Architects and builders in times gone by emphasized longevity and durability while designing their buildings. They used sturdy materials and made provisions for future expansion, whether it was a commercial or residential building.
When you look at older buildings, you are often struck by their timeless design, adaptability to climatic conditions, functionality and purpose of construction. No doubt they followed design trends of the day but the fact that these buildings still continue to awe us, give us viewing pleasure and stand as living witnesses of history says a lot.
Roofing styles have undergone dramatic changes over the centuries and in many cases, you will find that it’s the roof of an older building that requires repairs, restoration, renovation or replacement. Without being a crystal-ball gazer, it’s possible to protect your roof against the demands and unpredictability of future events.
What Is A Future Proof Roof?
When you think about future proof roofing, it means that the design, materials and architecture can foresee demands made on the structure in future. It is capable of withstanding certain aspects that may arise down the line without losing its structural integrity and functionality.
In terms of roofing, future proofing involves creating a structure that is sustainable, takes concepts such as climate change into account, uses environmentally responsible materials, offers safety, is relatively easy to maintain, easy to re-design or re-configure and is also long-lasting.
The concept also requires work by an inter-disciplinary team of experts such as architects, roofing contractors, environmental specialists and the larger civic body.
Your future proof roof would be a blend of aesthetics and functionality, compliant with present day building regulations and flexible enough to absorb changes. Get more info at easternmelbourneroofing.com.au - your resource for all types of roofing renovation and replacements.
Roofing Styles: Ramp Up Curb Appeal
Classical and timeless roofing styles are all around us in everyday life. Pitched roofs with wooden rafters that support shingles or terracotta tiles, corrugated metal sheet roofs and gabled, complex roofs with inset windows can be seen in every city as reminders of a bygone era. They attract instant attention and give the building a permanent appeal. Often it’s the roofing style that grabs eyeballs and gives the building character.
Though elaborate ornamentation and complexity may engage us visually or emotionally, it is usually simplicity, uncomplicated lines, and pleasing proportions that make roofing styles memorable. When you view such a roof, you immediately get a sense of its purpose and how it is tied to the people who use the building.
Such roofs make your building stand out from the crowd and make it a landmark no matter how old it becomes. That’s what we call curb appeal!
Roofing To Connect Present and Future
Modern roofing involves expertise from different areas. Today it’s not just about sustainable materials and innovative design. You need to integrate smart roofing systems, solar or wind power, safety, privacy and cyber-security systems as well.
The main area of concern today is climate change. The impact is being felt by the sudden rise in temperatures across Australia. Roofing materials will crack, fade, warp or split under harsh sunlight. Extreme weather events are predicted more often in the future. This means your roof will be more vulnerable to damage from hail, rain, snow or high heat.
Cool roofs are becoming a necessity rather than a fad today, and this trend looks like it’s going to be around for a long time to come. These roofs incorporate reflective coatings or paint that prevent harmful UV rays from damaging the roof. They keep the temperature low inside the building, so that you don’t have to use excess power to cool it. Your energy bills will become considerably lower too because you’re less dependent on your aircon.
Future roofs will have to be constructed from more sturdy yet environmentally friendly materials. Many cities across the country have discouraged the use of dark colors on roofs and buildings to combat high temperatures.
Combined with these factors, your roof must have aesthetic appeal as well.
Your roof has to be capable of optimum water-management. This means that flat roofing trends will become less popular as they encourage pooling of water that puts a strain on the building. Rainwater harvesting, efficient drain-pipes, eco-friendly waterproofing and coatings will prevail in future.
Future ready roofing incorporates intelligent systems that include smart sensors and AI powered systems that can alert you to potential problems and schedule regular maintenance reminders. Predictive intelligent technologies alert you to potential issues before they cause serious problems. Self-repairing and self-cleaning roofs are gaining popularity along with other automated systems that help to reduce human effort and involvement. These roofs are longer lasting and more affordable in the long run.
Future ready roofs will incorporate drone inspection technologies, making maintenance safer and more efficient. Thermal imaging tech is already in use and it will become more popular in future. This helps to identify and locate leaks so that the problem can be fixed immediately.
Modern materials such as galvanized steel, reflective paint, natural materials and green roofing can be used along with attractive architectural design to create a future proof roof. Modular design makes it easier to install and repair.
One of the main characteristics of a future proof roof is that it is adaptable and flexible enough to absorb any changes that are demanded in the future. Whether it needs to be modified or extended, panels have to be replaced or you want to change the design and appearance, your future ready roof is prepared to tackle whatever comes its way in the years ahead.
