The roof is almost certainly the most important part of a
structure; particularly a residential building. It keeps us and all of our
possessions protected from the elements as well as warm and insulated.
As long as mankind has been in existence, the need for
shelter has been of paramount importance and the materials used to gain this
protection has been in periods of flux in different parts of the world ever
since. Clay roof tiles were used in China as far back as 5,000 years and
introduced to Britain via the Roman Empire at around 100 BC. Before, in between
and after this period, everything from animal skins and thatch to metal has
been used.
Here we look at two very different materials that may become
the future of roofing.
Green Roofs
With environmentalism and green living becoming ever more
important to large swathes of the population across the world, one of the most
striking and innovative ways to do your bit is to install a green or ‘living’
roof.
Green roofs, as you might imagine, are adorned with plants
and vegetation. They are made from a layer of waterproof material, a barrier
for roots, a drainage system and then a layer of greenery. This greenery has a
whole of host of benefits for both the home and the environment.
More obviously for the environment, these plants help to
support local wildlife that may otherwise struggle to live in built-up urban
areas. Green roofs also help to improve air quality and offset CO2 emissions.
More practically, having a living roof can help to improve
the draining system of your home. Water is stored within the plants and soil to
be released back into the environment naturally, rather than through a network
of pipes and back into urban areas. They can also help to extend the lifespan
of a roof via the added protection of the greenery and waterproof layer
underneath.
Solar Roofing
With a similar environmental consciousness, but on the very
opposite end of the technological spectrum, solar panel roof tiles are another
product that may represent the future of roofing materials. Innovated most
famously by Elon Musk’s Tesla, these tiles are used as an alternative to more
traditional solar panels and provide a far more subtle aesthetic.
These tiles can be used to blend into the surrounding
material whilst also integrating the benefits of renewable energy. If you were
to install solar PV tiles, these act as both the primary roof covering as well
as a source of energy for your home. These are a great option if you want to
reduce your carbon footprint and save money whilst retaining a sleek and
elegant aesthetic.
However, as this tech is still very new, they are currently
pretty expensive and not quite as efficient as traditional panels. Watch this
space though, because as the tech develops it’s likely this material may be the
next biggest trend in residential and commercial construction.
Who We Are
For the past 40 years, WR Leivers have been providing expert
roofing services to businesses and residents around Nottingham and Derby. To
find out more about our variety of services and the materials we use, contact us
today.
