The roofing industry has transformed over the past few decades with more advanced technology becoming abundantly available. The evolution has changed how roofers plan, execute and maintain their projects. Understanding these technologies can be tricky, as roofers might not be used to it but learning how to use them will significantly improve their performance.
The whole of the construction trade has been impacted by new technologies, but with the roof being the most important part of the home, it’s been the area most improved by this new tech. The dangers involved with the roofing process has made the need for safer and more efficient technology very important.
In this article, we will explore how technology has revolutionised roof maintenance and streamlined the process.
Better roof inspections
Roof inspections have become much easier due to technologies like drones making the process much smoother and reducing the risk involved for roofers. It also helps get perspectives that wouldn’t be able to be seen from the human eye, as it can see it from much taller height.
To get high angles, roofers would have had to climb to dangerous heights, which has the potential to end in serious injuries. This has since evolved and not only can drones get higher angle safety, but they can also be equipped with high-quality cameras that will help with getting much clearer imagery.
The augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) markets are expected to reach $300 million by 2024, which shows how much the technological industry has blown up in recent years. They are playing a big part in the contracting industry as it helps them visualise and plan roof projects more efficiently.
Data analytic improvements
The roofing industry involves a lot of data analysis, as it is essential for making informed decisions about what damaged elements need to be replaced or fixed. It can also help roofing professionals uncover patterns and predict any issues that may be present before they become major issues.
The lifespan of materials can also be predicted by new technologies, which can be extremely helpful for figuring out maintenance costs. This can also help you choose the best materials for specific weather conditions, such as extreme rain or wind. This will help to get a more durable and functional roof.
Artificial intelligence (AI)
AI is becoming a very powerful tool in the digital era. It can spot potential problems that humans might not be aware of, which can help roofers fix a roof issue before it becomes serious. This is a god-send for the roofing industry. It can help to proactively stop leaks before they get too serious and end up flooding a home. This can save homeowners time, money, and stress in the process.
Inspections will also improve with the use of AI, as the routine becomes automated which can help roofers get on with other important tasks. The efficiency of the roofing process becomes more streamlined with AI being more capable of dealing with more complex problems.
Digital tools
The use of digital tools has significantly improved the roofing process, as it has increased precision and efficiency. For example, 3-D printers can be used for making quick prototypes or complex roofing structures. This can be very helpful for roofing projects, as it can help with visualising a roof design and identifying any potential issues before the job is started.
Satellite imagery and specialised software can also be used to calculate roof size, density and any potential problems through high-resolution images. This improves the roofing process, as it leads to faster estimations and makes safety risks more apparent.
Green technologies
Sustainability is very important in becoming greener and more environmentally friendly. Solar tiles are an example of one of the newest pieces of technology that has impacted the roofing industry, as it is a great source of renewable energy. The more industries looking to incorporate solar power into their work will have great benefits on the world.
The urban heat island effect and stormwater management are both newer green technologies that benefit the roofing industry. The urban heat island effect absorbs heat, which reduces building energy consumption. Stormwater management helps absorb rainwater, which reduces strain on storm drains.
Plant hire companies that rent out machinery to help with roofing have also started to explore the use of more green technologies to help reduce their carbon footprint.
The impact of technology on the Roofing Workforce
Roof projects have become a lot more efficient and accurate thanks to the accuracy and efficiency of new technologies. New devices in the industry have also created new opportunities, as the technology usually requires new skill sets.
Workers in the roofing industry must now become familiar with digital tools, drones and specialised software to succeed in the role. This does add more pressure to be able to learn these new skills quickly to keep up with the expected standards.
These new technologies and materials have reduced the risks involved with the trade, as there is now less physical strain on roofers.