Transform Your Home With These Inspiring Roof Upgrades

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Your home’s roof is more than just a protective shield against the elements. By making certain improvements, you can turn your roof into a source of natural light, a generator of sustainable electricity or even a haven for wildlife. Consider the 5 following roof upgrades for inspiration. 

Skylights

Skylights are windows installed in a roof. They allow natural light to pour into rooms below and can even provide views of the stars at night. They’re excellent features to add to a converted loft or the ceiling of a kitchen. Skylights come in various different designs including flat skylights, roof lanterns, homes and pyramids. Take your time to explore different styles and work out which is most appropriate for your roof. 

Solar panels

Installing solar panels on your roof can help you to generate electricity from the sun instead of relying on a mains supplier. It’s better for the environment and you’ll save money on your energy bills (with enough solar panels, it may even be possible to power your entire home using the sun). Companies like All Seasons Energy can help you to shop for solar panel grants and help you to design and install a system best suited to your home. 

Slate tiles

Is it time you replaced your roof? Slate tile roofs are some of the most premium options, but they have many benefits. Slate lasts longer than any other roofing material - most slate roofs last well over 100 years. This material is also fire-proof, water resistant and won’t be damaged by animals. On top of this, slate tiles can greatly boost the value of your home due to their beautiful aesthetic. Just be wary that they are expensive and may require installing extra roof support due to their weight.

Spray-foam insulation

Most of a home’s heat is lost through the roof. This is particularly the case with uninsulated roofs. Installing insulation can help to trap heat in your home longer, preventing you from having to turn on the heating as regularly, and saving you money on your energy bills. Spray-foam insulation is one of the most effective forms of insulation - it involves spraying a liquid polyurethane foam onto the underside of your roof that can act as a barrier against heat. There are specialist insulation companies that can install this for you. 

Living roof

A living roof involves adding a layer of vegetation to your roof - which could include turf or other plants. Living roofs help to support local wildlife and can also generate oxygen, helping to fight air pollution in your area. In rural areas, they can also help your home to feel like a part of the natural landscape. Installing a living roof involves placing down various layers first including a waterproof membrane, roof barrier, protection fleece and drainage layer. You can then lay soil on top and plant your chosen shrubs. It’s best to choose local hardy plants that don’t require a lot of maintenance and that blend in with the surrounding landscape.