Assessing The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On The Metal Roofing Industry

By Rick Zand, New Tech Machinery

Rick Zand

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into various sectors has been revolutionizing industries everywhere, and the metal roofing industry is no exception.

It’s worth mentioning, you don’t have to understand how AI works to benefit from it. However, you should have a basic understanding to see its possibilities. AI, with its advanced data processing capabilities and automation, is beginning to change how metal roofs are designed, manufactured, and installed.

In this article, we will cover:

● What is AI?

● Design & Customization

● Manufacturing Efficiency

● Installation Precision

● Supply Chain Optimization

● Environmental Impact

● Challenges & Future Prospects

What is AI?

Here’s a description of AI produced by ChatGPT 4 (in other words, AI describing itself):

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science dedicated to creating systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks include learning from experience (machine learning), recognizing patterns (pattern recognition), understanding natural language (natural language processing), solving problems, and making decisions. AI systems can process large volumes of data, identify trends, and learn from the data to improve their performance over time. Unlike traditional computer programs that follow strict, predefined instructions, AI algorithms can adapt and improve autonomously. This technology has broad applications, ranging from everyday tools like virtual assistants and recommendation systems to complex uses in healthcare, finance, autonomous vehicles, and robotics. The goal of AI is to augment or automate tasks to increase efficiency, accuracy, and to unlock new capabilities.

If that description sounds like a word salad, you’re not alone. Most of us lack a comprehensive understanding of how AI operates. All you really need to know is how it can save you time by doing some of the thinking for you.

This past year, with new versions of ChatGPT and releases of Amazon’s Bedrock, Google’s Bard, and more, 2023 saw an explosion for generative AI, or large language model chatbots that produce written and data content, and text-to-image systems like DALL-E and Midjourney. AI is also popping up in software platforms like Hubspot and Salesforce, and social media. Tech giants like Google, Apple, and Microsoft are investing huge pools of money into developing AI in what can be described as a technological Gold Rush.

Computer language for coders has been streamlined thanks to AI, as it can generate source code. AI has adapted to robotics, business reporting and planning, project development, and more. AI is like a student, constantly learning new skills and applications.

It’s used in sports when statistical analysis can determine the likely outcome of a play. AI is used to simulate possible game situations, develop strategies, and generate game plans based on everything from player biometrics to team performance data to the competition’s past tendencies and behaviors. AI gives a competitive edge to coaches of all sports.

Likewise, contractors can save time and gain a competitive advantage by using AI systems that can take information that may require human hours or days to process and make determinations in seconds. In roofing, the possibilities are just developing. AI drones that can measure roofs and download data into a controller for exact panel measurements are already being used. AI can assist with generating estimates, enhancing safety practices, inspecting and monitoring roof conditions, managing inventory, scheduling jobs, providing visual models, implementing designs based on architectural data, supporting hiring efforts, and more.

Drone survey of roof.

Design And Customization

AI-Driven Design Software

One of the most visible impacts of AI in the metal roofing industry is in the realm of design. AI-powered design software can analyze architectural drawings and environmental data to suggest optimal roofing solutions. These tools can rapidly generate designs that maximize energy efficiency, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal.

AI design software can produce 3D models of roofs based on measurements and drone images. The software can illustrate to consumers how different material designs and colors will look before they choose their roofs.

AI technologies powering virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can allow roofers to detect roof abnormalities and damage, and provide exact measurements for slopes, cutting down on material waste. Just imagine examining a roof in granular detail through VR goggles.

AI can diagnose and provide solutions to problems related to roofing and installation. For example, if you’re installing a metal roof in an area prone to high wind or hail, AI can recommend materials, coatings, and installation techniques that will best protect the roof from adverse conditions, also considering the slope, substrate, and other architectural elements. AI can analyze installation progress and quality, and track timing.

Customization

AI algorithms can process vast amounts of data to offer highly customized roofing solutions. They can take into account factors like local weather patterns, building codes, and specific client preferences to create tailored designs.

AI can use historical data to determine the likelihood of a severe weather event and how to best prepare for it. It can advise on the best strategy given the statistical probability for varying factors. This translates to the right roof for the given conditions.

AI can also factor in LEED requirements, sustainability, and energy efficiency, including the best placement of solar panels for generating power. AI can assess roofing materials for eco-friendliness.

Manufacturing Efficiency

Estimates

AI measurements and analysis can consider types of materials, measurements, weather and climate conditions, labor costs, and other variables to generate accurate pricing for the customer. AI can even predict future maintenance costs based on the information.

Predictive Machine Maintenance

AI enhances manufacturing efficiency through predictive maintenance of rollforming equipment. By analyzing data from sensors on equipment, AI can predict when a machine needs servicing, reducing downtime. It can also send reminders for scheduled maintenance and alerts if a machine component isn’t functioning correctly.

While these AI diagnostic tools may not yet exist for rollforming machines, the future promises more sensor systems and seamless platform integration.

Quality Control

AI systems are increasingly being used for quality control. As mentioned, AI drones can inspect finished roofing materials more consistently and accurately than human inspectors. This not only improves product quality but also speeds up the production process.

It can also inspect the quality and efficiency of a crew by assessing skill levels and productivity. This gives the contractor insight into knowledge gaps that can be addressed by further training.

Drone photo taken while surveying a metal roof.

Installation Precision

Drone Technology

Drones, combined with AI, are transforming roof installation. Drones can survey a building site and collect data that is then used by AI algorithms to plan the installation process. This results in more accurate fittings and reduces the risk of human error while cutting down on material waste.

Safety Enhancements

AI also enhances safety on the worksite. AI-powered robots can perform risky tasks, such as maintenance at dangerous heights and eliminating accidents. AI drones can inspect roofs for damage and assess their condition in exact detail, as they can learn to quickly identify roof abnormalities.

Supply Chain Optimization

Inventory Management

AI systems optimize inventory management by predicting demand for various materials, ensuring supplies are available when needed without overstocking. It can track material usage and send alerts when stock is low for an item.

Logistics Optimization

AI helps optimize logistics and delivery schedules, ensuring timely delivery of materials, which is crucial for project timelines. It can manage scheduling by factoring all aspects of job completion and labor (including the metrics of individual worker productivity) and give a close approximation of when a job will be completed.

Using AI for project management can save contractors and team leaders huge amounts of time. What can take hours of calculating takes an AI system mere seconds.

Environmental Impact

Energy Efficiency

AI-driven design tools can optimize roof designs for energy efficiency, contributing to the construction of greener buildings. AI can produce a plan using eco-friendly and LEED-rated materials for LEED certification.

Material Usage Optimization

AI can also help reduce waste by optimizing the use of materials during the manufacturing process, generating exact measurements and material needs, and saving cost and time for the contractor.

Drone surveying rooftop (image created by DALL-E)

Integration Challenges

Despite the advantages, integrating AI into existing systems poses challenges, including the need for significant investments and training for workers. AI requires an investment in technology, including software platforms, drones and other equipment, access to databases, etc. It also may take some time and skill to load the data and produce prompts.

Future Trends

Looking ahead, AI will likely become even more sophisticated and integrated, with the potential for fully automated manufacturing facilities and even more advanced data analytics for custom designs.

Like many industries, roofing is on the threshold of AI. 2023 saw an explosion of AI systems and their applications. It’s hard to imagine what the future holds, but fusing new technologies that include project planning and management, reporting and accounting, and more is already developing. We’ve seen the emergence of smart roof technology that integrates sensors into the roofing system for monitoring roof conditions and panel health, recording weather patterns, regulating temperature, and interacting with solar panels, providing more sustainable and longer-lasting roofs. As metal roofing and siding continue to emerge as a go-to for homeowners and commercial developers, technological advances will help contractors meet the growing demand.

Is There A Danger To Using AI?

It’s fair to say there’s a lot of concern about the negative potential of AI. Some are worried their jobs will be replaced by this emerging technology. Others fear scams, fake images, plagiarism, misinformation, and more.

While there are many unanswered questions regarding AI, most have little to do with roofing. It’s easier and safer to use a drone than put workers on a roof, but you still need someone to operate the drone who understands roofs and roof measurements. Also, while AI can generate extremely precise and reliable data on roofs and panel measurements, it can’t do the job of installing a roof. It can, however, save contractors time and money.

However, be careful not to use AI for confidential information. An AI system may make the information accessible to those outside your company. AI is always learning, and you are one of its teachers. Anytime you input information into ChatGPT or another system, it can reference that information for someone outside your company.

The integration of AI into the metal roofing industry is a transformative development. While it presents challenges, the benefits in terms of efficiency, customization, safety, and environmental impact are immense. As technology continues to advance, the potential for AI in this field seems boundless, promising even more innovative and efficient practices in the future.

To view this complete article on New Tech Machinery's website, which includes a wealth of related information, visit https://newtechmachinery.com/learning-center/the-impact-of-ai-on-the-metal-roofing-industry/.

About the author: Rick Zand taught English in the Middle East for nearly ten years. He has worked as a freelance writer, college professor, and university director of admissions. He’s currently the content specialist for marketing at New Tech Machinery, manufacturer of portable rollforming machines. He resides in Denver, Colorado.

About New Tech Machinery

Since 1991, New Tech Machinery (NTM) has helped contractors worldwide gain more control of their projects and profits by manufacturing the world’s finest portable rollforming machines used to form a wide range of metal roof and wall panel profiles, as well as a variety of seamless gutter profiles. To date, NTM has sold machines in more than 40 countries throughout the world.

NTM's seamless gutter machines and metal roof panel machines have revolutionized the metal construction industry by bringing versatile, easy-to-use rollforming products directly to the job site. New Tech Machinery is a proud member of MCA (Metal Construction Association), NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) and CRA (Colorado Roofing Association). For more information, visit https://newtechmachinery.com.