What’s New in Roofing for 2024?

New technology, such as self-healing thermoplastics and solar roof panels, the drive for more sustainable building materials, and the search for exciting designs all shape the roofing industry just as much as other sectors. 

Housebuilders and homeowners are increasingly looking for roofs that offer aesthetic appeal and sustainability in response to climate change and rising energy costs. With the introduction of new ideas and technologies, tomorrow’s roofs promise to be functional, money-saving, and visually striking.

Let us explore some of the current trends, such as green roofs and solar panels, and possible future innovations, like self-healing roofs and smart roofs. 

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Green roofs

The installation of green roofs incorporating vegetation, often low-maintenance sedum, has been a developing trend for a few years. 

Already popular for use in limited areas like shed roofs and flat-roofed areas on buildings, the benefits of green roofs or living roofs mean they are set to become more common on larger roof areas, too.  

Green roofs not only enhance the visual appeal of your home but also contribute significantly to the environment. They promote local biodiversity and provide a habitat for insects, bees, and birds.

Green roofs offer extra thermal and sound insulation, reducing energy consumption and noise pollution. They also protect the roof and your home from the chilling effects of cold winds.

During heavy rain, the vegetation and the substrate in which it is planted absorb rainwater and prevent the roof drainage system from overflowing.

Solar panels

Solar panels

Solar panels

Solar roof panels are gaining popularity in the UK, with over 183,000 installations in 2023. Homeowners are drawn to the fact that these panels can generate heat and electricity, leading to substantial reductions in their energy bills. This not only saves money but also contributes to a cleaner environment with minimal carbon emissions.

If your panels generate more energy than you use, you can sell the excess to the National Grid. 

Solar tiles are a new entrant into the UK market.  Although less obtrusive than solar panels, tiles still need to be more efficient at generating electricity from solar energy. As technology advances, solar tiles are bound to be improved and become a feature of our homes. 

High-performance roofing materials 

Self-healing roofs 

We may soon enter the era of self-healing roofs.

Extreme weather conditions, which are becoming more common, can damage virtually all traditional roofing materials. Homeowners often feel they are fighting a losing battle against cracking tiles, UV damage, and colonisation by moss and fungi.  

However, material scientists are now developing self-healing thermoplastics, allowing roof surfaces to heal damage from hailstones and other environmental threats. 

Thermoplastics are in a constant state of flux. The polymers in the material separate when exposed to high temperatures and sunlight. The polymer molecules create new bonds as the temperature cools in the evening. Scuffs, dents and scratches on the surface of the roof are resealed. 

This constant repair process keeps the roof’s surface smooth and strong. Leaks are reduced, and there are fewer scratches to collect spores and allow moss and algae to grow. 

Hail resistant roofs

Materials scientists are also solving the problem of hail damage on roofs. Hailstones cause extensive roof damage worldwide as the force of these icy particles can cause cracks and splits in many roof materials. 

Roof tiles that incorporate special polymers allow the tiles to flex with the impact of hailstones. This flexibility reduces the cracks that lead to so many roof maintenance problems. 

Weather-resistant technology will increase the longevity of your roof.

Smart roofs 

The advent of smart roofs brings a new level of convenience and safety to homeowners. 

WiFi-connected roof sensors can now detect leaks and blocked downpipes, providing early warnings and preventing potential damage. 

Ventilation is essential for a comfortable home, and temperature-activated sensors will soon be able to open roof vents to release trapped heat and then close them to protect against rain and cold. 

Contact Improve a Roof for roof cleaning and refurbishment

Smart roof technology and designed materials may be just around the corner, but for now, your roof will still need to be cleaned and maintained.

Our Macclesfield-based team provides roof cleaning and inspection services in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Manchester, Merseyside, North Wales, Derbyshire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire.

Call us NOW on 0800 046 9686 for a free, no-obligation quotation.

 

About Us

We are a family run business offering Thermal Roof Coating and Roof Cleaning. We are based in Hazel Grove, Stockport and we have more than 30 years experience in the home improvement industry.

Improvearoof LLP

Contact us

Improve A Roof
97 Macclesfield Road
Hazel Grove
Stockport SK7 6DT
Open Mon – Sun 8am – 8pm

Freephone: 08000 469686

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