What's New in Roofing Technology
Technology has become an extension of us. We have become dependent on the new version, the new release and the new breakthrough. The pace with which we operate, coupled with devices and distractions in our personal and work lives makes it easy to overlook some important elements. As the adage goes, “out of sight and out of mind.” We are consumed with our immediate surroundings and rightfully so. They take precedent because we interact on this level and must maintain standards for safety and aesthetics. These initiatives may meet our own expectations and serve us daily but when an area outside of our immediate surrounding fails, we learn the hard way. The roof, the flashing, the scuppers, oh my. We expect these elements of our property to perform but that requires proactive maintenance which some simply forget to consider when roofing systems seem daunting. This area is difficult to access and assess without the help of a professional and the technology that serves them.
Most urgent roofing calls originate from leaks that have already caused damaged to the interior of our homes and buildings. Not only can this be avoided by implementing proactive annual roof maintenance, but there are new ways that roofing pros are performing maintenance inspections. Those technological breakthroughs that we celebrate affect every industry across the board. We all benefit from the vast amount of research and development from the materials we use to the installation methods we provide. New technology has made the Roofers job safer and more efficient than ever before, saving company and consumer time and money.
Here are just a handful of the new and improved roofing technologies we are using in 2022.
HOVER is a visualization app that equips roofers and building owners with a customizable 3D model of your roof and siding. It measures, estimates, and helps to visualize new designs that you select. You start by snapping photos from several positions around the property. The app will upload your images and convert them into 3D models that display easy to read, fully measured surfaces that you can export into your preferred file type. Then you can begin designing the new “look” using a materials library from some of today’s largest brand names in roofing and siding, such as LP® SmartSide®, Atlas Roofing, GAF and JamesHardie. Once you have achieved your desired look you can share with clients and associates to get the project rolling.
Drone Technology or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles took flight in combat settings in 1915. As we all know, drones have come a long way since then and serve both recreational and professional industries. Roofing and insurance companies are utilizing drone technology to perform ladder-free roof inspections. This is a time saver but also essential in assisting with unsafe roofing conditions like steep slope, storm damaged and heavily distressed properties. A full aerial view image of the roof is taken and when flying at close range, hundreds of images are processed in a sequence that create pins relating to every square foot of the roof. When downloaded, the Roofer can click on any of those pins to view detailed conditions of the roof’s surface. Within hours of completing a drone fly over, Roofers can quickly analyze the scope of work and devise a maintenance plan.
Thermal Imaging cameras create detailed maps of moisture locations on low sloped and flat commercial roofs. These cameras capture infrared radiation using the electromagnetic spectrum not visible to the human eye. Moisture in a roof is highlighted due to the increased thermal mass that holds higher heat levels than surrounding dry areas. These readings tell the Roofers the exact locations of infiltration, drainage and pooling issues that have or could lead to interior damage. This technology is one of the most comprehensive indicators of the health of a roof and an excellent predictor for the type of maintenance needed.
Breathable Roofs or Vented Roofing Systems are another technology from the 1990’s that are making a big comeback with new patented systems across the U.S.. These breathable systems are mostly found in commercial and industrial installations to equalize air pressure in the roofing membrane and achieve higher wind uplift transfer across large scale roofing areas. There are three steps to this system that allows the membrane to remain in place during high winds, 1. Secure the air barrier, preventing internal air in the building from entering the roof system 2. Secure air seals, which prevent air from entering the roof system from the external perimeter or parapet walls. Once these areas are airtight, they create a vacuum. 3.Install the vents at the corners and perimeter of the roof, which are known to be the “high uplift zones.” When pressure from wind travels from high to low, the air from the main roofing field is pulled to the perimeter and is carried outward through the vents. These systems are extremely effective for the price, and some can be used to “air out” existing wet roof decking and insulation. When paired with a membrane overlay utilizing the existing and now breathable sub layers, the building owner has avoided a timely and pricey tear-off and spared the environment a large amount of waste.
Cool Roofs are designed to absorb less solar energy by reflecting sunlight. Conventional roofs can reach temperatures of 150°F but cool roof readings are more than 50°F cooler. This can drastically improve energy savings by reducing heat transference into the occupied space and prevents wear on a roof, extending its lifespan. Roof materials light in color are the obvious choice for reducing solar absorption but when a customer desires a dark hue there are new technologies in both residential shingles and commercial roofing membranes that fit the bill. The manufacturers of asphalt shingles began adding reflective crystals into the dark, rich hues allowing them to be EnergyStar qualified for solar reflectivity. This is particularly helpful in the southwest where sun exposure is relentless year-round. The commercial membrane, TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) is popular due to its durability, bright white color, UV / heat resistance and energy efficiency. Since 2013, TPO accounts for more than 40 percent of U.S. commercial roofing membranes. Manufacturers of dark hued membranes joined the energy efficiency movement and released Modified Bitumen and EPDM rubber roofing membranes in a white hue.
There are numerous roofing technologies nowadays that are available for consumers to experience superior performance for a more affordable price. Roofers alike benefit by more secure work environments and efficiency for inspecting and bidding on projects. It all begins with contracting with a professional Roofer who is knowledgeable in the industry and implements these materials and technologies to better serve the areas in our lives that are often overlooked. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
