Installing a new roof or replacing an existing one is a significant monetary investment for most homeowners. However, selecting the right style that fits a specific home’s architectural design or climate is challenging for many. While the current housing market has many roof styles, your choice may depend primarily on your location and future monetary goals.

Having a unique roof with distinctive features will make your house a masterpiece. A modern roof with personal elements will attract attention immediately and make people wish to step inside. If your roof is outdated and you need a modern, stylish update, here are five styles to consider.

Why Do You Need a New Roof Style

A roof replacement may be the least of your concerns as a homeowner. That is especially true if the current one still serves its protective purpose. However, beyond its standard functionality, a modern roof style has numerous benefits that enhance your home’s comfort and value. Some reasons why you need to install a modern roof style include:

  • Enhanced energy efficiency: Most old roofs lack the advanced energy-saving aspects found in modern styles. For instance, modern roofs made from cool roofing membranes and reflective coatings can help your home cool all year round.
  • Increased weather resistance: Modern roofs are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, increasing longevity.
  • Compliance with modern building standards: Building codes have changed over the years, and outdated styles may no longer meet the new standards. Replacing your old roof ensures your home complies with the state or local building requirements. Ensure you work with trusted experts, such as G-Cannon Roofing Company, who understand how the current building codes dictate your roof styles. With over 50 years of experience, these experts understand all the ins and outs of roofing and will help you choose the perfect style for your home.
  • Adaptability to future needs: Like any other sector, the housing market is ever-changing and reshaping homeowner’s needs. Thus, having a modern roof that can adapt quickly to these changes is essential.
  • Need for a sustainable roof: Most modern roofs have environmentally friendly features such as recyclable materials and water drainage. These features reduce your environmental footprint and maintenance costs.

Modern Roof Styles to Consider

The next crucial step after upgrading your roofing is choosing the right style for your home. Choosing among the wide range of available roof styles can be challenging. A slight mistake can significantly impact your home’s curb appeal and value. If you are looking for a stylish roof update, here are the modern styles and features.

1. Jerkinhead Roofs

Jerkinhead roofs combine features of gable and hip designs. They have a traditional triangular shape of a gable roof with clipped or shortened ends and a hip roof with two shorter sides. However, they are more stable since the shorter edges reduce wind impact, making them more durable. They are also space-saving, allowing you to save on resources and installation costs.

A jerkinhead style blends seamlessly with traditional and modern architectural designs, making it more versatile for any home. However, due to its complexities, installing it requires a qualified roofer who can cut and balance the edges for a more stable finish.

2. Mansard Roofs

Mansard is a classic rooted in French architecture. The style has been used for centuries, but has found a new place in modern homes due to its elegance and added functionality. It has two slopes on all four sides, with the lower slope being steeper than the upper slope. The top of the roof can have different shapes, such as flat, angled, curved, or combination.

The advantage of a mansard style is that it provides an extra living space in the house. It is ideal if you plan to extend your home or are located in an urban area with limited space. However, it is more costly to install than a typical roof. It is also unsuitable for snowy or rainy regions since the low pitch encourages debris and water accumulation.

3. Butterfly Roof

A butterfly style features two slopes that meet in the middle to create a V-shape(like butterfly wings). The innovative and eco-friendly design is suitable for most modern homes. The two slopes also make your home look taller; hence, your favorite if you love contemporary homes. Moreover, the design allows more natural light and ventilation in the house, making it one of the eco-friendly designs to consider.

The most outstanding feature of the butterfly style is the central valley, which allows rainwater collection. The slopes also offer excellent support for installing solar panels. However, its downsides include water pooling issues, limited adaptability to different climates, and higher installation and maintenance costs.

4. Skillion Roof

A skillion or shed roof style features a single, steeply sloped roof attached to a tall wall. The design is mainly used for additional houses, sheds, and porches. However, it is becoming popular among modern primary homes due to its limited material usage. Its steep slope prevents water and debris accumulation, significantly reducing maintenance costs.

A skillion roof can be easy to build, but it is not suitable for regions with strong winds. It also dramatically reduces or eliminates the attic space, which makes it not a favorite among homeowners who want to use their interior space effectively.

5. Saltbox Roof

If you appreciate asymmetrical designs, the saltbox style is for you. The style’s one side is long and gently slopping while the other is short and steeper. This gives it a distinct, off-center look, originally famous in colonial New England homes. The longer side also allows for more living space, making it suitable for people who want extra storage space.

The style provides excellent water drainage, reducing the risks of water damage. It also gives a timeless rustic charm and blends well with most colonial, farmhouses, and traditional architectural designs. However, it is difficult to construct and maintain since its asymmetrical shape needs careful execution guidelines.

Endnote

An outdated roof can compromise your home’s protective layer and appearance. Recognizing when it is time to replace it is a significant step toward getting a roof that can adapt to any condition and enhance your property’s value. Fortunately, today’s architectural sector has enough roof styles for every homeowner. The secret is identifying what fits your home and hiring an experienced roofing expert to install it.

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