The Latest Innovations in the Roofing Industry
Roofing companies are slowly beginning to adopt new technologies to improve efficiency and productivity. These innovations are also changing how roofing is done and making it safer on job sites.
One of the most popular technology advancements in roofing is the use of mobile tablets. Using these devices, customers can see what their finished project will look like and make decisions quicker.
Weather Resistant Barriers
Weather resistant barriers are a crucial element of the building envelope system, controlling air and vapor transmission from inside to outside a structure. This is crucial because when moisture enters the building, wood and metal materials rot, mold begins to grow, and a variety of other problems can develop.
Fortunately, there are products available that meet the needs of architects, specifiers, contractors and homeowners. These products offer a variety of benefits, including air and vapor permeability, testing, airflow and durability.
The most popular and widely used WRB is mechanically-attached housewrap. These materials are made of a polyolefin fabric that allows water vapor to permeate while keeping liquid water out.
Another type of WRB is a liquid-applied product that can be rolled, sprayed or brushed onto the exterior surface. It can also be molded into a monolithic coating that prevents liquid water infiltration, while still allowing vapor to escape.
In addition to the traditional options, there are also some new innovations in the industry. Among them are all-in-one products that combine both the substrate and WRB into one product.
These all-in-one systems are becoming increasingly common because they simplify installation and can save time. Huber Engineered Woods, for example, makes the ZIP System, a patented WRB system that is integrated into oriented strand board or OSB sheathing.
It also helps keep moisture from escaping the wall assembly and causing problems, such as condensation or mold. It has been shown that these vapor-permeable systems reduce the likelihood of building damage and help prolong the life of the building by preventing the growth of harmful mold.
Some of these products are also UV-resistant, which is an added benefit in many parts of the country. In addition to providing protection from water damage, these products protect the interior of a home or commercial building from ultraviolet rays, which can cause corrosion and premature deterioration of drywall, flooring and other interior components.
The demand for weather-resistant barriers grew 7% annually in 2016, with residential construction driving the majority of growth. This is due to evolving building codes, as well as the need for energy-efficient, durable buildings that are healthy and comfortable for those living in them.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are a great way to harness the power of the sun and save money on your electricity bills. They’re also a smart option for homeowners looking to reduce their energy consumption and help the environment.
Whether you want to replace your roof or integrate solar shingles into your existing roofing system, there are plenty of options to choose from. The key is to find a company that offers a solution that works best for you and your needs.
One of the first things you should consider when choosing a solar roofing system is its type. There are several different types, including monocrystalline and polycrystalline, and each type has its own pros and cons.
The most popular type is crystalline silicon, or C-Si, which accounted for more than 90% of the global market in 2021 and is projected to maintain its leadership through 2031. The main reason for its success is its higher efficiency and lower cost.
Another type of solar panel is thin-film, which is often used in commercial applications. These panels have a lower temperature coefficient than crystalline and polycrystalline panels. This means they generate less power in cold weather.
They can be a good choice for homes in hotter climates or places where the sunlight is stronger throughout the year. However, they may not be able to produce as much electricity as more efficient panels.
In addition, crystalline and polycrystalline panels can be damaged by hail, snow, or other elements that can cause them to break. This is why UL 1703 and UL 61703 standards require solar panels to be rated against these elements.
Additionally, solar panels need to be able to resist fire and other hazards. In fact, some states, including California, now require solar installations to meet a certain fire rating.
In addition to their fire-resistant properties, crystalline and polycrystalline solar panels can also be manufactured to resist hail. This is especially important in areas where severe weather is common.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency has been a major focus for the roofing industry in recent years. This is largely due to the rising cost of energy and the importance of keeping buildings cool, especially in hot climates.
There are several ways that the roofing industry can help to make a commercial building more energy efficient. One of the most important is by choosing a roof that reflects sunlight and reduces heat transfer to the interior of the building. Downey roofing companies can help you weigh your options.
This is a very effective way to cut your energy costs and lower your carbon emissions. The best way to determine whether your roof will be energy efficient is to look at your specific location and weather conditions.
For example, if you live in a warm climate like the Southwest, a light-colored roof will do the most to reflect sunlight and keep your home cooler. This will also lower your heating and air conditioning costs.
Another way that you can ensure your roof is energy efficient is by installing insulation underneath your shingles and tiles. This will not only reduce your energy costs but will also help to cut down on the amount of greenhouse gases that are created from the manufacturing process of new insulating materials.
A recent study by ICF International found that installing code-compliant levels of roof insulation during a roofing replacement project can help to reduce whole building energy use and associated costs. The research showed that the savings equated to 6-12% annually depending on your climate zone and building type.
In addition, this research also shows that by installing energy code-compliant roof replacements, building owners can reduce their energy and greenhouse gas emissions. This is a significant savings for the environment, as it can result in reductions of between $3.20 to $6.01 per square foot, which translates to 54 to 107 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.
The roofing industry can also take advantage of other energy-efficient technologies that are available today. These include the use of solar shingles that can produce their own electricity, as well as insulation that has a high R-value and helps to reduce energy transfers between indoors and outdoors.
Drones
Roofing contractors are increasingly using drones to inspect roofs. This technology enables them to save time and money as well as reduce safety risks to workers and people around the building. It also enables them to automate a number of tasks and processes that they normally use in roof inspections, such as data collection, processing and analysis.
Previously, roof inspectors used ladders and other equipment to take measurements on a roof. They then used the information to create estimates for their customers. This process took a lot of time and labor hours. It often required multiple trips to the roof, which was expensive and risky for the contractor.
Drones can be used in a variety of ways for roof inspection, including to take measurements and take before and after photos of the roof. This can help roofers determine the size and quality of a roof, as well as what type of materials to use for repairs or replacements.
In addition, drones can be used to gather thermal images for insulation defects. Using these images can help the contractors identify problem areas and make sure they are correct before recommending the proper solutions.
Another benefit of drones is that they can take measurements much more accurately than a human could. This can save the roofing company a lot of money, since they can order less material and not have to pay for excess material.
Finally, drones can be used for inspections of large buildings, such as apartment complexes. These types of roofs can be tricky to inspect from the ground, especially if they are older and have uneven terrain.
The drone can also be used to measure precisely the size of a building’s roof, which helps the company know how much material to order and where to place it. This means that the company can do their job faster and more efficiently, which ultimately benefits the customer.
As drones continue to evolve, they will be able to perform more tasks and become an integral part of the roofing industry. However, it is important to remember that expertise and experience still matter when hiring a roofer.
