The Home Front – The sky is the limit with a new roof over your head

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Of all the style choices you make when designing a home, the roof isn’t necessarily at the top of the list. However, this seems to be changing. Ceilings are often thought of as just functional necessities, but designers are now reinventing them with innovative hues and ultra-durability.

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marketing director of BP Building Products of CanadaNathalie Lambert shares some great ideas on what to think about when considering your roofing needs.

If you’re considering doing some topside work, summer is the time to do it, says Lambert. When temperatures drop to about five degrees Celsius, conditions are no longer optimal for re-roofing. She says that if the shingles are installed between November and April when the weather is cold, additional handling is required to ensure the shingles adhere to the surface due to lack of heat.

Lambert advises taking a closer look at not only the warranty on any shingle or roofing product purchase, but also carefully considering the installation and making sure it’s handled properly.

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A great product is undermined by poor installation, and a lot of headaches can come from invalidating a warranty due to improper installation of roofing materials, he explains. And the guarantee of the tiles will only be valid if the roof has adequate ventilation.

Cleaning gutters is a hassle but necessary, says Lambert. And it’s essential that rainwater from downspouts doesn’t run directly onto a tile roof, so check that all gutters connect properly to the downspouts, he adds.

Walking on a roof is dangerous. In the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) listed roofing contracting as one of the three deadliest occupations due to fall risk.

If you must walk on your roof, wear soft-soled shoes to protect the shingles, and if you’re there to shovel snow or ice, be sure to leave a few inches of shingle coverage, she says. It’s always recommended to have a roofing specialist do this job, says Lambert.

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In roofing trends, nature-inspired colors are leading the way, she says. We’re seeing this in deeper, richer tones reminiscent of stone, earth, sand, bark and sea that offer a timeless look and evoke a sense of calm as the colors blend with their surroundings.

Mixed materials are also on trend, with clean lines, contrasts and textures, says Lambert. More and more options are appearing on the market for products that unify elements of wood, stone, colored concrete and imitation ceramic steel to create an interesting mix of finishes.

For those who prefer a country look, there are many bespoke ranges that combine rich brown tones with natural stone texture. Classic gray shingles allow for a soft contrast if you’re looking for a gabled roof. For a home with a dark brown or black exterior, Lambert suggests shades of gray-brown shingles to bring out a more modern aesthetic.

Don’t underestimate the value a designer ceiling can add to your home, Lambert says, adding that the right mix of textures, colors and materials can have a surprising impact on your home’s curb appeal.

“A roof should look like a crown jewel on top of your home to complement today’s luxury exterior finishes.”