Roofing Materials to Watch in 2023

As we enter the final few months of 2022, now is a perfect time to look ahead to the home improvement trends set to make an impact in the year to come. Starting from the top, roofs are likely to take center stage, with the ongoing challenges of climate change causing homeowners to reconsider their exteriors in new and innovative ways. Keep reading to discover 8 of the hottest roofing materials to watch in 2023.

Synthetic Shingles

Synthetic shingles, sometimes referred to as composite shingles, are a trending roofing product because they can be manufactured in a number of designs that mimic the appearance of rustic roofing products with few of the maintenance requirements. Typically fabricated from a mixture of asphalt, fiberglass, cellulose fibers, and other synthetic polymers, composite shingles provide elite impact resistance and a Class-A fire rating that will not fade or blister in the face of UV exposure or inclement weather.

Metal

Metal is another trending roofing material thanks to its durability and low maintenance qualities. Traditionally limited to industrial buildings or outbuildings on a residential property, metal roofs are increasing in popularity for homes themselves. Metal roofs can last over 100 years and do a great job of reflecting the sun’s rays, making them a strong choice for modern homeowners looking to create a sustainable home.

Solar Roofs

Any discussions on roofs as we head into 2023 would not be complete without mentioning solar. While solar panels are becoming more discreet and efficient with each passing year, taking up less square footage of the roof, it is the development of solar tiles that represents the next big wave in solar adoption. While the Tesla roof is probably the solar tile that comes to mind first, there are actually a host of other companies that make their own solar shingles. As solar tiles continue to increase in efficiency and improve their impact resistance, expect to see them adopted by homeowners who want to go solar without the aesthetic hit of bulky panels.

Living Roofs

Living roofs are a major flat roof trend in urban areas. This innovative roofing option installs a waterproofing system on top of the roof, on top of which is planted trees, gardens, or any other type of vegetation. Sometimes referred to as green roofs, living roofs offer many benefits to property owners in urban areas: they can reduce water contamination resulting from excessive urban runoff, help absorb some carbon dioxide, and provide a highly insulative cover to the building during the summertime.

Rooftop Decks

Rooftop decks are another trend to keep an eye on 2023 for those property owners who want to get the most out of their flat roof. There are a number of ideas for how to build a rooftop deck, but most will involve components similar to those of creating a living roof. It will require some sort of lockdown mechanism to ensure that the deck stays in place during times of heavy wind, a section of terra strands to slope and drain the roof, and a finishing paver that gives the rooftop deck a durable surface and attractive appearance.

Insulation Products

Many of the highest quality roofing products will provide some insulative properties of their own. For example, metal roofs do a good job of reflecting sunlight, while masonry products have high thermal masses that will prevent rapid temperature fluctuations in the attic or higher levels of the home. However, to further improve the energy efficiency of the roof and increase R-value, many homes are adding polyiso roof insulation and roof coverboard as well.

Slate Look Shingles

Slate provides one of the classiest roofing options on the market. In addition, the slate tile roof life expectancy is one of the longest in the industry, keeping the home protected for years in the future. The problem with traditional slate is that it is heavy and usually requires professional stonemasons to install. As a result, there has been a major uptick in composite slate and metal slate look-alike tiles to give homes the elegant slate appearance without the difficulty of installation.

Moisture Protection

Hurricane Ian and the devastation wrought throughout the southeast was a painful reminder that severe weather events are striking this country with greater and greater frequency. And while there is no way to completely avoid the massive destructive potential of Mother Nature, there are steps homeowners can take to limit the damage. Adding moisture protection to the roof, such as step flashing and crickets, can help reduce water-related issues. If you are wondering what is step flashing roof protection, it is a piece of metal that goes between shingles and sidewalls, chimneys, and dormers to prevent water from seeping below the roof. Similarly, a roof cricket is a triangular mount attached to the chimney that directs water around the chimney and keeps it from puddling at the base.

8 Roofing Materials to Watch in 2023

As homeowners brace themselves for more severe weather in 2023, look for increased focus on roofing projects to prevail in the year ahead. From synthetic shingles to enhanced moisture guards, solar roofs to insulation additions, choose from any of the 8 roofing ideas listed above to help your roof shine in the new year!