The roof is a visually prominent component of the exterior of the building and helps to set the aesthetic tone, influencing the overall architectural style and color palette of the structure. As such, the selection of a roofing product is often influenced by the look of a specific material. However, over the past couple decades, the roof’s ability to reflect the sun’s powerful UV rays and energy and to enhance the energy efficiency of the structure has become a growing concern. Creating hospitable and comfortable conditions indoors while reducing energy usage and costs is now more important to builders and owners than it has ever been.
However, aesthetics and energy performance are just two of the top three primary jobs of a roof. The main purpose of a roof is to provide a solid weather barrier from the elements, protecting the inhabitants and their possessions (hopefully) over the long term. Weather conditions and storms, or more specifically, a roof’s ability to withstand them, is increasingly important as concerns mount over climate change and the severe weather events that accompany it.