According to the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), coping with climate extremes, getting creative and achieving better, longer-lasting performance that adds more ROI for the home improvement dollar are all top of mind for U.S. and Canadian homeowners this year. MRA reports that the top five key style and performance trends in the U.S. and Canada include:
- Trend #1: Show of Strength
- Trend #2: Mix & Match
- Trend #3: Save by Zero
- Trend #4: Hi-Fi Contrast
- Trend #5: Sky’s the Limit
Trend #1: Show of Strength
Delicate detailing is out, while the use of heartier exterior features that offer an almost “fortress-like” feel and are meant to show off a home’s rugged resiliency are more popular than ever. Metal roofs designed to mimic slate are especially trendy, helping homes achieve a substantial, natural look while delivering serious, low-maintenance and reliable performance.
Trend #2: Mix & Match
The use of mixed metal colors, styles and even mixed mediums are trending this year. That includes metal roofing accents, such as using metal to accentuate dormers or porch overhangs and choosing not just one solid color, but mixing and matching from the huge range of shades available for metal.
Trend #3: Save by Zero
Net Zero homes are all the rage for 2020! They are homes deemed so energy efficient, they produce as much renewable energy as they consume. Quality metal roofs are ideal for homeowners who want to go Net Zero, because they offer a longer-lasting and more secure base for solar systems, are exceptionally energy efficient and they reduce waste/are recyclable at the end of their long life.
Trend #4: Hi-Fi Contrast
According to the latest MRA homeowner survey, metal is the second most popular roofing choice, highly prized for its style and design. Homeowners are highlighting their beloved metal roofs with colors that call attention rather than camouflage them.
Trend #5: Sky’s the Limit
With their ability to capture up to 30 percent more light than standard windows, skylights help brighten up spaces that feel dark or cramped and can increase the market value of a home. Contrary to some myths, metal roofs can easily accommodate skylights, just as well as or even better than other types of roofs given that metal is a strong, durable material that inherently protects against leaks when properly installed.
According to the MRA, metal roofing is an idea whose time has finally come in the U.S. and Canada. “These days, homeowners are interested in how to avoid disposable, throw-away features that are only designed to last for a few years,” said Renee Ramey, executive director of the MRA. “Metal roofing is now very much in fashion not only for the timeless design and style it offers, but for its lasting value when it comes to home protection, reducing environmental impacts and reliable performance.”