An image from a drone inspection of a large commercial building with large skylit hallways.

The Future of Commercial Roofing: Exciting Advancements to Look Out For

Would you trust your car with a mechanic who doesn’t keep up with the newest advancements in the automotive industry? Even the oldest industries make consistent innovations, spurred on by the creative use of new technologies. That’s why you should only trust your business with a roofing company that looks to the future of the commercial roofing industry for inspiration and long-term goals.

The commercial roofing industry is always advancing, even if it doesn’t look that way from the outside. While traditional roofing materials have been used for centuries, there are always ways to improve the tools, techniques, and technologies used. Call us today, and we can tell you all about the future of your business’s roof—or read on and learn about the future of the commercial roofing industry at large!

Solar Panel Shingles

Solar technology continues to be one of the most popular ways to showcase an environmental initiative. The benefits of solar power have been long discussed among commercial property owners. Still, continuing advancements in battery storage technology will make solar panels and solar shingles more viable for businesses of all sizes.

Solar panels are becoming more well-integrated with roofing systems because they offset energy costs. Current solar shingles and commercial solar roofing systems have issues with bulk, weight, and efficiency, but these continue to see rapid advancement.

Green Roofs

One of the most common focuses of roofing advancements is the environmental impact. Many of the most common commercial roofing materials involve synthetic materials that can last for decades and eventually break down. These products can have a long-term environmental impact and as a result, many businesses are turning towards metal and green roofing systems.

The urge to use more eco-friendly materials has driven many architects and builders to lean into green roofs, which integrate living plants into roofing materials for a more environmentally friendly roof without the same type of maintenance or winterizing needs. This characteristic brings an excellent curb appeal, provides an easy public image win, and can be longer lasting than common multi-layer roofing materials. Green roofing systems will continue to see more use across commercial roofing. As technology advances, these will likely grow in the commercial roofing market.

Synthetic Roofing Materials

A close view of a low-slope tile roof with an AC unit on top

Synthetic roofs are not new to commercial roofing trends, but there have been consistent advancements in synthetic materials. The roofing industry has difficult demands on durability, water resistance, and insulation. Composite materials can provide unique benefits to roofing systems, ranging from insulation to lower energy costs.

Reinforced polymers can be used alongside other synthetic materials to create roofing systems that resist extreme weather conditions and the harshest environments. Lastly, synthetic materials tend to be lighter and easier to install than more cumbersome materials. Advancements in materials capable of self-healing, weathering, and other useful benefits are likely to be seen in the industry.

Metal Roofing Advancements

Metal roofing systems have always been very popular for commercial roofing thanks to their ability to use recycled materials, strong structural integrity, and more. Smart roofing systems will increasingly use advanced metal alloys that build upon the benefits of metal roofs.

Commercial roofs often demand timely repairs, improved cost savings, and better energy efficiency. Advanced roofing material innovations in both synthetic and metal roofs have already developed their own space in commercial buildings, and you can likely look forward to seeing new materials on the market soon.

Cold Roofing

‘Cold roofing’ is a system that emphasizes a high thermal resistance index and heat dissipation. This characteristic leads to dramatically decreased cooling costs for commercial properties. This energy-efficient roofing decreases energy consumption during the summer and reduces heat loss during the winter.

Energy efficiency is one of the most useful ways to prioritize environmental initiatives since energy costs are a major concern for most businesses, and energy use is a large cause of greenhouse gases. Cold roofs will be one of the best steps towards reducing energy consumption, especially compared to traditional roofs. Cold roofing components are one of the latest commercial roofing trends.

Drone Roof Inspections

A closeup of a drone in flight with a row of commercial buildings in the distance below

Proactive maintenance is one of the best ways to get the most out of our roofing systems, just like a yearly checkup lets you stay ahead of health issues. Therefore, drone technology will likely begin to see more use in the roofing industry.

Drone roofing inspections will allow a roofer to avoid risking injury from rotting wood or weak spots in a roof while also protecting the roof itself from the potential damage of a roofer exploring its surface for damage. For large commercial spaces and roofs, a drone can cover more space in less time, saving money for everyone involved.

Look Forward to the Future of Commercial Roofing with Heidler Roofing!

Commercial roofing contractors need to stay up-to-date on the latest roofing innovations to provide the best service possible. High-quality and professional roofing services don’t happen without the hard work to stay up-to-date and knowledgeable. You need to ensure you have the best materials and techniques on hand. This is why we are always looking to the future of commercial roofing.

If you are a commercial operation in the Mid-Atlantic region, you should look to Heidler Roofing for fast and friendly commercial roofing services. We will discuss the needs of your building, providing you with a new, restored, or renovated roof as fast as possible. Call us today!