Ever since humans have been building shelters, the goal has been to keep the elements out. Most crucially, the goal is remaining dry and warm. So, the roof is one of the most vital parts of the majority of buildings. However, more often now people are trying to take advantage of the roofing to bring more benefits. We want to have a closer look at this today, looking at waterproofing with three newer roofing styles. Then, if you want help with residential architecture in London, you can speak to us.
Green roofs
One of the most interesting options for roofing today is to bring it to life. Green roofs have a layer of plants growing on them. They can be various things, including different types of grass, moss, succulents, and wildflowers.
There are many benefits with this type of roofing. For example, it can bring more greenery to urban areas. It can make them more pleasant and help to break up the heat island affect. They are also great for insulating buildings and reducing operational carbon.
The thing to keep in mind here is you need to be careful with waterproofing. There has to be a reliable waterproof membrane below the organic layer. This will prevent leaks and other issues.
Blue roofs
While the name of green roofs is very literal because you have things growing on the surface, blue roofs aren’t in the same vein. They get their name due to how they manage water. The goal here is to make the roof into a reservoir to store it. This can be an interesting choice for any location where water is scarce. It may even become something to consider for residential architecture in London and other big cities.
There are some incredible benefits with blue roofs. Firstly, they can be very effective at cooling properties, saving energy costs and operational carbon. On top of this, they save valuable water resources. The supplies can then be used for a variety of things such as irrigation. It will reduce the need for other freshwater supplies.
While they can be really good, you need to be even more careful with waterproofing. Because you are actively seeking to save and store water, you must make sure it won’t leak into the building.
Solar or PV panels
It is more popular today than ever before to see roofs full of equipment to turn sunlight into electricity. You can find panels on homes, businesses, public buildings, and more. Their benefits are clear to see, generating clean, renewable electricity and reducing the need for fossil fuels.
However, there are two crucial things to think about here. Again you must ensure the roofing will be watertight to make sure there won’t be leaks. However, you also need to make sure it will be reliable and either maintenance free or accessible. Nobody will want to have to remove all of the equipment every time there is work to do on the roof cover.
Do you want some help with residential architecture in London?
As you can see, there are lots of things to consider with roofing today. It is no longer simply a case of ensuring the surface is watertight to protect the inhabitants and contents. It can also provide many additional benefits, particularly in the realm of sustainability.
If you are thinking about roofing options, we would love to help. Coffey Architects has a wealth of experience in different areas, including residential architecture in London. We can work with clients to choose the perfect style of roof for their property. Contact us today to learn more.