Roofing Technology Advancements
Roofing systems have undergone lots of transformation over the years. The basic function of a roof is to provide a covering for your home, protecting it from external factors. With time, however, roofing technology has evolved substantially, and new roofing systems can carry out other extended functions.
Investing in a new roof is a worthy course. If the roof comes with the latest technology, you are set to enjoy such benefits as a longer lifespan, resistance to harsh weather, and energy efficiency. These innovations and many more technological advancements are slowly taking over the roofing industry. Here are some cool advancements in roofing systems:
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Green Roofing
The term ‘green roofing’ is used to refer to any roofing system that promotes energy efficiency. For instance, there are new roofing systems that reflect sunlight and absorb less heat. Such cool roofs reduce or completely eliminate the need for cooling and air-conditioning systems in your home. The homeowner would be able to increase their savings since energy bills are bound to reduce.
Cool roof technology can be used in various ways. It is basically fitted with a reflective coating material that enables it to reflect more heat from the sun away from your home as opposed to absorbing the heat. The extent to which the roof reflects sunlight is heavily dependent on the type of material and the roofing manufacturer. Have a look at these coating options for asphalt roofs.
Before installing a cool roof on your home, consider the location of your home. It is a superb choice for the summer but can turn into bad news if your area experiences harsh winter conditions. Consult your roofing contractor for them to advise you on how to go about your choice of a cool roof.
Fireproof Roofing Technology
Improved technology has seen the introduction of roofing options that increase protection from fires to roof types that are susceptible to fires such as wooden shakes. Even though metal roofs are noncombustible, they can make a fire fiercer by trapping heat within the home.
Fireproof coatings have been introduced to roofing structures to prevent them from catching fire easily and by extension provide some level of protection to homes against fires. Some solid fireproof roofs are constructed using tiles, asphalt shingles, and slate.
If you live in an area where home fires are a common occurrence, you may want to consider installing this type of roof. The materials used to construct them are designed to slow down flames. Inasmuch as a fireproof roof does not promise total protection from fires, it at least assures you that the fire damage would be reduced in case of a fire outbreak.
The most recent innovation in fireproofing of roofs is the introduction of volcanic rock. Fires spread due to exothermic reactions. Volcanic rock ordinarily requires more energy compared to other materials for it to react. Therefore, more heat energy is used to cause the reaction, and the heat is consequently drawn into the volcanic rock, hence preventing the further spread of the fire. This innovation is still in its formative stages.
Flat Roofs
Flat roofs have for a long time been common among commercial property owners. In the past few years, and of course, with the advancement of new technology, they have been introduced to the residential sector. Homeowners prefer them to their sloped counterparts because of their aesthetics— they are quite pleasant to look at.
The most common roofing materials used for flat roofs are Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). These materials are tough enough to protect your home from external weather elements while still producing aesthetic value.
Flat roofs, if well-designed and constructed, are ideal for any weather condition. Flat roofs are less prone to mold infestation and leaks, and their maintenance is not so expensive.
Roofing Insulation
Roofing insulation solutions are provided depending on the home’s thermal needs, and to satisfy the applicable energy codes. The advancement of roofing systems has brought with it the convenience of having insulation as part and parcel of the roof assembly.
Modern-day roofing insulation has been advanced by the introduction of carefully woven roofing materials such as polymeric materials and glass fiber. When fibrous materials are woven together devoid of gaps, they form a tight membrane that acts as an insulation.
Other insulation types utilized in roofing systems include wood fiber, extruded polystyrene, gypsum board, and perlite.
Blue Roof Technology
Blue roofs are gaining popularity as a cost-effective alternative for rooftop stormwater management. On these roofing structures, stormwater is detained then released slowly over a period of time. If designed well, blue roofs help reduce stormwater peak flows and the volume of runoff by allowing the stormwater to evaporate into the environment.
Due to the increased weight of stormwater, blue roof technology can only be applied on buildings that have a structure strong enough to sustain the additional weight. Blue roofs are ideally flat roofs. Besides structural capacity, other factors that determine the design option of a blue roof are the type and slope of the roof, the prevailing climate, and the regulatory requirements.
Blue roof configurations include modular tray systems that are weighed down with ballast, roof drains that restrict flow, and check dams.
Conclusion
Now that you know about advanced roofing technologies available in the market, do not hesitate to upgrade your roof into one of them. Whether you want to replace your entire roofing system or you want to carry out a few repairs, fix your eyes on the newest technologies and enjoy the benefits that come with them.
Whether you want an energy-efficient roof, or a blue roof, or one that would insulate your home or a roofing system that would protect your home from fire, consult with your roofing contractor for the best roofing solution.