With new advancements being made in technology everyday, buildings across the world are becoming more versatile, flexible and multifunctional. One such technology that has rapidly gained popularity in the last few years is encompassed by retractable roof systems, which have significantly changed how spaces are experienced. Keep reading to understand exactly what a retractable roof is, how it works, its types, benefits and applications in building projects.
What is a Retractable Roof?
A retractable roof is a roof that is flexible and can open, close, expand, fold or modify itself in other ways. Unlike conventional roofs that are fixed to a location, these roofing systems have components that can move to suit specific requirements. Generally referred to as openable roofs, these types of roofs allow a space to transform itself from an enclosed area to a completely open or partially open area. Since they were first patented in 1963, retractable roofs for homes, shops, stadiums and restaurants have been widely installed around the world.
Why Opt for a Retractable Roof?
- Light and Ventilation: Maximised natural light and ventilation can be obtained in spaces by opening up or modifying a retractable terrace roof. This can have significant positive impacts on the mental and physical health (such as regulated sleep patterns and improved productivity) of the building’s users.
- Flexibility: Changeable or foldable rooftops allow a space to be open, close or semi-open as required by the present function of the room. Different activities can be planned in the same space during different time periods, thus enabling flexibility and versatility in space usage.
- Climatic Adaptation: Buildings can ensure climate responsive architecture by incorporating such roofs. For example, these roofs can be closed when it is raining to prevent water penetration and opened up to ensure sufficient cross ventilation when it is hot.
- Energy Savings: Retractable roofs for balconies, terraces and other open spaces help reduce the heat exchange between the outside and inside. This results in enhanced thermal comfort, thus reducing the dependency on mechanical ventilation systems.
How do Retractable Outdoor Roofs Work?
These roofing systems operate through two major types of systems:
Automated Systems
Just like other building automation systems, automatic sliding roof systems come with settings that direct them to be opened, closed or modified at fixed timings. These settings can typically be controlled through smart remotes or mobile phone applications and are connected to the building’s overall communication system (i.e., WiFi, bluetooth, etc.) via the IoT (Internet of Things). By enabling control with just the click of a button, such roof systems offer enhanced comfort and optimised convenience.
Motorised/ Manual Systems
These systems control the roof with switches, remotes, levers, pulleys and other manual methods that operate using electrical or mechanical energy. Although they offer a lower level of convenience and comfort, they are more reliable as they do not depend on the efficiency or speed of communication networks like WiFi in the building. Residential retractable roofs are generally motorised systems as they are much more cost effective.
Types of Retractable Roof Systems
Retractable roofs can open or close in three ways:
- Sliding Roofs: In a sliding roof system, the roof’s components slide over one another to form an opening. Tracks or channels placed along the sides of the roof facilitate this horizontal movement.
- Folding Roofs: Foldable roofs have components that fold or rotate themselves at specific angles to form a clear opening. Generally, tensile fabrics are used to make such roofing systems.
- Telescopic/ Collapsible Roofs: These are the most complex types of retractable roofs and feature components that completely retreat into the building’s volume, becoming invisible when the roof is opened fully. They are used in large structures like stadiums to provide unobstructed views.
These three ways of opening/ closing can be enabled by different mechanisms, including:
- Cable/ Rail Supported Systems: Cables or rails guide the back and forth movements of the roof components and are placed on two or four sides of the roof. Generally, galvanised steel ropes or aluminium rails are used here. These systems are common with retractable sliding roofs and foldable roof shades.
- Scissor Hinged Systems: Scissor-like mechanical arms—that fold and unfold like scissors—enable the movement of these roofing components. These scissor arms are made of lightweight but sturdy materials like structural steel and aluminium.
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- Tensioned Systems: These systems are generally used for fabric roofs, where the fabric’s tension is controlled by hydraulic means. For example, when the tension is kept high, the fabric remains tight and sturdy, while lowering the tension makes it loose.
Retractable Roof Materials
Retractable or folding roof shades can be made with a diverse range of materials and some of the most common ones used are:
- Glass Retractable Roof: Glass enables maximum penetration of natural light and is most commonly used to make sliding roofs for balconies and porches. Glass with a minimum thickness of 6mm and framed by aluminium, steel or other similar materials is generally used.
- Retractable Tensile Roof: Fabric roofs are the most affordable, lightweight and easy-to-install types. Often, fabrics made with different types of plastic—such as polyester or PVC coated fabrics—are used to create waterproof roofs in versatile colours and finishes. However, such roofs are not as durable as other materials, especially under harsh weather conditions.
- Aluminium Roof: Aluminium can be used to make the frames as well as the surfaces of retractable roofs. Sheets or panels can be used to make louvres that fold or slide, while hollow sections can be used to frame other materials like fabrics, glass and plastic.
- Plastic Roofs: Polycarbonate, PVC and acrylic are some of the common plastic materials used to make retractable shed roofs. Although they are more lightweight and affordable alternatives to glass, they are not as durable, strong or heat-resistant.
Getting Retractable Roof Systems Installed for Your Project
Roof retractable systems are new technological advancements that are still gaining traction in the Indian construction industry. With growing popularity, their cost is expected to significantly decrease in the coming years. Tech-enabled construction companies in India, such as Brick & Bolt, always endeavour to incorporate new technologies and building systems in their projects. With 470+ quality checks and collaborations with leading manufacturers in India, this company also guarantees supreme quality building material supply at the lowest prices. To explore new systems like retractable roofs in your residential or commercial building project, reach out to Brick & Bolt today!
Apoorva H P Achar