Around the world, the roofing industry is growing with every passing day. With projections that it will reach about 101.9 billion in USD market worth by 2027, Australia leads the roofing industry within the Asia-Pacific sector.
But what are the latest innovations and changes being made within the Australian roofing industry? Read on as we delve into some of the most up-and-coming trends for roofs in Australia in 2022.
Roofing Industry Trends for 2022
While many alterations and innovations have been made to the roofing industry in just the past year, the coming months of 2022 look productive in terms of Australia’s roofs.
From changes in the way builders use colours to solar panels, here are 12 of the latest trends in Australian roofing industries.
1. Asphalt Roofing Shingles
A perennial classic, asphalt roofing shingles are still going strong around the world, particularly in Australia. This roofing system uses asphalt as a highly cost-effective material that is a fraction of the cost that other types of shingles ring in at.
Plus, with the wide array of colours, patterns, and sizes, an asphalt roof is easily customizable to your specific tastes.
2. Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)
An exciting innovation, Building-Integrated Photovoltaics roofing employs a combination of BIPV solar panels and traditional roofing methods. Instead of installing a solar panel on top of the roof, BIPV panels are integrated directly into the structure itself.
This form of roofing technique is understandably costly and has received a slow start to widespread acceptance, but the benefits for energy use and the environment are sure to make it a game-changer.
3. Changes to Colours
As dark roofing was banned in areas of Sydney during the fall of 2021, the hue of roofs has been in flux ever since. However, lately, lighter-coloured materials seems to be the favoured method in Australian roofing industries, with some urban projects mandating light roof colours as part of their planning controls.
4. Cool Roofing
This trend is devoted to higher levels of solar reflectance to prevent a home’s roof from absorbing too many of the sun’s rays and creating “heat islands” in suburban neighbourhoods.
One tenet of cool roofing is light colours for tiles, making it likely more prevalent in the coming months for Australian roofing industries, due to colour changes in roofing, as well.
5. Dry, Fixed Roofing
What goes on your roof is important, and one of the best systems available is dry, fixed roofing.
Instead of using wet supplies like mortar that don’t promote airflow, RapidRidge’s roofing system uses ridge vents and better roofing solutions for insulation and ventilation, keeping house temperatures regulated naturally and cutting energy costs. It’s also one of the easiest roofing systems to install and cheapest to maintain, with virtually no upkeep costs after it’s put on your house.
6. Eco-Friendly Roofing
Whether sourced from recycled materials or producing carbon-neutral effects, a move toward environmentally-friendly and sustainable roofing continues to gain traction. Terracotta roofing tiles are a great example of this.
With a better understanding of global warming and pollutants today, the roofing industry in Australia has an opportunity to harness the push for social change and employ more eco-conscious methods.
7. Elastomeric and Plastic Roofing
Plastic or PVC roofing is a common installation, as it is cheap to obtain and easy to place on almost any roof. And to make this substance more durable for the extremes of Australian seasons and weather, an elastomeric coating is a great option.
Elastomeric roof coating is typically made with an acrylic or silicone base, and can simply be applied to your plastic roof pieces. This creates a highly-elastic membrane after curing, which is durable and able to shift without cracking during a storm.
8. Energy-Efficient Roofing
No one wants to spend more money on their bills than necessary, so a major shift towards roofing that promotes energy efficiency is logical.
Some of these types of roofs include metal and tile, which work to deflect the sun’s rays and prevent heat absorption that will alter the interior temperature of the home, prompting the use of air conditioning or fans.
The best example of an energy-efficient solution is RapidRidge’s dry, fixed roofing system. These roofs use ventilation built between the shingles and roof, thanks to an eaves vent for continual circulation to reduce energy use.
9. Fireproof Roofing
As the climate changes and global warming become ever more of a concern, builders in Australia find fireproofing a major factor in roofing systems. Some of the best options for fireproof roofing are tiles, colour-bonded steel with baked paint finish, and asphalt shingles.
The fireproofing trend is likely to last for the foreseeable future, to prevent excessive population and economic devastation should a fire break out in the area.
10. Flat Roofing
As a common type for Australian roofing industries, flat roofing will likely continue to be a popular choice. Not only is a flat roof durable and easy to install, but it also allows for better accessibility and simpler maintenance than a traditional, peaked roof.
However, considerations about drainage need to be made, as well as a strict cleaning routine, to keep this roof type in working order.
11. Green or Living Roofs
Having a green roof that is home to living plants is popular across Australia, thanks in part to Green Roofs Australasia.
While having a rooftop garden is aesthetically pleasing, it’s also beneficial for stormwater management, reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and urban regeneration. And a push to incorporate green roofs on many different types of buildings— from corporate office structures to residential homes— is gathering steam.
12. Solar Roofing
Whether it takes the form of solar panels bolted into the roof after building a house or solar roofing tiles used in the construction itself, solar power is on the rise. This is particularly apt for Australian structures, where the plentiful sunshine for many months of the year can heat and energise a building easily.
Solar roofing is more popular than ever to reduce energy costs and promote a healthier relationship with the environment and renewable resources.
Final Thoughts
Buildings of all kinds need roofs, so the Australian roofing industry is not going anywhere! And with all the innovations and changes in trends, roofing methods are quickly adapting to the current needs of the populace and the world around them. And that’s why 2022 is looking positive for a variety of the latest Australian roofing industry trends.