be taken seriously, but amount to a much smaller concern.
Perhaps most importantly, metal roofs are sustainable. “They can be easily recycled from other metals, plus they reflect the brunt of the sun’s rays and insulate a home well from the heat, lowering cooling costs in summer,” said Scott. “Metal is very good at stopping heat radiation by absorbing it. While the roof might become hot to the touch under direct sunlight, the rest of your home beneath it will stay cool.”
Finally, regarding the aesthetics of a metal roof, a variety of materials and looks are available to serve a homeowner’s vision and style.
Green Roofs
Green roofs, which have been popular on commercial buildings, are becoming more prevalent on homes as the technology has been refined.
“Like metal roofs, green roofs boast superior heat insulation and energy efficiency, as the plants combined with water do an excellent job at absorbing sunlight, keeping heat inside your home during winter months,” he said. “Also, plant coverage improves air quality in the area.”
Solar Shingles
In addition to offering energy efficiency, solar shingles provide energy generation. “Solar shingles are on par with metal roofing, and they can withstand severe weather just as well,” said Scott. “They’re easier to maintain than solar panels, and especially cost-effective if building a new roof.”
Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are coming more into fashion as a low-maintenance, low-cost alternative to the traditional sloped roofs. “The first benefit of a flat roof is fairly obvious: you can walk on it,” Scott said. “Rooftop gardens and patios are two popular uses for the additional space a flat roof affords. As a nice bonus, a walkable roof is easier and safer to maintain.”
Flat roofs have a unique energy efficiency advantage. While a sloped roof creates a “dead zone” under its slope where warm or cool air can stagnate, a flat roof lying directly on top of a living space ensures benefits from the temperature generated.
Whatever you desire your roof upgrade to look like, J&B Construction’s full-service roofing team can bring it to life. Contact J&B Construction for a complimentary consultation today.
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