Four of the biggest names in the roofing and renewable energy arena are showing their roofing solutions for the future at the important 58th Congress of the International Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD).

This premier event and exhibition, including the 23rd World Championship for Young Roofers, is being held in the King's Hall, Belfast, from 17 – 20 November 2010.

The companies whose 'Roofs of the Future' will be displayed are IKO, Kingspan and Solar Century. Each roof has very special characteristics but they all share a common theme, which is the reduction of carbon emissions, protecting the environment and bringing down energy costs whilst maintaining the highest possible performance over the long term.

IKO is a global leader in the design, manufacture and installation of proven roofing and waterproofing systems. Its belief is that roofs of the future will always add valuable contribution to energy conservation and the environment.

The extensive and intensive green roof systems boast a unique range of waterproofing, drainage and filter layer options, as well as a wide range of growing medium, planting schemes and system accessories to cover multiple roofing applications.

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Also, IKO's photovoltaic energy roof systems, IKO Solar, present a solution for generating green energy, whilst ensuring the internal temperature of a building remains comfortable.

There are two types of systems - flexible strips, which are adhered horizontally and flat onto the selected IKO roofing membrane, and a cylindrical system that is placed loosely onto the roof and therefore benefits from additional reflectance from the surface of the roof waterproofing.

Kingspan's photovoltaic systems generate clean, inflation proof electricity and reduce energy costs. The company says the best starting point to save energy lies with the fabric of the roof itself. Approved Document L2A requires a notional building roof U-value of 0.18 W/m²K and air permeability rates of 5 m³/hour/m2 at 50Pa.

Insulated panel systems from Kingspan can easily achieve the requirements of ADL2A and better. Kingspan Envirodek structural insulated roof deck has been specifically designed to support the loading of green roof applications, and the new Kingspan PowerPanel systems combine the latest photovoltaic (PV) technology with the guaranteed performance of Kingspan's insulated roof, wall and façade panels.

Solarcentury's C21e solar electric tiles and slates were designed with input from roofers and as a result are easy to handle, simple to install, fit with a range of concrete tile and natural or man-made slates and require minimal on-roof maintenance.

They are fully certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme allowing system owners to make money through the UK Feed-in Tariff.

C21e tiles were awarded Best Overall Product at Interbuild 2006 and together with C21e slates have now been installed on more than 2,500 homes throughout the UK, France and Italy.

(GK/BMcC)