Over the years, the roofing industry has seen the constant development and implementation of new technologies. Take a look around, and you’ll see innovative roofing designs, green roofing solutions, emerging trends in roof manufacturing and installation, and other innovations. Over the years, the roofing industry has seen the constant development and implementation of new technologies. Take a look around, and you’ll see innovative roofing designs, green roofing solutions, emerging trends in roof manufacturing and installation, and other innovations.
Whether you’re a roofing contractor, a business owner, or a homeowner, it’s critical to be at the forefront of understanding new tech developments in the roofing industry — as well as their impact in shaping the future. Technological advancements in the industry are required to create better roofing solutions. Here are 5 new roofing technologies that everyone should know about.
Innovative Roof Design
Roofing design is one of the areas that has seen tremendous improvement over the years. With new technological advancements, customers are able to choose from a wide variety of roofing solutions that meet their specific needs. The use of computer-controlled systems in roofing manufacturing processes has greatly improved product design and uniformity.
According to roofing experts at Custom Home Remodeling & Roofing, Inc., there’s more focus on developing lighter, more flexible, tougher, and durable roofing solutions. Innovative roofing design is becoming more about how easily roofing systems can be installed and removed while meeting the roofing requirements of customers. Some of these innovations include:
- Natural daylighting
- Incorporating insulating systems and radiant barriers
- Cool roof coatings
- Retractable roof designs
- Eco architecture
Green Roofing – A Sustainable Technology
The adoption of green roofing technology has been happening fast, especially in the commercial roofing sector. Also known as eco-roofs, garden roofs, or living roofs, this sustainable technology incorporates the planting of permanent landscape on roofs. This technology has been about realizing and embracing changes that are both beneficial and thrilling to everyone involved.
The technology incorporates various aspects of energy efficiency, waterproofing, and drainage to offer a more sustainable way to make use of roofing structures in buildings. Green roofing offers numerous benefits like storm water management, energy efficiency, filtration of pollution, weather buffering, and added community amenities to urban areas.
Development of incentive programs by state and federal agencies is also encouraging a growing interest and adoption of green technology today.
Drone Technology
A lot has changed in the use of drone technology over the years. The practical use of drones in the private sector for overhead analysis of sites for planning purposes and aerial photography is fast being replicated in the roofing and construction industries. While conducting regular roof inspections is a core part of roofing maintenance, safety has always been a concern during inspections.
To ensure safe and adequate access to a roof, roofing professionals need to take safety precautions like securing ladders and wearing safety gear. All these come at an additional expense and hassle. Drone technology is offering a safer and better option, especially when it comes to inspecting expansive commercial roofing systems or ongoing roofing installations.
Drones offer an easier and faster way to inspect roofs and provide a better resolution to roofing problems during emergencies. More roofing contractors are using them to deliver quick and accurate estimates for roofing projects without risking the safety of their workers.
Flat Roofs
While flat roofs have been used for many years, their application in commercial and even residential buildings is gaining more focus as more options become available. One of the new developments is the use of modified bitumen membranes that offer a more impressive hybrid-built-in roof solution. PVC and TPO roofs are also advancing in many ways.
Single-ply EPDM flat roofing is also increasingly being used and offers extreme flexibility, value, and unbelievable lightness. Flat roofs offer more options than ever before and are much easier to install, repair, and maintain, especially in commercial applications.
Solar Roofing Technology
Solar roofing has come a long way. While there was initially resistance and slow adoption of solar PV panels due to high initial installation costs, there are now more affordable options for everyone. The drive towards achieving energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness in roof installations has led to new developments like the fully functional solar roofs from Tesla and other companies.
Homeowners can save significant energy costs with such solutions, while also complementing the look of their homes with the different design options available. While pricing has always been a matter of concern when it comes to solar technology, standard roofs don’t provide the benefits that solar roofs offer post-installation.
The Internet of Things
Today, ‘The internet of things’ has become a key part of today’s day to day life. Defined as the use of the internet to connect, control, and communicate with different devices, this trend is being adopted in more industries including roofing. From a residential perspective, this is a technology that can be put to use in a wide range of areas. How can this be incorporated into roofs?
As the concept becomes more of a standard in the society, adoption of the same will be quick. For instance, the use of smart technology like powerful WI-FI, solar powered cameras, and discrete sensors could be used on commercial roofs to detect problems like leaks. Solar PV panels could also be controlled remotely with a smartphone app to improve efficiency.
Other Technologies Changing the Roofing Industry
From liquid sealants, stainless nails, and synthetic under layments to roofing software that enables faster and more effective scaling and managing of projects, there are numerous new technologies that are shaping the roofing industry. A look at the latest roofing products paraded at trade shows proves that technological advancements are having a significant impact on roofing solutions.
Contractors have the ability to install better roofing products in a more timely manner and offer more sustainable solutions to customers. Reflective technology is also being incorporated in combination with smart color choices. For instance, in warmer areas, homeowners and contractors are now opting for roofing solutions that absorb or reflect heat from the sun, keeping homes cooler and preventing roof damage.
Steady Growth Expected in Roofing Technology
Roofs are now used for more than just protecting homes and businesses from extreme weather conditions. They’re more energy efficient and offer a sustainable solution to dealing with common roofing problems. While changes between the past and now are visible in roofing technology, more advances are expected as more efficient, durable, and stronger materials are used.
You can now choose between green roofing, fireproof roofs, solar-ready roofing materials, and insulated roofs that come with woven polymeric and fiberglass materials. With the application of new tech developments in the residential and commercial roofing sectors, the opportunities for innovation are also increasing, ensuring steady growth in the industry.