Planning to Change Your Roof? Here are Some Interesting and Unconventional Roofing Ideas

Mediterranean style home with red tile roof featuring unconventional roofing ideas.

After a while comes the time when you need to do some roof repairs and maybe even change it as a whole. This is true for those of you that are living in a home that’s quite old. If your roof looks like it’s in dire need of a repair, then go ahead and undergo one.

Changing your roof, however, is always quite an endeavor and requires planning of your budget and what type of roof you will use. There are so many roofing designs and functions for you to choose from, so you can be sure to find one that suits your budget and your liking.  The greatest thing about roofing is that you don’t have to use the same materials. Additionally, there is a number of options on the market so you’ll easily find the one that is best suited for your overall house design. These roof options today are also made more sturdy so that you can reduce the likelihood of roof damage, which can be costly to repair in the future.

You have to be prepared to be overwhelmed, however, especially when you don’t know where to start with your search. Hence, if you plan to change the roof, check out these interesting and unconventional ideas. Having a background on the different kinds of roofs can help you make a more informed choice.

Green roofs

Just like in your garden, you can also have a landscape on your roof, which is becoming more and more popular. This kind of roof is also rising in commercial buildings, also known as green buildings.

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An aerial view of a building with an unconventional green roof.
Green Roof Systems

Green roofs are expensive and require regular maintenance, but they’ll also improve your curb appeal. Their eco-friendliness is reflected in attracting natural pollinators like bees and butterflies and offering a home to birds.

Another positive side of green roofing is that they improve storm-water management and reduce greenhouse gasses. These roofs also last longer than standard roofs since they are not affected by ultraviolet radiation and different temperatures.

However, for it to function effectively, you have to ensure that an expert roofing contractor is the one working on your roof. To help you get started, google “roofing contractors near me” for expert advice.

Synthetic roofs

Synthetic roofs are made of tiles that resemble traditional materials but they cost less and require low maintenance. Even their installation is easy thanks to the already molded rubber and plastic-based materials. But they can also improve the appearance of your house with different colors, although the lack the authentic look.    

Unconventional Rhinoroof roofing system.
RhinoRoof U15 Synthetic Roofing Underlayment

 

This type of roofing is popular mostly because they are inexpensive but yet resemble the natural materials. If you need a cost-effective alternative then this is it, but this type of roof lacks quality features that the natural materials have.

Cool roofs

Cool roofs reflect the heat and thus lower the temperature inside the house. This happens because the roofs are made of certain materials and colors that don’t absorb heat. Besides the materials, you can also use coatings that turn your roof into a reflective surface, as well.

A diagram comparing warm and cool roofs, showcasing unconventional roofing ideas.
Cool Roofs – Lower Your Energy Bill Naturally

Their ability to absorb less heat is perfect for houses in the regions with warm climates and will certainly lower your electricity bill. So before you decide to install this type of roof, consider the climate.

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Cooper roofs

If you want a premium roof, then installing copper roofing may be exactly what you are looking for. It’s the best among all the metal materials and it also looks amazing. Copper starts off with warm brownish hue and then turns into blue-green over time.

Two men experimenting with unconventional roofing ideas on a copper roof.

Metal roofs are extremely durable and that gives them excellent longevity. Their reflective ability gives a house exterior a special and modern look.  

Solar roofs

One of the ways to lower your electricity bills and be environmentally responsible is to add some solar shingles to the roof. Contrary to popular belief, they won’t ruin the appearance of your roof and will give it a modern look. The shingles are made of rigid materials that are easy to install just like the regular ones.

An unconventional solar panel on the roof of a house.

Even though they are expensive, they will pay off in no time from the moment you install it you will start creating your own electricity and thus lower the bills.

Recycled Roofs

Another way to help the environment is by using recycled shingles for your roof. As its name suggests, these are roofing shingles that have been re-processed to give them new life. These recycled roofs are just as good as the brand new ones; just because they’re recycled, doesn’t mean that they’re of inferior quality.

An aerial view of a building with an unconventional blue roof.
ModRoof from ReMaterials in India

These roofs may be similar to the synthetic ones and a bit pricey, but they’re resilient and have extended lifetime. With the constant deterioration of the climate, this is also becoming a more and more popular type of roofing. You become a more responsible homeowner when some of the materials in the renovation of your home are sustainable.

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Roofing waste takes up more than 10% of landfill space, which is an alarming figure. But using recycled material helps downsize the landfills and stops the wasting of materials.

Final Word

Changing up your roof is more than just an aesthetic matter. When you know that your roof is in desperate need of a repair, it’s one that you must also undertake. It’s more about the safety and functionality of the roof. 

Thankfully, today, the construction industry isn’t far behind the latest trends that make housing designs look even better. If you’re looking for new ways to make your roof look better and more functional, you can follow through any of these designs.

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