In A Hot Housing Market, Maximizing Curb Appeal Starts Right at the Top

Classic Craftsman: According to a Trulia survey, Craftsman is the most popular architectural style among U.S. homeowners. Emphasizing natural materials, Craftsman homes often feature pitched roofs that protect front porches and dominate the home’s exterior. Unfortunately, asphalt roofs do nothing to enhance the potential of true Craftsman design. Better to choose organic materials and tones, such as a gorgeous copper, or a stamped shake or slate metal roof designed to bring out the natural characteristics of this charming style.

Modern Marvels: Contemporary, modern and mid-century ranch-style homes benefit from thoughtful roof design that enhance clean lines and a low-slung, minimalist style. Standing seam metal roofs in subtle earth tone hues work well to complement the non-fussy, chic nature of these homes, while enhancing the indoor/outdoor living spaces so appreciated with this style.

Colonial Charm: Dutch Colonial often features steep, gambrel roofs and curved eaves. Other types include French and Spanish Colonial and even the popular Cape Cod cottage style is often categorized as Colonial architecture. In nearly all cases, rooflines are prominent, and homeowners can achieve an authentic look by selecting a metal roof in patterns that mimic shake, yet offer maximum protection and durability. Or, create a stand-out look that enhances the traditional style of a Colonial home by selecting a bold color made possible via the wide variety of color options available with painted metal roofing.

Tudor Traditional: Tudor homes are beloved for their old-world charm. With a myriad of decorative details, elaborate forms and solid masonry appearance, their English country mannerly attitude fits well with the traditional appearance of a stone-coated metal roof designed to add style to their stately demeanor. These homes were traditionally common in colder climates with lots of rain and snow, so a strong stone-coated metal roof is also the perfect choice for maximum protection.

Mediterranean Moxy: Mission, Spanish style, Greek revival and Italian villa looks are popular especially in sunny climates in areas like California, Arizona, Florida and New Mexico. These home call for the classic clay tile style roof to maintain their architectural integrity. That same look can be achieved by metal roofs that deliver all the style with greater durability (no cracking or chipping), lighter weight, increased strength and lower maintenance.

Victorian Vivacious: Perhaps there is no more ornate style of roof than on a Victorian home, with romantic details such as pitched roofs, octangular and cone-shaped tower designs, turret and dormers.  With elaborate paint schemes and complex roof designs meant to draw the eye, these homes deserve extra care when it comes to selecting a roof that is just as attention-getting. Stone coated metal roofs, copper that may patina with age, and painted metal roofs in unique colors such sage green and turquoise blue can enhance the fanciful qualities of this beautiful architectural style.