Best Roofing for Your Mid-Century Modern Home (2024)

Most of the homes throughout the United States are mid-century modern homes. When homeowners consider the various roofing options, they must balance function and fashion. Able Roof can provide you with several roofing options that best suit mid-century modern architecture so that you can make an informed decision about your roofing solution. The first step in choosing the right roof for your mid-century modern home is to know your options.

What Is a Mid-Century Roof?

“Mid-century modern” is a relatively vague term that applies to much of the residential and commercial architecture seen throughout the country today. When it comes to your roofing options, asphalt shingle is typically the most cost-effective option for a modern mid-century roof, and flat roofing is a common mid-century roof option for commercial structures built in the last few decades.

It’s essential to not only choose a roofing material that aesthetically suits your property but one that is also fully up to code with all applicable building regulations. Some mid-century modern homes have flat roofs that can be expensive to repair and insure, and some of them may even fall out of code as regulations evolve.

Another common roofing style seen in mid-century modern architecture is the tar and gravel roof system. This system is common on flat roofs and is a simple yet effective system that includes multiple layers of tar spread across the roof’s surface. Each layer is thoroughly coated in extremely fine gravel, creating a tightly water-resistant surface. Mineral cap and polyurethane foam are two more coating-style roof options that can complement mid-century modern architecture. They are generally used for commercial roofing and are only suitable for certain homes that require thorough water protection.

Shingles and Roofing for Mid-Century Homes

While metal roofing may be appropriate for some mid-century modern homes, your mid-century modern home exterior may lend itself more to a traditional shingle-style roof. Asphalt shingles are durable, cost-effective, and generally provide about 20 years of protection for a mid-century home.

Asphalt shingles aren’t the only shingle-style roofing option that can suit mid-century modern homes. Wooden shake-style shingles are perfect for coastal areas or mid-century modern architecture that features lots of natural wood on the exterior. It’s also possible to have a slate shingle roof if the underlying support structures can handle the weight. Stone is an incredibly durable and very expensive mid-century roof option that looks stunning on many different homes.

Choose the Right Roofer

When you weigh the best roofing options for mid-century modern architecture, one of the most important considerations is the roofer you hire to handle the installation of your new roof. The right roofer can help you narrow down your roofing options to the ones that would perform best on your property style.

Able Roof has extensive experience handling roof repairs and installations on mid-century modern homes. Suppose you need a new roof on your modern mid-century house. In that case, we can inspect the premises and determine the best roofing solution that offers real value and full regulatory compliance. Our team is experienced in shingle roofing at multiple angles, low slope roofing, flat roofing, and metal roofing. Contact us today to learn more about your roofing options for mid-century modern architecture.

Best Roofing for Your Mid-Century Modern Home (2024)

FAQs

Best Roofing for Your Mid-Century Modern Home? ›

While metal roofing may be appropriate for some mid-century modern homes, your mid-century modern home exterior may lend itself more to a traditional shingle-style roof. Asphalt shingles are durable, cost-effective, and generally provide about 20 years of protection for a mid-century home.

What materials are used in a MCM roof? ›

One of the most common roofing systems for Midcentury Modern homes is the tar and gravel system. This system uses layers and layers of material to seal the roof off from water damage and UV rays. A layer of tar is put down on the roof and is followed by a layer of gravel.

What is the most durable residential roof material? ›

Standing Seam Metal or Steel Panels

Metal roofs that are made of crimped steel panels are some of the most durable and gorgeous roofs out there. In the long run, they can even be more economical than asphalt shingle roofs because they can last over five decades with little maintenance needed.

What is the best roof to put on your house? ›

The Best Types of Roofs
  • Clay tiles.
  • Concrete roofing.
  • Green roofing.
  • Metal roofing.
  • Shingles.
  • Slate roofing.
  • Solar roofing.
  • Wood roofing.
Aug 2, 2023

What is the best roof for a mid century modern house? ›

While metal roofing may be appropriate for some mid-century modern homes, your mid-century modern home exterior may lend itself more to a traditional shingle-style roof. Asphalt shingles are durable, cost-effective, and generally provide about 20 years of protection for a mid-century home.

What materials are used in mid-century modern homes? ›

In mid-century modern interior design, the materials used are wood, metal, vinyl, glass, and plywood. Mid-century style is all about large shapes, patterns, and strong textures. The colors used can be neutral to gold or graphic, like black and white.

Is mid-century modern still in style? ›

Why the MCM aesthetic continues to dominate. What is it about mid-century modern furniture that makes it so enduring and desirable? Home design trends may come and go, but classic lines are always in style.

What is the difference between mid-century and mid-century modern? ›

Mid-century modern design is characterized by the elements mentioned earlier, such as clean lines, organic forms, natural materials and functionality. So, while mid-century refers to the time period, mid-century modern refers to a specific design style that was prominent during that time.

What is the cheapest longest lasting roof? ›

Metal Roofing

The average metal roof only costs between $11,000 and $19,000, and they typically last between 40 to 70 years, depending on the type of metal used. Metal roofing is also incredibly versatile as you can opt for: Corrugated metal panels. Standing seam metal.

What is the best roof to last forever? ›

Concrete, clay, and slate tiles have an average lifespan of 100 or more years. They are without a doubt the materials that last the longest but are also, bar none, some of the most expensive. Slate roofs are often called the “forever roof” because they can last seemingly forever.

What roof lasts 50 years? ›

Standard asphalt shingles—the most common roofing material—lasts about 15 years. Heavier materials—including clay, slate, and metal roofs—can last more than 50 years but are expensive and difficult to maintain. If you're looking for an affordable and long-lasting option, consider 50 year shingles and tiles.

What type of roof adds value to home? ›

Metal Roofs

Metal roofing is held in high regard. Installing a metal roof on your home is a good way to increase your property's value. On average, a new roof can increase the value of your home by more than 50%. However, other cheaper and more affordable roofing options can give you a similar value in return.

What is the most leak proof roof? ›

Rubber shingles are the best roof type to prevent leaks. They can easily withstand precipitation—including hail—and don't absorb water. These roofs are also resistant to rot, wind, and temperature changes.

What is the downside to a metal roof? ›

Metal roofs may be more noisy during a heavy rain or hailstorm than other products depending on the type of decking used during installation (spaced or solid). Adding more attic insulation can sometimes solve this problem, but that may increase costs. Expansion, contraction and fasteners.

What is MCM cladding made of? ›

4 Thin MCM cladding panels are non-hom*ogeneous products made from generally, aluminium, zinc or copper sheets around 0.5 mm thick bonded together with a variety of core materials with a range of calorific values.

What material was used on old mobile home roofs? ›

Mobile homes built before June 1976 typically have flat or bowed roofs, usually covered with sheet metal or asphalt coating. Mobile homes manufactured after 1976 (generally known as manufactured homes) usually have more pitched, or peaked, roofs.

What are modern metal roofs made of? ›

Five of the most common materials used in metal roofing are Galvalume®, aluminum, zinc, copper, and stainless steel.

What material is used for stadium roof? ›

ETFE foil roofs are a popular choice for sporting stadiums as ETFE is a low weight, highly transparent membrane capable of transmitting up to 92% light.

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