Homeowners have sundry choices of roofing materials when renovating or building a new roof. Most pick just one for simplicity’s sake, as material consistency promises two advantages:

• More predictable budgeting with potential savings through bulk purchasing;
• Equal longevity and elemental behaviour of materials across the entire roof.

That said, using a single material does not necessarily restrict the style of the roof either. For instance, asphalt shingles come in various shades and textures, adding extra dimensions to otherwise flat and monochromatic roof structures. However, strategically combining roofing materials can heighten this effect, creating accents that boost curb appeal.

In some neighbourhoods, it’s common to combine premium and economy roofing materials. On lower sections of the roof—the areas most visible from street view—these homes use materials like slate or metal. On the upper levels, conventional shingles take over to cut on costs. Specifically, metal and shingle combinations are growing in popularity as it’s a fair compromise in budget, function and aesthetic.

Renovating with Mixed Materials

Constructing sections of a roof with different materials makes structural sense, but sporadically replacing elements of a roof with new materials does not work. In fact, haphazardly mix-and-matching can lead to installation failures. It’s best to introduce new materials in wide areas or as accent pieces like caps or siding.