Award

Morning Mist shingles from BP Canada's Mystique Collection. J U N E 2 0 2 3 | 19 Roofing/Cladding Materials Roofing and cladding trends for 2023 and beyond by ROBIN BRUNET G iven that the look of a roof can make or break any property's curb appeal, the goal for developers should be to aim high: that's the message of BP Canada (Building Products of Canada) in announcing roofing directions for 2023 and beyond. Topping the list of on-trend roofing colours is grey, but not the standard grey; instead, nuanced grey-beige or "greige," infused with a mix of nature-inspired tones. "Black roofing shingles have always been seen as a safe choice for consumers, but now people are starting to realize that softer neutral shades like grey can actually add more wow-factor to a home's exterior," says BP Canada's marketing director Nathalie Lambert. Although black is still the company's top-selling shingle, grey shingle sales have increased in popularity over the last year, especially in Western Canada, and Lambert attributes this to the end of the pandemic. "Consumers tastes are changing as they look for finishes that exude a sense of calm and security. They want the best of both worlds: a balance of traditional and contemporary, soothing and invigorating, sober and bold, and a style that asserts individual personality." In response to changing market preferences, BP Canada has launched a multi-toned pale grey shingle called Morning Mist. Part of the brand's Mystique Collection, Morning Mist is the first shingle colour of its kind, consisting of grey, white, and brown, and providing consumers with an alternative to traditional solid grey options. Lambert cites other aesthetic trends in the roofing market, including the pairing of shingles in shades of black, brown, and grey with white vertical siding and dark accents to achieve a contrasting effect (increasingly popular in new construction). "Conversely, blending dark siding with pale finishes creates an equally harmonious contrast." Lambert predicts that trends for the next few years will shift toward richer, deeper shingle colours. Also, she encourages developers to select high- performance products that provide maximum resistance and protection against high winds and wind-driven rain, ice build-up, and hail. "No matter what style you prefer, it's important to choose a roof that's made to stand the test of time," she says, noting that today's high-performance shingles are made to withstand hail the size of golf or billiard balls, as well as category four hurricane winds. Aim High I L LUS T R AT I O N CO U RT E S Y B U I L D I N G P RO DU C T S O F C A N A DA

• Cover