AIM HIGH

ROOFING INNOVATIONS

Aim

HIGH Roof design is one of the most important features of the home, writes Hasmita Amtha

ot only adding value to your property, a new roof can improve the overall aesthetic and the architecture of the house. If you’re considering an upgrade or perhaps you’re working on a new build, here are the latest innovations in roofing materials. ON TREND According to Sanrie Visagie, brand manager of the JNA Group, “there is a definite gravitation towards exposed structural elements and open structures. Installation of higher ceilings has also become more and more popular”. Kalahari Bruwer, managing member of Rooftek, says: “Architects are a major force in directing trends in the building industry. For instance, 15 years ago, 70% of roofs were constructed with cement tiles. Today, metal N

>JNA Group

JNA Group

SA Home Owner photo library

TREND ALERT The current trend focuses on a roof that serves as an addition to the look and feel of the home: ceilings creating space and height; trusses with character and exposed raw elements; and practicality. – Sanrie Visagie, JNA Group SA Home Owner photo library

JNA Group SA Home Owner photo library SA Home Owner photo library

“There is a definite gravitation towards exposed structural elements and open structures.” – Sanrie Visagie, JNA Group

sheeting occupies the major slice of the cake, in our case, again about 70%. The general tendency is moving towards using roofing and roof space more economically, ergonomically and aesthetically. Ergonomic enhancements such as better roof structure design to keep the walls in the shade (Bali style), improved insulation to reduce use of energy to heat or cool living spaces and incorporating solar panels in the structure are trends to keep an eye on. In economic terms we are seeing better practical use of the roof space. Loft rooms, loft ladders and loft storage allow home owners to get more bang for their buck.”

INNOVATION AT THE CORE When it comes to innovation in roofing –it lies in the advancement of the materials used. Visagie says: “Exploring with combining of materials has become more popular; timber and steel and even thatch and sheeting combinations. Research has been done to improve the longevity of thatch. JNA Thatchers (part of the JNA Group), in cooperation with other specialists, has, over the past couple of years, managed to establish the R-value of thatch roofs, which once again serves as an indication of its efficiency as insulator.” When it comes to eco-efficient solutions, Alexander Finlay, director of HP Plum & Co, expects new solar innovations to become predominant. “We foresee new solar innovations and more efficient ways to lay and construct various roof structures, improvements in waterproofing membranes as well as roofing details.” Q With thanks to HP Plum & Co, JNA Group and Rooftek Rooftek

RAISE THE ROOF Kalahari Bruwer of Rooftek shares three top tips on selecting the right roof:

1. Talk to a roofing specialist, for example, a roof truss manufacturer. We have seen thousands of ideas over time, and we still learn every day.