Colorful, cool roofs
Industry: “A combination of manufacturers and builders [are driving the color/cool roof trend]. The builders, though, are the ones who give the product a home and this is where consumers see it most often. The consumers’ desire for these new products/colors/styles are what adds fuel to turn something new into a trend,” says Kate Smith owner, Sensational Color and national color consultant for DaVinci Roofscapes.
Product offering: “In January we added eight new individual colors creating a palette of 49 colors. We also introduced eight new color blends as a result of research and homeowner requests over the years. DaVinci now offers a total of 28 color blends in our standard offerings. Cool Roof colors are available in our EcoBlend Weathered Gray and EcoBlend Castle Gray cool roof colors,” says Wendy Bruch, marketing manager, DaVinci Roofscapes.
Where is it going: “Global sustainability, lower maintenance and product longevity will continue to drive developments in the homebuilding industry,” Smith says. “While this isn't new it has become mainstream rather than a demand of only the most eco-friendly folks. Products like those offered by DaVinci fill the consumers’ desire for all three and look great plus come in a wide variety of colors and color blends.”
Follansbee
Industry: “As building codes and standards become more stringent, metal roofing becomes an ideal choice for builders and contractors. A roof is often the least energy-efficient part of a building envelope and energy costs are on the rise. A cool, metal roof offers the ability to add a sustainable building element to the home while lowering energy costs,” says Mark Robinson, president and general manager, Follansbee Steel.
Product offering: “KlassicKolors comes in six stock colors with many others as special order. KlassicKolors uses Energy Star-qualified Valspar SR coatings that provide solar reflectance and heat emittance,” Robinson says. “Our KlassicKolors product is considered to be a ’cool’ roofing material, and can be specified to deliver impressive energy savings, because of its solar reflective paint designed to cut energy costs. A Follansbee Steel roof can help to reduce building heat and cooling loads, keeping them cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.”
Where is it going: “We will see growth in the cool roof trend as more and more people adapt to developing environmentally friendly habits and utilizing sustainable materials,” Robinson says.
GAF
Industry: “Consumers in general are more aware of environmental impact. Green is the next big thing and people are more cognizant of Energy Star products. The energy tax credit is another influencer,” says Nkechi Okwumabua, marketing product manager, GAF.
Product offering: We have four colors that we offer in our Timberline cool series: antique slate, barkwood, weathered wood and white,” Okwumabua says. “Because of advances in granule designs we have been able to utilize roof granules with dark colors. We do plan to offer more colors – and darken the color.”
Where is it going: The trend will extend beyond California to across the U.S because people are more knowledgeable about green. People are better informed. Because of that, people want functionality but also appearance. People are going to want more color offerings. You will want to increase the color offerings and reach more segments,” Okwumabua says.
Owens Corning
Industry: “There is a growing appetite for something new and different. We relate it to generations. Each generation is more adventurous. There is a difference between what my mom and daughter would select,” says Sue Burkett, marketing leader, Owens Corning Roofing and Asphalt. “Since the roof is such a big part of the face of a house, it’s almost like, ‘why wasn’t this a big deal before.’ People want color but they’re not all color experts. You have to show them what works.”
Product offering: Owens Corning Duration Premium Cool Shingles are offered in four colors, of which Sunrise; Harbor Fog and Frosted Oak are Energy Star-rated. “Our colors are available nationwide,” Burkett says. “Traditionally cool roofs meant white or washed out. In Florida, they like the lighter colors. They know a dark color will retain heat. In the north, they like the dark colors. So it’s geographic. We pay attention to color available in our cool line. We are always evaluating the line and if the demand is there, we will do our best to deliver.”
