Retractable Roofs – NextGen Roofing Systems

For some time now retractable roofs have gained massive popularity all over the globe and are proving a better substitute for permanent roofing systems in many applications. A permanent roofing system does not offer any flexibility while retractable roofing offers the flexibility of opening or closing the system at will to provide shade or increase sunlight to a given area. Initially used mainly for recreational and industrial buildings, retractable roofs are now also used in residences, restaurants and bars, swim centers, and other facilities wishing to provide an open-air experience at the push of a button. 

A retractable roof structure is a type of structure in which a part of or the entire roof structure can be moved or retracted within a short period of time so that the building can be used either in an open state or in a closed state of the roof. Retractable roofs are sometimes referred to as operable roofs or retractable skylights. The term operable skylight, while quite similar, refers to a skylight that opens on a hinge, rather than on a track

Retractable roof structures are one of the four fundamental systems (in addition to the playing area, stands, and facade) in a stadium and sports hall. 

The roof protects users against various weather conditions and creates optimum circumstances for

carrying out different activities. Stadiums and sports halls with retractable roof structures can host a greater variety of activities, improve the quality of their implementation and the quality of visitors' experience, and affect the perception and experience of people using or observing such buildings. A retractable roof structure allows for natural lighting and ventilation of the venue, gives optimal conditions for grass growth on the playing field, and reduces costs of use and maintenance of the building.

Retractable roofs ensure that a stadium can be used for purposes besides sporting events, such as concerts, exhibitions, and shows. Another advantage is ensuring that games, events, and exhibitions aren't canceled on account of bad weather.

Many of the popular domed stadiums that were built during the 1960s and 1970s required artificial turf as the enclosed structures wouldn't allow adequate sunshine for natural grass to grow. Retractable roofs have been a game-changer as they create a better environment for natural grass in open conditions.

Rotation, sliding, folding, lifting, and lowering of the roof of a stadium and sports hall have given new possibilities for use of the building. Rigid roof structures and roof membranes, weighting a few hundreds of tonnes, are moved or folded within minutes through various mechanisms, transforming the building from a closed into an open roof and vice versa.

Stadiums and sports halls with retractable roof structures have different structural designs of movable and fixed roof elements. Structures are made of different materials, which vary according to the size of the movable element (range), the weight of the movable element, frequency of opening and closing of the movable structure, duration of the move, type of movement of the roof structure, and additional load (high winds, high snow).

Apart from stadiums, most homeowners and even entrepreneurs have adopted this roofing system for their premises like restaurants, cafes, malls, etc.

With the retractable roofs installed, the dream of creating a backyard resort or an outdoor room is a treat that can be realized! Whether it is a quiet dinner while gazing at the stars or an outdoor recreation area, retractable roofs make it possible to have an extra outdoor space that has all the needed comforts.

It serves many functions and purposes. The outdoor space can be used for a wide range of activities including an outdoor spa retreat, pool deck, barbecue, Al Fresco, entertainment zone, or play area.

This is one of the most versatile shade options for the fact that it can be opened completely so that the house or premises can be exposed to the sky and also when not needed the roof can be placed back blocking the top of the house or premises which is a great thing and only this kind of rooftop option would provide such amazing transformation. This versatility allows the occupant to feel the atmosphere/weather comfort during different dayparts of the season. 

Retractable glass roof systems can become the entity of any restaurant or café that shapes its uniqueness. The ambiance reflects the thoughts whereas the environment transforms the mood. What happened if the roof of the café opened completely in good weather or closed down in bad weather? The fine wind or the cool breeze on a hot day can make a customer's mood good from bad and protects the customer in harsh climatic conditions. In all, It allows the customers to spend more time.

If the café has a sliding roof system, it enables the owner to decorate and transform the ambiance with little or no effort. Improvisation is necessary, and with the retracting glass roof, there are so many options that open their doors. From lighting to hanging up of lamps or the flowerpots. Enabling versatility at a single place is one of the most important benefits of the retractable glass roof structures. 

Greenhouse crop farmers are increasingly making use of retractable roof technology to create optimal growing conditions, and to reduce exposure to extreme climates. Retractable roofs help growers create optimal growing conditions inside greenhouses by either reducing or increasing, the amount of heat to which crops are exposed.

Retractable roofs protect crops against excessive heat, cold, frost, hail, wind, diseases, and pests. The roof creates an environment with a constant temperature and humidity level, making it possible for a farmer to extend the growing season, and increase profitability