The roofing industry is shifting toward sustainability, innovation, and customization. From environmentally conscious materials to innovative roofing systems, the industry is moving towards functional roofs contributing to homes' overall aesthetics and efficiency.

With so many new options, from walkways and railings to skylights and solar panels, commercial businesses can improve their roof's functionality, sustainability, and energy efficiency like never before. For example, green roofs, cool roof coatings, and ventilation systems are additional features that can help reduce or offset carbon footprints by reflecting more sunlight into outer space.

Modern commercial roofing technology offers various attachments that enhance a roof's performance and ensure longevity. The construction industry is progressively adopting eco-friendly roofing materials for several reasons. Let's explore some of the key drivers behind this positive shift.

Mega Consumer Trends Driving Commercial Roofing Today
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‍Sustainability
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As a contractor, project manager, or homeowner, you know your roof is more than just a protective layer atop your home. It's an investment in your property that helps maintain your assets and operations.

Due to the high demand for environmentally conscious roofing solutions such as solar panels, green roofs, and cool roofs, construction owners and property managers prefer to invest in environmentally friendly and energy-efficient roofing materials.

Rich Russo, Show Director at the International Roofing Expo, says during the International Roofing Expo 2024, "The evolving roofing trends reflect the industry's ongoing efforts to embrace innovation, sustainability, and enhanced customer experiences.” 

Green roofs, for example, provide more insulation while reducing stormwater runoff. While cool roofs are highly reflective materials, they reduce surface temperatures and energy costs.

‍Resilience
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According to the National Roofing Contractors Association's (NRCA) Q2 2023 Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing, 48% of roofing contractors reported an increase in projects, while 31% reported no change in activity from the previous year at this time. 

This trend reflects the sentiment that more businesses are looking to cut costs while increasing revenue, and they require resilient roofing systems that provide exceptional functionality, durability, and financial benefits.

In particular, resilient roofing systems—metal roofs—are highly durable and long-lasting. It withstands high winds, fires, hail, and snow loads. As climate change causes more severe weather, resilient and robust roofs will become a priority. 

Technology Integration
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Roofing is becoming "smart" through the integration of various technologies. Some roofing systems now include moisture sensors to detect leaks, temperature sensors to track insulation performance, and Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. 

Unlike traditional roofing systems, smart roofs can adapt to changing weather conditions, harness solar energy, convert it into electricity, and even detect potential damages. Such features are environmentally friendly and economically sound, as they can generate significant cost savings. 

As smart cities become a reality, high-tech, data-driven roofing systems will need to be more responsive and effective than traditional roofing systems, making them a promising technology for the future of sustainable and efficient building design.

Design: From Dark to Light Colors
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Architectural roofing styles, such as barrel-vaulted, mansard, or gambrel roofs, can improve a building's appearance and curb appeal. Colorful metal roofing, imitation wood or slate, and solar shingles add visual interest. Commercial clients want roofs that are not only functional but also visually appealing.

Gabe Goepfert, technical sales director for Everest Systems, cautions: "Contractors need to be cognizant of the end user—the asset owner—who is increasingly focused on the life cycle and long-term performance of the roof, as this significantly impacts their business and the environment. 

Renovating a roof with an appropriate coating system can often provide a better return on investment in the long run, even at a lower initial cost than a single-ply installation."

Essential Attachments Required for Modern Roofs

These essential attachments can help improve a roof's safety, durability, and worker efficiency. 

1. Roof anchors and guardrails are a must-have if you need frequent access to your roof. Roof anchors are securely attached to your roof structure and provide a safe anchoring point for workers to clip their safety harnesses. On the other hand, guardrails offer a physical barrier around the roof perimeter and any skylights or openings. They are particularly crucial for commercial buildings where maintenance staff frequently access the roof.
   
   
2. Roof hatches, or roof access doors, provide a safe and convenient way to enter and exit your roof. They come in various sizes and materials, making them suitable for different needs. For buildings with multiple stories, roof hatches are required by safety codes. Even for single-story buildings, hatches are an excellent way to access the roof without a ladder. For extra convenience, you can choose between hatches that open manually or with an electric operator.
   
   
3. Roof curbs are raised frames that mount equipment like HVAC units, exhaust fans, and skylights above the roof surface. They provide ample height for proper airflow and drainage, elevating the equipment so it's level and secure. Roof curbs also allow for easier maintenance access, preventing damage to the roof membrane by distributing the weight load. For commercial roofs with lots of equipment, roof curbs are essential for function and longevity.
   
   
4. Roof walkways provide a safe path for frequent foot traffic on your low-slope roof. They usually consist of interlocking plastic or metal tiles installed over the roof membrane to create a solid walking surface. Walkways protect the roof from damage while also improving traction for workers. They channel foot traffic to specific areas, avoiding equipment or unstable parts of the roof. Roof walkways are a wise investment for warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and other commercial buildings.

Innovations in Roof Maintenance and Repairs

Roofing technology has undergone significant advancements. One of the most exciting innovations in this field is using drones for roof inspections. Drones with high-resolution cameras can survey an entire roof in a fraction of the time. These drones take detailed images that roofers can analyze to identify signs of damage or needed repairs, which helps to detect problems early and reduce the cost of repairs.

Recent advances in leak detection technology are also simplifying the process of finding and fixing roof leaks. Electronic leak detection systems now use moisture meters and thermal imaging to locate the exact source of the leak. Once the leak has been identified, roofers can make targeted repairs instead of engaging in exploratory work to find the leak's origin.

New roof coatings and sealants are also extending the lifespan of existing roofs. Elastomeric roof coatings can waterproof and protect roof surfaces for up to 20 years, while silicone and acrylic sealants are highly effective in sealing seams, penetrations, and flashings where leaks often occur. These products are easy to apply and provide an economical alternative to a complete roof replacement.

Prefabricated roof curbs and equipment supports also make installing rooftop HVAC units and other equipment easier. The prefab pieces have a waterproof seal and are designed for easy attachment to the roof surface, reducing the risk of leaks from improper installation of rooftop units.

Critical Considerations For Roofing Contractors When Installing Attachments 

As a roofing contractor, it is crucial to consider certain factors when installing commercial roof attachments. The type of roofing system, roof deck, and membrane are critical considerations that will determine which attachments can (or cannot) be installed and how.

The roof deck, whether made of concrete, wood, or metal, must adequately support the weight of any attachments. Concrete patios are ideal since they can handle heavier loads, while wood or metal decks may require additional reinforcement to prevent damage. The roof membrane, such as TPO, PVC, or EPDM, should also be compatible with the attachment installation method to avoid puncturing or tearing the membrane.

Attachments like solar panels, satellite dishes, or HVAC units sometimes require roof membrane penetration. Proper flashing and sealants must create a waterproof barrier around the attachment. On the other hand, non-penetrating attachment options, such as pre-formed curbs or weighted posts that sit on top of the roof membrane, avoid compromising the roof altogether.

Ensuring safety is of utmost importance when carrying out any roofing work. It requires the installation of appropriate safety harnesses, roof access equipment such as ladders, and fall protection barriers during the installation process. It is also crucial to exercise caution when moving heavy equipment and attachments over the roof to prevent any damage.

Aesthetics are another consideration, especially for commercial buildings. Attachment style, color, and placement should complement the building's architecture and brand image. Low-profile, non-obtrusive options that blend into the roof may be preferred.

Permits and regulations regarding commercial roof attachments can vary in different areas. Roofing contractors must know all local building codes to ensure any installations meet the requirements. It's also good for contractors to obtain the proper permits and inspections to avoid issues.

Conclusion: Bringing Customization and Personalization Closer to Home Exterior

More and more people today are looking for eco-friendly material options and innovative systems to upgrade their homes. 

With advanced sensors, ventilation systems, and insulation materials, the roofing industry has undergone a significant transformation towards adopting roofing solutions that serve functional purposes and enhance homes' overall aesthetic and efficiency. 

And the best part? Construction owners, project managers, and homeowners can all improve their energy consumption, live in more energy-efficient homes, and make maintenance and repairs more accessible and less expensive. 

This trend towards more innovative, more sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing roofing solutions will continue as more construction owners invest in environmentally conscious and energy-efficient roofing options.