Thank you for Subscribing to Construction Business Review Weekly Brief

Metal roofs can easily accommodate skylights, as well as or even better than other types of roofs, provided that metal is a solid, durable material that when properly installed automatically protects against leaks.

Fremont, CA: As the largest non-profit group representing the residential metal roofing industry, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) has a clear pulse for today’s homeowners on what is driving big buying decisions for exterior home improvement.

Heavy Exterior

Delicate detailing is out, and the use of heartier exterior features that give an almost “fortress-like” feel and are designed to show off a home’s rugged resiliency is more trendy than ever. This involves heavy exterior accents such as columns and the use of natural materials such as stone, concrete, and metal roofs that are solid. In particular, metal roofs built to mimic slate are on trend, helping homes achieve a critical, natural look while providing extreme, low-maintenance, and reliable performance.

Natural Light

A big selling point for today’s homes is natural light. Skylights help brighten up areas that feel gloomy or crowded with their ability to absorb up to 30 percent more light than regular windows. Metal roofs can easily accommodate skylights, as well as or even better than other types of roofs, provided that metal is a solid, durable material that, when properly installed, automatically protects against leaks. 

But because up to 50-plus years will last on a quality metal roof and skylights cannot be installed as an after-thought, it is necessary to prepare ahead and decide whether to implement skylights long before a new roof goes on or not.

Mix and Match

Homeowners look to their roofs as a canvas for imagination for a one-of-a-kind, customized look. This year, the use of mixed metal colors, patterns, and even mixed media is trending. This involves metal roofing accents, such as the use of metal to accentuate dormers or porch overhangs, and the option of not just one solid color but also the mixing and matching of the wide range of metal shades available.

Net Zero

Net Zero homes are considered so energy-efficient that they create as much renewable energy as they consume. Also, Net Zero homes are generally built to be more safe and robust. For homeowners who want to go to Net Zero, quality metal roofs are suitable because they provide a longer-lasting and safer foundation for solar systems, are highly energy-efficient, and at the end of their long life, minimize waste/are recyclable. It also makes them a safer long-term investment by using metal roofs built to minimize environmental impacts and stand up to climate extremes such as wildfires and hail, and high wind damage.