8 Roofing Industry Trends to Watch for in 2020 and Beyond

With the roof playing such an essential part of the home, it's no wonder that people are always looking for ways to help it stand out. Just because a roof is meant to protect your home, it doesn't mean it can't look cool doing it, after all. This idea has led to some new and innovative roofing possibilities that tend to be more beneficial than your basic asphalt shingles. Let us examine 8 roofing trends that you may see an uptick in from the year 2020 and beyond. This includes metal roofing, solar panels, cool roofing and more.

Roofing Trends to keep an eye on in 2020 and beyond

Here are eight roofing industry trends to watch for in 2020 and beyond. Who knows, you may get an idea for updating your own home.

1. Metal Roofing

Walden-Roof-Utah.JPG

While it has been around for a while, metal roofing may have something of a rebirth in 2020. It is no longer something reserved for barns or industrial buildings, now coming in a wide array of styles and colors.

Metal roofing is a durable roofing material that lasts much longer than other roofing options. Beyond that, it will work much better at reflecting the Sun's UV rays, keeping your home cooler during the summer months. The metal will also add some extra insulation to your home, maintaining steady temperatures during both the winter and summer months, all of which saves you money in the long run.

2. Lighter Colors

Synthetic roofing shake roof in Utah.

Gone are the days of the dark gray and black shingles. While these colors will never lose popularity completely, you can expect to see more homeowners turning to lighter colored roofing options, regardless of the material they choose.

Colors like soft greens, warmer blues, taupes, beiges, and off-white are all light-colored roofing possibilities. A light-colored roof has many benefits. Having a lighter-colored roof can help to create a softer-looking home exterior, for one. It can also help keep your home cooler by reflecting the Sun's UV rays, rather than absorbing the heat.

3. Solar Roofing Panels

Without a doubt, one of the roofing industry trends you are bound to see more of in 2020 is solar roofing. As it becomes a more accessible option for homeowners across the country, more and more people will choose it for themselves, with good reason.

Besides the fact that today's solar panels are incredibly attractive and more durable, they also are more affordable. Some states even offer special discounts to homeowners who install solar panels. Solar panels still protect your home and roof, while having the added benefit of being very energy efficient and saving you money on your electricity bill.

4. Synthetic Roofing Materials

Wood shake shingle composite synthetic roof.

Another roofing trend you can expect to see in 2020 and beyond is synthetic roofing materials, like CeDUR Roofing Shakes, which are made from a durable polyurethane material. CeDUR's shakes are especially unique because they are molded from real wood shakes, giving them an unparalleled, authentic appearance.

This has become an increasingly popular roofing material over the years, and with good reason. For one, it is an incredibly lightweight material, weighing much less than traditional roofing options. They are also incredibly durable–with a Class 4 Impact Rating and a Class A Fire Rating,

5. Flat Roofs

Aerial photo of CeDUR wood shake roof.

While it may seem odd, flat roofs are another of the roofing industry trends to watch for in 2020. Rather than having sloping, angular sides, these roofs are flat, creating a more modern looking home.

Some of the reasons you may see more flat roofs is because, as mentioned before, it allows for a more modern, minimalistic home exterior. It can also be more cost-effective on new builds, compared to installing other styles of roofs. Beyond that, flat roofs are more versatile in terms of what you can do with them: they can support solar panels better, possibly become a green roof, and even house a rooftop deck.

6. Cool Roofing

Faux wood shake shingle roof.

Some states, like California, Utah, Texas, and New Mexico, get a lot of sun, which means it not only gets very hot, but the sunlight can degrade a roof quicker. As a result, it has led to a desire–and building codes–for roofing materials that reflect sunlight. This is where cool roofing comes in.

Cool roofing comes in different forms: light tiles and reflective paint are the top two. Both work the same way. They reflect the Sun's light to help keep the home cooler so that the A/C system doesn't have to work so hard. Not only will it keep the home cooler, but it will prolong the lifespan of the roof, which can be an additional money-saving benefit.

7. Silicone Roof Coatings

A roofing trend you may not have heard much of yet is silicone roof coatings. This is an excellent option for existing homeowners who want to update their roof without replacing the entire thing.

Silicone roof coatings make it possible to add a new coat to an existing roof to change the color and add durability. It only takes two coats of the product to create an impermeable, leak-proof membrane that won't deteriorate or crack when exposed to the Sun's harsh UV rays.

8. Green Roofing

For those with an eco-friendly mindset, one of the significant upcoming trends will be green roofing. This type of roof is incredibly unique because it is a live roof, covered with soil and certain kinds of vegetation.

While having a garden as a roof may sound odd, there are a few reasons why you should consider it. For one, it can add a particular, unique aesthetic to your home that you wouldn't see elsewhere. Green roofs can positively impact the environment by creating a natural habitat that helps to reduce acid rain and will even lower your electricity bill by adding insulation to your home. A green roof will also still protect your roof's surface, just like regular shingles would.

Roof Trends for Everyone

The roof is what ties your whole house together, and truly protects it from the elements. Whether you need an entire new roof, or you are looking for a fresh look for your home, there are roofing industry trends that can appeal to everyone. While nothing is set in stone, these are some of the different roofing trends that you may come across in the coming year. Some are simple, some are more complex, but they are all beautiful options to enhance your home.