An Overview of Advances in Roofing Technologies

The roofing industry has witnessed considerable advancement in technology in recent years. We can categorize the advancement of roofing technologies into two main classes. The first category includes roofing materials or components, while the second category includes roofing services or processes.

Below are technological advances in roofing materials and components.

Solar Shingles
Solar technology uses energy from the sun to produce electricity. Solar is a form of renewable energy with multiple benefits. For example, solar energy generation does not release harmful gases into the environment.

Traditional, you could generate solar energy by installing solar panels on the roof. However, solar and roofing technology has developed to the point where the two are integrated. Roofing and solar manufacturers have produced solar shingles that act as both roof coverings and solar panels.

Solar shingles are a significant investment, but they have multiple benefits over traditional solar installation. For example:

• The shingles mimic other shingles, so they don't interfere with your roof's curb appeal.
• The shingles don't require you to dedicate large roof areas for solar installation as traditional solar panels do.
• The shingles are tough and can withstand threats, including hailstorms.

Note that solar shingles are a relatively new technology, so not all roofing contractors offer them.

Synthetic Shingles
Many people find natural roofing products, such as clay, slate, and cedar attractive. However, like other roofing products, natural roofing materials have both pros and cons. Synthetic shingles provide an alternative roofing technology that gives you the best of both worlds. For example, the shingles:

• Are as attractive as the natural products they mimic
• Are tougher than some of the natural products they mimic
• Are lighter than the natural products they mimic

Synthetic shingles comprise artificial products, such as rubber and plastic. Roofing manufacturers design the shingles to mimic the appearance of natural shingle roofs.

Green Roofing
The roofing industry has also evolved to give us green roofing technology. Green roofs comprise a vegetation layer over a waterproofing system. The waterproofing material ensures water from the vegetation layer does not reach or damage the roof.

Green roofs have multiple benefits, for example:

• They reduce the overall neighborhood temperature
• They attract air pollutants to reduce pollution
• They prevent heat from the sun from damaging the roof
• They reduce indoor heat gain that would interfere with cooling
• They minimize outdoor noises that reach inside the house
• They protect the rest of the roof structure from weather damage

Green roofs are common in some parts of the world, but they are not yet popular in the U.S. If you are interested in a green roof, note that they exist in different types, so you should evaluate them and settle on the best one for your circumstances.

Recycled Roofing Materials
Many roofing manufacturers have invested in recycling technologies and produce different recycled roofing products. Recycled roofing materials include:

• Plastic
• Rubber
• Metal
• Wood fiber

The recycled products are just as durable and tough as other roofing materials. The recycled products also have further benefits; for example:

• Recycled products reduce the volume of materials that end up in landfills.
• Recycled products reduce the number of raw materials manufacturers has to extract from the environment.
• Recycled products require less energy to produce than other materials.

Clearly, recycled products benefit both direct users and the community at large. The more people embrace recycling, the more the environment will benefit.

Note that the choice of a roofing contractor is just as important as the choice of roofing technology. Ratliff Enterprises has been active in the roofing industry for decades. We can install, repair, and maintain your roof with professional results. Contact us for a quote on any roofing service you need.