As now many people know how carbon emission is affecting the environment, they are counting on eco-friendly options to save energy, resources, money, and of course, the planet earth. That being said, the future of roofing has arrived.
A roof’s surface area is the major factor when it comes to improving the energy efficiency of a building. So, modern technology and new roofing materials along with different types of roof structures have taken a plunge in the industry. Equipped with these innovations, the roofing industry is on a mission to do the following:
- Increase the value of the building by using the latest roofing materials
- Reflect sunlight to bring the local air temperature down
- Maximize the utilization of roof space with innovative tactics
- Reduce electricity use for cooling in scorching summers when buildings heat up
Cool Roofs
Cool roof technology is booming, and it is considered one of the best ways to save on energy bills during the summers. The key thing is to reduce the heat absorbed by the roofs. A cool roof with silicone coating reflects the heat, keeping your home cool and preventing sun damage to your roof. By reflecting the sun’s rays back into space, cool roofs even help lower ambient air temperatures, benefiting the environment and reducing the urban heat island effect. Cool roofs began as white roofs, but today there are also colored options with reflective pigments.
Green Roofs
As the name suggests, a green roof leads to the growth of vegetation. It is easy to contrast when compared with the typical roof. This type of roof consists of a drainage system, root barrier, and waterproofing layer. In the future of roofing we will witness more green roofs, which will include shrubs and grass. You can even potentially grow food-producing plants on green roofs. The best thing about the green roof is that it helps naturally cool and insulate buildings; and simultaneously, the plants soak up rainwater and produce more oxygen.
White Roofs
In this method, white paint is used on the roof, which reduces the urban heat island effect and also protects the roof from harmful UV light. The coating is thick as well as reflective, acting as a thermal barrier to keep the roof cool on the hottest days, leading to less need of air conditioning. White roofs are far more energy-efficient than dark roofs in warmer climates, but the opposite is true in cold northern climates that have long winters and short summers. In those areas, dark-colored roofs absorb heat and transfer warmth to the interior, which saves on heating and helps in reducing carbon emissions.
Solar Roofs
Presently, solar panels are attached to the roof to let the building owners capture and convert sun rays into energy. This results in shading the roof in summers, lowering the energy bills, and reducing fossil fuel energy utilization. Now to make the most of solar panels, solar roofing is coming into play, and it will utilize photovoltaic cells incorporated within the roofing itself. Meaning, solar cells will be combined with roofing material to get new solar shingles.
Usually, people think that huge panels will be added to the surface of their roof, but this is not the case. The solar shingles will set perfectly with the rest of the shingles. In fact, this type of shingle will work much like solar panels in incorporating a semiconductor layer to generate energy. The only concern is solar singles will require much sunlight to be effective, just like solar panels need. Moreover, solar shingles are pretty expensive.
Elon Musk of Tesla had planned with SolarCity to create a beautiful roof that is a solar roof. This is indeed an efficient alternative to solar panels. The solar roof system appears promising in the future of roofing; however, not many homeowners will be able to embrace it due to the high cost. Its pricing is not confirmed yet, but it would be 20 times more than common asphalt shingles.
Bamboo Roofs
Though bamboo roofing is not new as it’s been used in the Asian culture for centuries, in the future of roofing we could witness the integration of bamboo with other materials in creating a modern roof. Bamboo grows in abundance, and it is a sustainable option. Bamboo also grows quickly which means less turnaround time between planting and harvesting compared to wood. These types of roofs will have a curvature in the center of the roof because of the bending of bamboo beams, which will hold up the roof. Bamboo is flexible and sturdy as a material and will offer maximum coverage when used in creating a roof.
The Ultimate Fusion of Roofing and Technology
Technology is advancing rapidly, and it has entered the domain of roofing. This industry is adopting technologies that are making the job of roofers safer and more efficient. Now drones are being used to perform roofing inspections. Also, roofers are using robots in the form of rovers to get pictures of damaged roofs so that they can evaluate and give estimates accordingly. Further, augmented reality is letting roofing contractors create a virtual roof installation. This helps customers get a visual of how their home will appear once they install a new roof. This is just a part of how technology can be used in the future of roofing.
Final Words
Roofing is an industry that is based on high precision and excellent craftsmanship. Also, the industry is embracing new technologies and sustainable materials. The future of roofing is transforming and allowing advancements in the way roofers communicate and work. All of this has not only made roofing companies offer better services but it’s also best for customers as they will be getting a more efficient roof. Now people can save on money and easily opt for eco-friendly, green, solar, and sustainable roofs.
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