What New Roofing Materials Will We Be Using in Homes of the Future?

The history of roofing and roofing products across the world is interesting, and gives you a glimpse of how these structures evolved. From mere functionality and necessity, roofs have morphed into living, sustainable and energy efficient structures that are also aesthetic and decorative.

Roofing: A Transformative Journey

When you look back at the saga of how roofs came to be, and how they changed over time, it never fails to amaze. When human beings changed from wandering hunter-gatherers into settled domesticity, they began to live in sheltered spaces that offered safety and comfort. While the earliest dwellings were natural shelters such as caves or tree canopies, these gradually became purpose-built structures.

The first roofs were made to protect against the weather, and even today, this is their primary purpose. The distinctive climate of Australia shaped the way roofs evolved. The earliest roofs were made of locally available materials such as bark, grass, mud, branches or leaves that could be replaced easily.

In the 15th century, clay tiles were produced locally, and this practice continued into the 18th century when terracotta tiles similar to those produced in Europe were introduced into the country. These were manufactured from a precise mix of clay and sand, fired at high temperatures in special furnaces and transported to the building site as required. Gradually, different shapes, sizes and colors were introduced. Corrugated iron was another popular choice.

Concrete and slate shingles became popular in the 20th century, along with the development of special paints and weather-proof coatings.

Today, roofing is available in a variety of options such as steel, copper, metal alloys, eco-friendly materials and other sustainable products. There are many building owners who value older styles and technologies for their aesthetic appeal and sustainable qualities. Products such as Colorbond roofing are very popular for several reasons.

This is an industry that is in the process of continuous change and innovation. As a result, professional roofing contractors stay aligned to new developments, technology and materials.

Crystal Gazing: What Would A Future Roof Be Like?

Any industry stays relevant, healthy and growing by looking forward. The roofing industry is no different. It has come a long way from the days of using natural, locally available materials that are non-durable and don’t require expert installation.

There is immense collaboration across science and technology, and this interdisciplinary approach has provided untold benefits to professionals and consumers.

Trend-watchers have observed a plethora of innovations, products, techniques and needs across the roofing industry.

Smart roofs: The future is already beginning to happen with smart roofs. They have embedded sensors that can predict weather conditions, detect damage and potential risk to structural integrity. Smart roofs can then communicate with other smart technologies to control temperature and environmental factors that homeowners can customize according to their own preferences. Smart roofs offer real time data that help to control the environment indoors while making maximum use of solar energy.

Self-sustaining roofs: Future roof technologies will focus on self-healing and self-cleaning products that increase the life of the roof. Minor repairs can be done automatically, while repelling dirt and debris. This minimizes effort by homeowners while ensuring that the roof remains clean and in good condition.

3D Printing: is the future of many technologies across diverse fields including roofing. Design, speed and precision in constructing roofs is possible with this technology. It helps to create customized, unique structures.

New Materials: As newer materials enter this field, roofing experts can use composite materials that are stronger and more durable while being environmentally responsible. Metal roofing has become much more popular and the roofing industry continues to explore the possibilities of this sector. Silicone roofs will become more popular as they are highly energy efficient and durable. They are UV resistant and not prone to cracking or damage due to weather exposure. Future roofs may also use more upcycled and recycled materials.

Green Roofs: are roofs that are alive with vegetation. This helps to regulate the internal temperature of the building and purify the surroundings. Homeowners can grow vegetables, herbs, fruits or flowers on their rooftops and earn an additional income from fresh produce. Another future trend could be blue-green roofs that maximize the use of available precipitation and rainwater while creating a green ecosystem on the roof with flowers, bees and plants.

Drones and Hi-Tech: Roofing industry professionals will use more sophisticated technology such as drones to conduct quick and accurate inspections. This is especially useful during times of severe weather events where damage must be identified and located quickly. Robots will also be used in conducting repairs.

Design Innovations: Modular roofing that can be designed and deployed according to the customer’s requirements is one of the future trends that will enter the roofing industry. These roofs are custom manufactured in factories and are installed directly on to the building, eliminating the need for long and laborious work. Since the design is modular, damaged parts can be easily replaced without having to work on the entire structure. AI powered design will be used much more in the future to predict maintenance works.

Aesthetics and Visual Appeal: Future roofs will not be merely functional. They can be designed to look attractive as well. New materials and designs will ensure that the buildings of the future look beautiful. Many new materials mimic the looks of traditional roofing materials such as terracotta, slate or wood. This is a great advantage for architects and designers who want to blend aesthetics and efficiency. Interchangeable panels are one of the ideas that roofing experts are looking at. These panels can be changed according to the season or your personal choice. For instance, during summers you can have roofing panels in a lighter or brighter shade that looks cool, while you can change your roofing panels to warmer and richer shades in the cold or rainy season.

Energy Efficiency: will be top priority in the roofs of the future. Better insulation, cool roofs, light reflective coatings and phase change materials will be incorporated into roofs. Materials that reduce the carbon footprint, and bioclimatic roofing will be the order of the day in roofs of the future. These roofs will align with the changing local climate and ensure that the most is made of rainwater harvesting and solar or wind energy.

Lightweight Roofing: Reducing the overall weight of the roof helps to protect the building’s strength and longevity. Materials such as biomass balanced polycarbonate or sustainable and recyclable plastics ensure that your roofing is strong yet light. Some of these materials are strong enough to be impact resistant and can withstand damage by falling branches or heavy hail and snow.