Tags: Roofing, Replacement, Installation
Adding a new roof can increase property value, save money on heating bills, and improve a home's appearance. In the Maryland area, roofing trends influence construction, with home-owners eager to stay on the cutting edge of architectural design.
Perhaps the most popular Maryland roofing trend right now is architectural roofing shingles, which are sometimes called laminated or dimensional shingles. They have revolutionized the roofing industry recently. Maryland home-owners have been quick to join the trend, using the architectural shingles to achieve dramatic three-dimensional appearances. Manufacturers make the shingles from a heavy fiberglass foundation and ceramic-coated mineral granules, with the combination tightly packed into water-resistant asphalt. The process produces shingles capable of mimicking the appearance of cedar, slate, or other natural products at only a fraction of the weight, meaning there's no need for additional roof support. Yet architectural shingles are still thicker and more durable than traditional asphalt shingles, resulting in greater endurance, increased wind resistance, and longer warranties.
Architectural shingles feature random tab placements, encouraging unique, one-of-a-kind layouts that recreate a classic roofing style. Many Maryland residents favor dark green or terra cotta shades, using the shingles' variable colors and textures to highlight distinctive roof properties like gables, turrets, and steep climbs. Architectural shingles may also come coated with copper or zinc granules to prevent algae growth, which can be a common problem in humid areas with extensive rainfall. If untreated, algae can cause black streaks to form on shingles, ruining the roof's appearance.
Some Maryland homes have also joined the green roof trend in an effort to help the environment and to conserve energy. Often seen on high-rise buildings, green roofs utilize flowers and vegetation to lower heating costs and to cool the surrounding environment. Green roofs may either be extensive, which means they use thin layers of soil to form a lightweight roofing system, or intensive, a style featuring an abundance of lush greenery. A green roof, sometimes called an eco-roof, is essentially a rooftop garden and adds a touch of natural beauty to any structure, particularly when placed in urban environments. And aside from their charming appearance, green roofs can greatly reduce a home's temperature in the hot summer months while also providing energy-saving insulation during harsh winters.