Emerging Issues in the Roofing Industry

Environmental factors and workforce concerns are the primary factors influencing trends in roofing systems.

FREMONT, CA: In the roofing industry, notable advances are the acceptance of single-ply membranes and plastic foam roof insulation. Environmental concerns, worker welfare concerns, and efficient resource allocation have led to recent changes.

Environmental regulations and product defects:

Environmental regulations: Some products' volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are reduced, and water-based compounds replace others. Other environmental concerns are:

Cool Roofing and Heat Island Issues: Cool roofing was introduced to conserve energy through additional insulation. When cool roofing combines with high insulations of R-value insulations, cool roofing's surface has minimal impact on the energy performance of the building. Certain conditions have resulted in condensation below the membrane. Due to reflected UV rays, masonry walls, interior spaces, rooftop piping, and mechanical equipment get overheated. Poor design of cool roofs in certain climate zones cannot warm and drive moisture downward. It is necessary to replace such roofs.

Roof surfaces: In cooler regions, high-emittance roof surfaces have attracted attention and have been subject to legislation.