It’s 2016, can you believe it? Time flies when you’re installing a lot of roofs.
How can you stay ahead of what’s happening in building and roofing so your business is not left behind? Here are a few trends in roofing to watch for in the coming year.
Solar Options
Why is solar so popular right now? Because solar roofs and solar units never been cheaper or more convenient to install on your roof. Building owners can choose from many options for their commercial roofing needs, but one of the most intriguing for 2016 are photovoltaic (PV) modules, which convert solar energy into direct current electricity. Understandably, this can be a real boon to home owners and business owners, as their building can help provide their energy needs.
In 2014, worldwide installed PV capacity increased to at least 177 gigawatts, sufficient to supply one percent of global electricity demand. In 2015 that’s expected to double, with growth in this area continuing for the foreseeable future. If you have a building in the southern or western part of the United States you may be a candidate for photovoltaic technology in your roofing system.
More Green, Please
It’s been years since the “green movement” first took hold and started to change the way builders and manufacturers did their business. But the trends toward more environmentally responsible building methods and materials are still emerging.
While eco-friendly materials and methods have become more popular they have also thankfully become more stylish. “Green isn’t ugly anymore,” says interior decorator Paige Miller of Miller Industrial Design.
As more businesses and home owners turn to green alternatives, more pressure will exert on the industry to offer diverse options in structure and aesthetic appeal. That trend will ramp up in 2016.
If green building and construction are important to you, be sure to look for someone who is LEED certified and adheres with the WELL Building Standard.
Keep it Cool
“Cool roofing” is nothing new, the concept has been around for a while. But new materials and methods are making it even more advantageous to choose a “cool” roof.
What is a cool roof?
A cool roof is one that is designed to minimize heat transfer. Many of these roofing systems are light in color, such as white, grey, or light blue. A cool roof can save lots of dollars in cooling costs in warm, humid climates such as Texas and Oklahoma.
Renewal and Reusability
Due to limited financing in several areas, some business owners and entrepreneurs are looking for creative ways to open new buildings or expand their current businesses. As a result, older buildings that simply need a spruce up are being considered. When looking around for your next warehouse or manufacturing center, look at existing structures. They may simply need a new roof and some other work and for the fraction of the price of a new building, you are up and running.
Happy New Year and we hope 2016 is prosperous for you all.
