Trends Overhead
Todays Roofing Alternatives
by Danielle D'Adamo
With green building no longer a niche market and countless materials competing for the best product, the roofing industry is riding a series of trends into the future. Homebuilders have become more sophisticated with roofing materials and home buyers are paying closer attention to the installation, warranty and overall cost of a roofing system. The industry is also on the environmental fast track with a firm focus on sustainability.
Energy Efficient Solutions
For example, Simon Bates, senior vice president and general manager of West Region for Charlotte, N.C.-based Hanson Roof Tile, says that energy efficiency in roofing is important to many consumers looking to save on monthly heating and cooling bills. Homebuilders and home buyers have become increasingly price sensitive and are striving for products with a low lifecycle cost. A roof system that is properly installed will last the life of the roof with little or no maintenance requirements.
Jerry Vandewater, technical service manager for Irvine, Calif.-based MonierLifetile says cool roofs are highly effective in significantly reducing cooling costs. The ideal cool roof features light colored tile to reflect heat away and an air barrier between the tile and sub-roof, thus acting as an insulator from heat. This air space can help lower air conditioning costs.
So, how green would you dare to go? Some builders and owners are exploring the more literal translation of a green roof: a vegetative system with a layer of living plants covering a structure that features waterproofing elements. Originally developed in Europe, green roofs are becoming increasingly common in the U.S.
John Simonelli, vice president of West Region for Beloit, Wis.-based ABC Supply Co. Inc., says green roofs help insulate and shade the home while the plants transpire and cool the atmosphere around them. Green roofs may increase in popularity as people look for ways to decrease their energy consumption and costs. This new trend can minimize bills while maximizing the beauty of the urban landscape.
With the amount of energy savings and heat reduction, going green has a significant environmental impact. Today, many states are adopting energy efficiency standards to promote the construction of green buildings. Whatever the "green" roof strategy, Molly Kwiatkowski, director of roofing and asphalt for Toledo, Ohio-based Owens Corning, says its important to look at the big picture.
"You need to look at the attic as well as the roof and recognize that energy efficiency, proper ventilation and moisture management go hand in hand," she says. "Energy efficiency requires a complete home system approach."
Battle for the Best Product
New products are being developed to overcome the shortcomings of older roofing materials and to meet the demands of modern home techniques. Homebuilders have different views on the best roof options for many reasons, including sustainability, cost and aesthetics. With a variety of styles and finishes, what is the best option?
Vandewater prefers tile roofs as they typically keep houses cooler due to their thermal mass?a thick material that absorbs heat rather than let it pass through. "Unlike a shingle roof," he says, "tile roofs will allow at least 50 percent less heat into an attic. So, in most cases, there is a 20 or 30 percent energy savings depending on the climate and cost of electricity."
Bates favors concrete tile roofs as they have little or no maintenance requirements and remain one of the most durable and cost-effective roofing options in high-wind climates, unlike metal roofing systems that can sustain dents, are noisy during storms and expensive to repair.
On the flipside, Kwiatkowski stresses that asphalt shingles are the most widely used residential roofing material in the U.S. "They are typically less expensive, easier to install and offer many performance advantages including a class-A fire rating," she says. Strictly from a value point, shingles are less costly than tile or slate, and since homeowners are becoming price sensitive, this could be a deciding factor.
Simonelli says that in Arizona, Nevada and California, people have moved away from the traditional wood shingle roofs that were prevalent 20 years ago. "Metal is the fastest-growing segment of the roofing industry," he says. "It has a lot of untapped potential in the higher-end home market. They look nice, are extremely durable and can even be painted in 'cool roof' colors."
Slate has become a popular choice in more high-end home markets. "Slate is a great value," says Simonelli. "Its performance has been proven, literally, over centuries; you'll find slate roofs in Europe that are 500 years old." In addition, slate is a non-processed, natural product.
Bottom line: there is no "best" or "worst" roofing material. Each type has its place based on climate, cost, the style of the home and the buyer's personal preference. Homeowners need to hit the books and research material options to determine the best products for their specific needs.
Homebuilders are traditionally more concerned with durability for optimum performance but when it comes down to it, homeowners are not willing to sacrifice quality or performance for aesthetics. Depending on the slope, the roof can account for as much as 60 percent of what you see when you look at a house, says Simonelli.
The roofing system is integral to the curb appeal of a home as it is often one of the first noticeable traits. Homebuilders should focus their attention on durable, long-lasting products that will also enhance the color palettes and styles of homes.
Roofing Options
- Shingles have a classic appearance that can combine complementary colors with textured designs to accent windows and doors.
- Concrete tile can emulate the appearance of clay, slate and cedar shake roofs for a variety of architectural styles.
- Metal roofing systems look bold and elegant with steel, copper, aluminum or stainless steel.
- Slate roofs are praised for their metallic blue-gray tiles that give off an old world appearance associated with upscale style.
What the Future Holds
Roofing manufacturers have certainly heeded the rising demand for energy efficient and environmentally friendly products. There is an emerging trend in solar roofing that is prevalent in California and has potential to be strong in the Southwest.
"One tile supplier has introduced solar tiles that interlock with their concrete tiles, making for a relatively easy installation," says Simonelli. Many states and the federal government are even offering financial incentives to encourage homeowners to incorporate solar panels into their roofs.
It seems that the green bandwagon will continue to roll as cool roofs and solar roofs become more common. Homeowners are also paying more attention to curb appeal and the important role roofing plays in it. There has been a migration to natural products, such as slate and tile, as well as new premium laminate shingles.
In the end, products that can offer both energy efficiency and curb appeal will have an extra advantage in the marketplace.
