Things to Discuss

At our next meeting, we need to discuss some options for the house, including materials for siding and roof.  In terms of siding materials, I'd be interested in knowing what the architect/builders would recommend.  I've been interested in concrete fiber board.  We'd like something durable and relatively low maintenance.  As for the roof, I've been interested in a steel roof.  I'm willing to consider other options, with durability, low maintenance and energy efficiency as important features.  Neither Mike nor I are fond of the look or other features of a wood roofing materials.  We'd like to hear more about other alternatives that we might not have considered.

Roofing Materials

I'm trying to collect a bit more information on roofing.  I've thought that a steel roof would be good, because it is made from recycled material, is recyclable, durable, long-lasting, and can reflect heat from the house.  In the past few years, it seems like metal roofing options have really expanded.  You can now get metal roofs in many styles, including faux tiles, faux slate, faux wood shingles, etc... These faux products are all put on in rows, one layer at a time.  I'm not sure if that means that you're sacrificing anything in terms of how water proof the roof is (more seams would mean more chances for leaks, no?)  The other options is standing seam roof in which the roof is put on in larger panels. 

I'm still trying to collect more information on this topic.  I did find one stone coated, faux shingle roof that looked nice to me:

It looks nice, tidy and comes in this pretty, charcoal grey color that I like.