It's time for a new roof! A couple of decades ago, the solution would have been simple. You'd have contacted basically any roofer, and they would have come put a new shingle roof on, using either black or brown 3-tab shingles. There was simply not a lot of variety in the roofing industry. But that has changed. Now, you have more options than ever when replacing your roof. Here are some modern innovations to consider as you have this work done.

Reflective Shingles

If you like the standard shingle look but you are worried about efficiency, this is a good choice. Reflective shingles cause UV rays to bounce off rather than be absorbed. The shingles look pretty much the same as standard shingles, but the granules on them are more reflective. Often, these shingles are made in lighter colors simply because lighter colors are better at reflecting light than dark colors.

Solar Shingles

What if you want to take things one step further and have your roof actually produce energy, rather than just reduce your use of energy? Solar shingles are like solar panels, but they're mounted directly to the roof rather than being placed on top of it. You use them in place of regular shingles. Like solar panels, they capture the sun's energy and transform it into electricity. That electricity is either used to directly power your home or is fed into the power grid.

Solar shingles look smooth and modern, and this look is not for everyone, but if eco-friendly living is your priority, solar shingles are a very good choice.

Raised-Seam Metal Panels

Today's metal roofing is not the tin roofing your grandparents had on their barns. There are metal roofing panels made specifically for residential use. They have raised seams for a more interesting look and to prevent leaks. The panels are made from galvanized steel, so they won't rust, and they can be painted basically any color you choose. 

Metal roofing has so many benefits. It lasts for about 40-70 years, whereas asphalt shingles last about 20. It reflects sunshine for efficiency, and in the winter, snow slides right off it, so you don't have to worry about the snow getting too heavy.

The world of modern roofing is a vast one! If you are having your roof replaced, take the time to look into metal, solar shingles, and reflective shingles as material choices. Contact a roofing company if you have further questions.