metal roofs

metal roofs: I went from not being so sure about metal roofs a few years back to really starting to dig them. My in-laws built this beautiful barn in New Mexico and they put a copper colored roof on it. It's fantastic. When people all over that town meet us they say "Oh! You're the folks in the copper-top." We're basically famous.

Metal roofs range from sheets of corrugated galvanized metal to a true cooper roof. I am focusing here on the corrugated sheet metal. I love that this material is inexpensive, long lasting, rugged and simple to install. It definitely has a specific look that would not work with a lot of projects but somehow fits into my ideal of simple, classic, modern and organic. And it's perfect for a barn. And there are so many colors to choose from that any structure can be unique to your personality. Like I said, it's really grown on me.

ceramic tile roofs

ceramic tile: These are the roofs that I see everyday, everywhere I go. The roof of the desert. True ceramic tile roofs are very expensive as they are quite labor intensive...but that roof will last you a good 60 to 80 years. As with slate, you may a premium upfront but perhaps it is more cost effective in the long run.

{images from: Rancho San Miguel, John Amato}

slate and fake slate

slate shingles: The top two pictures are of actual slate. The bottom two are images of synthetic slate. Would you be able to tell the difference? Perhaps only your support beams and wallet would know, and have a sign of relief with the latter. True slate is really beautiful, lasts much longer then you will and is very expensive. Synthetic slate, made from things like recycled rubber and plastic, is much lighter and much less expensive. And from street level, it may just be beautiful enough.

{images found at: inspect NY, Omi Stonework, Copperstate Roofing, Flores & Foley}

fake shake

shake-like options: The roof in the first image is made from clay tiles made to look like shake shingles. Clay tiles provide durability and fire protection that you just can get with authentic shake shingles.

The second roof is made of architectural fiberglass shingles. These cost only a bit more then the standard three-tab variety but offer a more dramatic look and still come with up to a 20 year guarantee.

{images found at Iron Rod Construction, the Roofing Store}

pine shingles

pine shingles: There is a newer pressure-treated shingle made from Southern Yellow Pine, which grays out in a few years to resemble cedar and is said to require no maintenance at all.

{images found at OldHouseWeb}

cedar shake shingles

cedar shake shingles: say that ten times fast. OK, so I've already stated that this is my favorite. I love how the grey over time.
I love the rugged natural look. There isn't much other then perhaps the price and that I fear they might quickly ignite in the desert sun. I may have to hold off until I spend my latter days on the New England Coast (Let a girl dream).

A shake roof can last from 30 to 50 years if it is properly installed and maintained. Be sure to use high quality stainless steel nails or the shingles may outlast the nails.

{images from: Interlock}

asphalt shingle roofs

asphalt shingles: Economical, durable and therefore the most common roofing option in America today. The first image shows a close-up of standard asphalt shingles. The second image shows a house clad in a premium grade. I was surprised that such an attractive option was available in asphalt.

{images from Hunt Construction, her home}

roofs

There is a property that we are eyeing right now {not pictured above}, but the little house that we would live in would need a new roof. We live in the Southwest, oh let's just say it - we live in the desert. I grew up in Illinois and Pennsylvania. When I think of roofing materials, it doesn't really go beyond cedar shake shingles. I love them. If it was an option, I would buy a house covered in them. I don't see too many cedar shingled roofs out here in the desert so I'm off to investigate some viable options.

I was really surprised by the above photo. They chose a red metal roof for such a traditional architectural style and it works. It look quaint and tidy and I really love the pop of color. Now metal, I know would work here.

What are your favorite roofing materials?

Has anyone ever asked you that question before?

Let me be the first.

{image from Russell Versaci, via Farmhouse Modern}

we're gonna need a barn

My aesthetic lies somewhere in the realm of simple/classic/modern /organic. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? Most of the design blogs that I have visited, and there have been many, lend themselves heavily to one of these categories. There must be more people out there besides me that just like a little bit of each of these, too much and it is no longer appealing. I am carving out a niche for any others out there that are saying 'amen' right now. The 4 of us can have a nice time here visiting.

But I digress.

When I think wide open space, I think farmhouse.  There are a lot that I have seen that have a certain appeal. Some lie in each of the categories listed above and some exist in a perfect blended state. I'd love to see what you have found. Here's what I've got:

{all images but last first seen at Farmhouse Modern and are from Walker|Warner, Jackson Meadow, Fornesto Despues, Backen Gillam, CCY Architects, Martha Stewart}