Author: Amy Freeman | October 31, 2024

Roofing has come a long way in terms of quality and safety. Hundreds of years ago, it was common to build roofs from vegetation. These thatched roofs required a fair amount of upkeep and didn't last long. On top of that, they were fire hazards and contributed to major fires in cities. Nowadays, thatched roofs are rare and roofers are using longer-lasting, fire-resistant materials, such as shingles or metal, instead.

Roofing innovation extends beyond materials. Today's roofers are likely to use technological aids to work more efficiently and improve the quality of their work. Technology also makes roofing tools and materials more easily available. As the industry evolves, it's vital that roofers stay current on trends, technologies and advances.

Why Keep up with Roofing Innovation?

Staying up to date on roofing trends and innovations can be good for your business, your employees and your customers.

When your company is dedicated to using the latest technologies and offering the most advanced roofing materials, your customers can benefit from roofs that last longer and provide ongoing protection from the elements. Some of the newest roofing technologies can help control the climate inside a building or provide a source of energy, such as solar power. Advanced roofing materials can better resist storm and weather-related damage, too, meaning your customers may not need to repair their roofs after a major weather event.

Certain roofing innovations can make work a little easier for your employees. For example, using drones can allow your crew to inspect a roof for signs of damage and wear without having to climb a ladder. The drone can capture images of the roof while your team stays safe on the ground. New installation techniques are constantly being developed and can be implemented to help your employees work faster with less physical strain.

Technology can also streamline your business practices. Estimating software can make quick work of providing prospective customers with project estimates and then turning those estimates into project proposals.

What's Changed in the Roofing Industry

Technological advances have changed the roofing industry for the better. A few recent examples of roofing innovations include:

• Using drones for roofing inspections and before/after photos
• 3D-printed roofing materials
• Project management and estimating software, such as Beacon PRO+
• Smart roofing materials that keep owners up-to-date on the status and condition of their roofs
• Impact- and weather-resistant roofing materials
• Paperless customer invoicing
• Solar shingles
• The use of search engine marketing and social media to promote roofing businesses

How to Stay up to Date

Today's roofing innovations are tomorrow's old news. To continue offering the best possible service to your customers, ensure your employees are happy and safe on the job and help your business run smoothly, you should aim to keep up with roofing technology as it becomes available.

Beacon can help you stay up to date. Our platform, Beacon PRO+, integrates with software that can help you improve the estimating process, increase your revenue growth and keep up with the latest roofing trends and advances.

It's also worthwhile to pay attention to the news, especially when it comes to technology. For example, social media started as a way for college kids to connect, and now, it's a major marketing tool for small businesses. Keep your ear to the ground, and you'll stay current on new software and technological developments and discover how those developments can trickle down into the roofing industry.