Creating a new property to suit your lifestyle in the country can be both exciting and daunting.
There are so many design issues to get right, and you’re likely to be spending a considerable sum of money on the project, so the stakes are high. One of the design elements you’ll need to put plenty of thought into is your roof. For example, you’ll need to decide on a shape will suit your home and think about the materials you want to use, you can check out SEI Roofing here for some examples of these; metal, shingles, tiles, there are many options to choose from. Rather than going for a standard design, why not think outside the box and choose something that will really stand out? Here, we take a look at three eye-catching options that are well worth considering.
1) Achieve the wow factor with copper
If you want to create a roof with real wow factor, copper could be perfect. Used as a robust and waterproof roofing material since ancient times, it has a distinctive greenish hue that can help to bring buildings to life. Specialists in this material Peters Roofing note that the colour develops as the metal reacts with air. As well as producing a distinctive look, this reaction serves to protect the material against corrosion. It’s possible to create a range of intricate roof shapes with this metal as it can be worked at any temperature and it doesn’t become brittle even when shaped in cold conditions. Generally used as a lightweight covering for substrates like boarding, it opens up a whole range of possibilities in terms of roofing shape and design. You can always speak to a roofing contractor, like the ones from Carolina Home Specialists, to talk more about your material options and designs, as professional advice will steer you in the right direction. If you are interested in this, you can check them out here.
2) Create a cosy look with thatch
Another option is thatch. This traditional material gives homes a classic rural cottage look and boasts a homely, welcoming feel. It’s also helps to keep properties cool in summer and warm in winter and, as long as it’s properly maintained, new thatch can last for upwards of 30 years. Bear in mind though, if you do go for thatch, you’ll need to get specialist insurance and there are certain upkeep issues you’ll need to be aware of. For example, it’s vital that you keep your chimney insulated, clean and properly lined, and you shouldn’t have bonfires near to your home. As long as you take care of this material though, it could be a superb option for your countryside retreat.
3) Go green
There is a growing trend towards green roofs at the moment, and it’s not hard to see why. These solutions feature living plants, which are imbedded in a growing membrane. This typically sits on top of a number of other layers, including drainage, moisture protection and thermal insulation. Green roofs can be an eco-friendly option as they raise the thermal efficiency of buildings and they provide a habitat for various species of flora and fauna. They can also help homes to blend seamlessly into their surroundings.
Before you go ahead and commit to any particular style of roof, make sure you do plenty of research and get more info about different roofing companies. You should be aware of all the practicalities involved in terms of cost, longevity, design and more. This will help you to avoid any potentially costly and stressful mistakes.