Technology is touching just about every aspect of the residential construction industry, and that includes the roofing field. While some of the trends to expect in 2017 are based on the latest decisions being made by contractors and homeowners, many of those trends are being pushed forward by technology. It should be an interesting year for roofing in 2017, and here are a few reasons why.
Will we see more homes like this?
Tesla’s New Solar Roof
For years, the only way to get solar power for your home was to have large blocks of solar panels installed on your roof or on poles in a part of your yard that got regular sunshine. While the energy savings that solar panels offered were great, the panels themselves were unsightly and bulky. The Tesla Company owned by innovator Elon Musk thinks it has a solution for that solar panel problem that promises to become very popular in 2017.
Tesla has invented roofing tiles that are actually put together to create a full solar power system. Instead of having huge panels on your roof or property, you can now have a stylish roof that is made completely of solar panels. Since you will install the roof on all sides of your home, it will be able to continuously capture the energy you need.
Slate Roofs
Asphalt shingles are in no immediate danger of being replaced as the default shingle material of choice, but 2017 will see less asphalt and more slate installed on homes around the country. Slate is being used more often because it is more durable than asphalt and lasts much longer. A slate roof needs to be reinforced because of the extra weight, but the maintenance costs are low and slate can last indefinitely if it is taken care of properly.
Living Roofs
A living roof is an environmentally sound idea that also gives people who live in cities a place to have their own garden. A living roof is specially designed to support plants and keep your home cooler in the process. People are using green roofs as gardening space, and many are finding that a properly watered green roof is also helping them save money on their monthly energy bills by taking the strain off the air conditioner.
Expect a lot more slate roofs in 2017.
Lighter Roofs
Homeowners are starting to appreciate how much their roof can do when it comes to keeping their homes cool and reducing their energy bills. A trend that started in mid-2016 and is expected to grow stronger in 2017 is installing roofs with lighter color materials. Dark asphalt roofs absorb heat and make your house warmer. But lighter colors reflect the heat and make things a lot easier on your air conditioning and ceiling fans.
You can learn all about the latest trends in roofing by starting a course with PDH Contractors. The information accessible by PDH Contractor members will help you to improve your construction business, keep your licenses and certifications valid, and show you how you can make your business more profitable in the years to come.