Although in the United States it may seem like most houses have the same roofing systems, each and every home is a unique entity that deserves to stand out uniquely. If you are the type of homeowner who is looking to do something a little different with your roof then you’re not alone, and there are several options that can really open up the entire vibrancy of your house with a very easy solution: alternative roofing.
The truth is that there are endless options out there in the market when it comes to alternative roofing, and so what we decided to do is break down a long list of cool roofing alternatives and give you some ideas in terms of the more popular materials people are using for roofing these days so you can better judge which options are best for you and your home. By going through this article you’ll learn more of the intricate details of each of these options, which will then allow you to make a more informed decision about the direction you’d like to go with your alternative roofing.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are definitely one of the more popular options that a Contracting Pro in Memphis TN would utilize, and this is mainly because shingles are relatively easy to install and are also really cheap as compared to some of the other alternatives.
What’s pretty unique that most people don’t realize is that asphalt shingles are manufactured in all different colors and are of course always good for sloped roofs and residential houses of all types. So if you were thinking all of your neighbors have asphalt shingle roofs and you want to be a little different without spending an arm and a leg, well, you could always go with a unique color shingle and be the house that stands out on the block rather easily and cheaply.
Installing shingles are relatively easy and most homeowners could do it themselves if they really wanted to, but if you are going to do this you must consider the proper sized nail and you should also make sure you’re placing each and every shingle in the correct spot with the adequate amount of spacing that’s necessary.
Built-Up Roofing
This is one of the more popular alternative roofing techniques that homes with low-sloped roofs utilize, and that’s mainly because it’s made of multiple layers of bitumen that’s then coated on the top layer in a pretty unique way.
Typically this top layer is made of tar, and many sometimes it can be made of gravel as well that’s laid on top of the tar. Sometimes built-up roofs are made of asphalt or ballasted asphalt too.
In more recent years built-up roofs have utilized a pretty sweet insulation layer within the roofing system, but you should be cautious about how much this would cost you even though it might be worth it in the long run. You can definitely get creative with the materials that you use with built-up roofing so it all depends on your imagination and of course your budget.
Solar Shingles
Move over, 21st century, because these futuristic shingles are looking to take over alternative roofing solutions, and the best part about solar shingles is that the combination of roofing and energy will save you some serious money too, so the roof essentially pays for itself!
You get all of the use of regular roofing shingles, as well as a solar panel for your home, and they are just as good as any other shingles if not better! We really recommend this option as an alternative roofing material, and you’ll definitely turn some of your neighbor’s heads with this addition.
Single-Ply Roofing
The two main kinds of single-ply roofing include thermoplastics and thermosets, and both of these options are really great in terms of being UV radiation resistant and really flexible. In many ways these alternatives are superior to the other options we’ve addressed here so far.
Some common thermoplastics used in single-ply roofing include TPO and PVC, which are plastics.
Standing Seam Roofing
This is a really unique roofing alternative because if gives the architect or designer a lot of flexibility in terms of making the most out of any roofing profile. It’s a metal roofing material that entail two large seams on every panel that end up standing up vertically, so it’s pretty unique and versatile as well.
You have to have your layout approved before a standing seam roof can be installed, and they are definitely really cool looking so it’s always a good option for any homeowner looking to up their home’s selling appeal!
Clay Roof Tiles
Clay tiles are of course a classic roofing alternative that may not seem too chic, but they really are a timeless classic that every homeowner should consider. They are extremely durable and are also very lightweight, and surprisingly they are a better insulator than most of the other roofs we’ve talked about in this article.
They also come in so many different colors, so be creative with your options and know that you don’t have to go with the classic orange clay tiles, even turquoise or other colors can do wonders for a home’s insulation and curb appeal!
