Hot trends in roofing

Would you rather have to mow your roof or paint it? Believe it or not, that’s a decision homeowners may face.

So-called green roofs, which are topped with a thin layer of sod, are increasingly popular in the U.S. Originally conceived in Europe, green roofs absorb about half of all storm water runoff, lessening pollution of area waterways, and they reduce solar radiation.

While the soil can support grass and shallow-rooted plants, its two- to four-inch depth prohibits lush gardens and other rooftop plantings often found in Europe. Regardless, the idea is catching on in this country with several prominent buildings, such as Chicago’s City Hall and the Gap Inc. office building in San Bruno, California (pictured above), sporting earthen tops.

Even though labor costs make green roofs an expensive alternative, proponents hope that the roofs’ long life-spans and environmental benefits increase their popularity and lower costs.

For homeowners who prefer a more traditional top, new, low-maintenance metal roofs are surging in popularity. Consumers appreciate their rural and clean look along with their durability.

Metal resists the heat that degrades many roofs by reflecting it back into the atmosphere, cooling a building’s interior and lengthening the metal’s life. Metal roofs weigh less than their asphalt counterparts and, when properly installed, won’t leak. Those in the metal-roofing industry also claim that metal roofs prove remarkably resistant to hurricanes and other extreme weather.

Photo by Mark Luthringer Photography.

Buyers & sellers, visit www.texasrealestate.com.
REALTORS®, visit www.tar.org.