Belanger Engineering > Building Systems and Engineering Blog > A Few Way Roofs Have Evolved Since the 1970’s

the technology and materials involved in building roofs has changed

At Belanger Engineering, we have been in the business of roofing and building engineering for more than 20 years. Our founder, Paul Belanger, has more than 30 years of building science experience. When it comes to roofs, we know what we are talking about!

Since the 1970s, the technology and materials involved in building roofs has changed. The available materials are much more varied. Before the mid-1970’s, low-slope roof systems were typically made with a choice of two material combinations. Roofs were made out of asphalt or coal tar “built up” roofing. However, the available materials changed a lot in the following decades.

Today, there are several more varieties of low-slope roof systems. Most of this change has occurred in the last 20 years. These changes include modifications to the traditional built-up roof (BUR) system. These new systems can include several different features:

  • Modified bitumen (an asphalt or similar manufactured substance)
  • Polyurethane foam (a substance sprayed as the first layer of a polyurethane roof)
  • Metal panels (a commercial roofing option with access to a wide variety of metal types)

These are just a few of the materials that you have access to as you plan to install a roof. It is important to evaluate the type of roof that is most appropriate for your building and ensure that a contractor designs a roof that is structurally sound and visually appealing. Contact us today at Belanger Engineering to discuss how we can help you with roofing at your home or business.