Roofing Relevancy – Staying Ahead
New Tech Offers Opportunities for Growth
A famous quote from the Greek philosopher Heraclitus says that “Change is the only constant in life”.
That certainly has been true in the home improvement business in general and roofing in particular. And it looks like 2025 will be no exception. There are exciting new technologies and processes being developed while existing products continue to be improved and enhanced. These new technologies provide an opportunity to enhance Customer satisfaction and grow your business.
The goal is to go beyond putting a roof over the homeowner’s head and create solutions that are stronger, more sustainable, and energy efficient. The latest advancements in roofing include the use of drones for inspections, new materials, and smart roofing systems. There is also a growing movement toward sustainability, both in products and practices.
Drones
Drones are fast becoming the go-to technology for roof inspections. They offer many advantages including enhanced safety, lower costs, and increased productivity. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and, in some cases, thermal imaging technology, allow roofers to survey roofs quickly and safely from the ground.
Adding this capability to your Business is easier than ever, with many providers offering integrated systems that leverage AI to make drones easier to fly and create roof assessments and estimates in seconds. You should, however, take the time to assess your requirements and research potential solutions before taking the plunge – or in this case taking to the sky.
Advanced Roofing Materials
Although asphalt shingles continue to be the material of choice, their days may be numbered. Innovative solutions are making inroads in the industry and many homeowners are seeking their benefits.
Metal roofing continues to be a popular choice, offering increased durability and longevity. This can make it a good investment despite its higher cost.
Solar tiles may be the future of modern roofing. Unlike solar panels, they offer both an aesthetically pleasing roof covering and a cost-effective source of electricity.
Synthetic shingles offer enhanced resistance to extreme weather, reduced weight, and are often more affordable. They can also be designed to look like traditional materials such as slate or wood.
Cool roofing materials reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, to decrease the reliance on air conditioning systems, which may lead to substantial energy savings.
Shingles made using recycled materials reduce landfill waste and conserves natural resources.
Green roofing systems: Although the market for these systems is limited, they support vegetation, provide high levels of insulation, and can improve stormwater management.
Smart Roofing
The most advanced roofing solutions combine new roofing materials and solar tiles with embedded sensors that monitor the system in real-time. By monitoring conditions such as temperature and moisture, these systems can detect problems before they become critical and enable proactive maintenance.
While fully integrated, sustainable, and energy efficient roofing systems may be in their infancy, both development and interest are growing fast. These new technologies make this an exciting time to be in the roofing industry and offer an unprecedented opportunity to grow your business.