I was recently surprised when I received two emails asking about robotic roofing installation. My column about AI in the construction industry caught the attention of prospective roofing installers. I expected carpenters to throw rocks through my window over replacing them with AI ‘bots. But the big question is if these alternatives are even ready for construction use.
Installing a roof is among the least desirable construction jobs, one of the classic 3 Ds: dull, dirty, and dangerous…..very dangerous. And yet civilization is all about shelter and arguably architecture itself is all about providing a roof over our heads, so it’s a lot more critical than we think.
In 2023 Renovate Robotics Inc developed a machine with a robotic arm to install shingles. The theoretical advantages are the reduction of dangerous roofing perils. A robot is attached to the roof and moves horizontally across the surface installing shingles as it goes. Human operators monitor and load shingles into the machine. It won’t necessarily eliminate the human workers, but in theory it could make the process a lot safer. Eventually they hope to have remote monitoring to collect and store the data as it moves along. This is truly an infant industry, but it is on the horizon.
People are also reading…
Then there is the possibility of drones with nail guns. The University of Michigan engineers have been working with octocopter drones that can attach asphalt shingles to roofing with a nail gun. It places the shingle and installs the nails horizontally without a human at the controls. They could remove and clean the surfaces then install asphaltic shingles to minimize the human danger. Both nail guns and the batteries are required and are very heavy, so this option is a ways off.
Drones have been very instrumental in making inspections of bridges, wind turbines and cell towers by industries needing them. Drones might make the transition from surveillance to performing construction tasks but how soon will they be replacing your roof is still up in the air (pun intended), but more and more automation is entering the workforce.
Architecture itself is all about providing a roof over our heads
Here is a good time to think about your roof and how important proper care and experience is required. The roofing industry is moving from hand nailing to nail guns, but not all roofing materials can make that transition. Talk to your roofer to make sure the material you’re using is safe.
One of the most important elements of a roof is what’s underneath it, namely the sheathing. Roofs over 50 years old often have skip sheathing of horizontal wood strips that the roofing is attached. Today, solid plywood or OSB is used for a solid surface as well as lateral diaphragm protection for wind or earthquakes, As to the quality of shingles, the thicker the better.
Concrete tile roofs have become very popular and generally new construction subdivisions use them predominantly. One must remember, concrete tiles do crack and installing solar panels is tricky.
Clearly the shape and design of the roof can complicate the roof installation costs. Hips tend to cost more. No matter what kind of roof you choose, it should be installed by a certified roofing company with an impeccable reputation. Please don’t use your Uncle Harry & Aunt Betty down the street with a pickup and a boom box.
While robotic installed roofing is in its infancy, the most important factor of a new roof is a consistent installation pattern and providing ventilation of the attic. A roof attic should be properly insulated but still provide ventilation for moisture reduction. Typically, vents are placed at the bottom of the roof, bird holes, and ventilation vents at the roof top. Often this is a ridge vent, but it’s important to make sure they do not clog up.
I asked Bret Hummer of Modern Method Roofing Company to describe the state of the industry today:
“We’ve seen very little solid progress on robotics installations. We’d welcome the technology but the fine details of shingling around penetrations/flashings, fireplace saddles and details that require cutting and metal work, aren’t even close to fruition. Then there’s an investment for purchasing these tools that will be expensive. We actually have machines that tear off or remove the shingles, but we found them to be lacking in the fine precision elements of tear off and just don’t work economically.”
Bret noted, “Drones can….. visually improve our estimating processes. The roof could be extremely steep requiring video footage of the roof details. The drone footage is a good marketing tool for customers. We use drones to demonstrate our best products to customers.”
“Satellite imagery is most valuable for estimating roof dimensions. Technology is so good now that we get finite measurements of the roof, and these programs compute square footage and flashing quantities. Nonetheless, we still get up on the roof to touch, feel and examine. A drone can’t do that.”
I asked Bret about general roofing costs. While every roof is different, some general costs are helpful. By the way, roofers use a “square” that is equal to 100 square feet:
“Composition fiberglass shingles are the lowest priced commodity for roofs. They are rated Class A fire rated and some varieties are ‘cool roof compliant.’ Starting budget for a 30-year expected life, range in the $650.00/square. A 40-year composite add 10%; a 50-year add another 10%. Additionally, there are some higher-end designer-style thicker shingles that cost a bit more but look terrific.”
“Concrete tiles start at $1,800-2,300/square. Much more fire resistant, cooler, and aesthetically pleasing.”
Metal roofs have become very popular in recent years, especially for that Farmhouse Country look. One of the advantages of a metal roof is it’s recyclable and the variety of styles and finishes is enormous. Besides the traditional standing seam, imitation barrel tile is available. While 40-year comp roofs can provide the same fire safety as a metal roof, metal roofs, if properly installed and of the correct materials can last over 50 years.
I asked Bret about metal roofing and the cost for a standing seam metal roofing is approximately $3,000/sq. Metal roofs can be cooler by reflecting sun heat and last 50-75 years and can be extremely beautiful.
Whatever you do, don’t wait until winter to ask for a quote. Think about it now and ask a professional. Be careful if he/she appears with a dog and a boom box.
Photos: Napa debuts Fourth of July drone show
Napa Fourth of July drone show
Napa Fourth of July drone show
Napa Fourth of July drone show
Napa Fourth of July drone show
Napa Fourth of July drone show
Napa Fourth of July drone show
Napa Fourth of July drone show
Napa Fourth of July drone show
Napa Fourth of July drone show
Chris D. Craiker AIA/NCARB – “A roof over your head is the most basic need you can think of” — Tennessee Williams.