There is an ongoing debate as to what we mean by “tech” in the United States. For some, tech refers to search engines, ad optimization, and social media – Google, Facebook, Apple, Samsung, and other Silicon Valley titans. For those, particularly in other parts of the world, “tech” refers to materials science and industrial advancement.
With that latter view in mind, how has “tech” changed the world for roof replacement and roof repair? What has come about technologically in the 21st Century to push the roofing industry forward? What advancements have been made?
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A Wider Range of New Roofing Materials
The economy of scale has caused reductions in price for more advanced materials. Never before have you been able to purchase shingles in such a broad range of styles and manufacturing processes. Materials science have made these shingles – and therefore these new roof constructions – more stable, more solid, and more durable. A roof going onto a house today will almost certainly last longer than a roof that would have gone up a quarter-century ago. Asphalt, slate, and metal are all easily within the realm of possibility for the average homeowner.
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More Eco-Friendly Processes in Roof Work
Energy efficiency is, more than ever before, the most significant driving factor in roofing advancement. Roofing materials can be recycled now, and that is new. Metal is widely considered to be better for the environment than asphalt and slate. Sustainable options for roof materials as well as for gutters and siding have revolutionized the way we look at home construction and renovation. The ways that we can build solar energy capabilities into a roof are miles beyond what was feasible even a few years ago, too.
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Safer for Roofing Professionals
Roofing contractors spend less time on your roof than ever before. Why? Because the technologies in roof inspections and installation planning have advanced to such an extent that we do not need to be up on the roof as much, especially in the early stages of a project. This means a reduction in risk, and a reduction in the number of hours required to finish a project.
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Safer for You
Modern roofs are safer for the families who live in these homes. Membranes prevent roof collapses more than ever before, in cases of fire or flood. New roofing materials can smother flames, and this lessens the smoke in a structure fire.
