4 High-Tech Ideas for Upgrading Your Roof

We now live in an incredibly fast paced and interconnected world. Today, everyone has access to more information than what is stored in all the libraries in the world at the tips of their fingers from anywhere they can get phone reception.

Technology is being integrated into every part of our lives almost everywhere. This process can be both inspiring and terrifying.

However, one place you may have not expected to find cutting edge technology is your roof. In both surprising and obvious ways, your roof can be made high tech through some cool upgrades.

Solar Panels

One classic way to add technology to your roof is by installing solar panels or even solar tiles (shingles). The technology of solar panels has been increasing for many years now. Today, solar panels will more quickly pay for themselves through the cost savings you will receive.

Being off the public power grid, at least partially, will drastically reduce your electric bill. Aside from the material benefits to you, solar power is clean energy. If you use what solar power you can, you will greatly reduce your carbon footprint.

Not everyone can afford or maintain solar panels. However, this is one high tech upgrade that can certainly pay off in the long run.

A Conservatory Skylight

Another cool idea you might want to consider is bringing the sun into your home through your roof. Contact a roofing company that can install a sky light for you.

One exciting idea you should consider is creating a plant filled conservatory. This will be a great way to add some nature into your home and allow you to bask in the sun’s rays without having to go outside.

The natural light will allow you to grow plants you might not have been able to otherwise. You can even hang plants from the top of the skylight, creating a miniature hanging garden.

A Green Roof

If environmentalism interests you, one exciting and cutting edge choice you should consider is creating a “green roof.”

A green roof is one that is actually lined with plants like grass. Such a roof can actually do a better job of handling rain and condensation than a traditional roof.

It can also help lower your cooling costs in the summer.  However, you should hire professionals to design a fully functional green roof for you. Trying to create one on your own could lead to serious problems, as leaks could easily become a problem.

Consider the work of the Austrian artist Friedenreich Hundertwasser as inspiration. He built playful buildings that incorporate plants into their structure. His work might be a bit too wild for you, but it will surely provide a good starting point for your design.

Satellite Internet

Another way to add technology to your roof is by installing a satellite dish. However, such a dish doesn’t have to only be used for satellite television.

You can also use it to facilitate phone and internet service. This can be especially valuable for people in remote locations that would otherwise not have regular internet or phone service.

Technology can be used for many exciting things. It can even be used to increase the functionality of your roof.

In addition to saving you money, increasing the speed of your internet, and keeping your home cool or warm, your roof can reduce your home’s negative environmental impact.

Just as any area of your home can be improved with some budgeting and ingenuity, your roof is ripe for improvement. Consider adding solar panels, a skylight, a green roof, or satellite internet to use technology to get more out of your roof.