Roofing may not be the most glamorous subject, but did you know that there are structures around the world that have achieved a place in The Guinness Book of World Records? Let’s look at some astounding Guinness World Record holders for the roofing industry.
Most powerful solar roof
Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California is home to largest solar roof in the world. The roof, which covers 17 acres, is made up of over 75,000 solar panels. These panels generate enough electricity to power 75% of the building's energy needs during peak daytime hours. Apple has pledged to power all of its operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025. The solar roof at Apple Park is a major step towards achieving that goal.
Largest retractable stadium roof
Home of the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team, the Skydome’s retractable roof is one of the most memorable features of the stadium. It is the world's first fully-retractable, motorized roof, and it was a major engineering feat when it was built in 1989. The roof is made up of four panels, which are each 150 feet wide and 200 feet long. The panels are made of steel trusses with a corrugated steel shell and a weatherproof plastic membrane. The roof can be opened or closed in about 20 minutes utilizing 72 motors powered by a hydraulic system.
Largest airport roof
The roof at the Hajj Terminal at the King Abdul-Aziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia currently holds the record as the largest cable-stayed, fabric-roofed structure in the world. Covering an area of 2.8 million square feet and supported by 147.6-foot steel pylons, the roof was designed to resemble a Bedouin tent, a traditional symbol of Saudi Arabia. The fabric roof is made of Teflon-coated fiberglass, a lightweight and durable material that is resistant to the harsh desert climate. The roof design also provides shade and ventilation for the terminal.
Largest living roof
The Ford Motor Company's Rouge factory in Dearborn, Michigan houses the world's largest living roof. Covering 10.4 acres, the roof is comprised of sedum plants, a low-growing groundcover that is drought-tolerant and requires very little maintenance. Installed in 2003, the living roof has several benefits. It helps to reduce stormwater runoff, which can help to prevent flooding, and improve air quality by absorbing pollutants. It also provides a habitat for wildlife, including birds and insects.
Longest single span roof structure
The Wembley Arch, located at the renowned Wembley Stadium in London, UK, is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Standing at an impressive height of 440 feet and composed of 2618 individual steel sections, the Arch is the longest unsupported roof structure in the world. Functioning as both support for the stadium's roof and an iconic symbol of Wembley, the Arch can be seen from many different areas of London and continues to captivate visitors and sports enthusiasts alike.
As the roofing industry continues to develop and transform, it is important to recognize the incredible feats of engineering and construction that have already been achieved. These record holders prove that there is no limit to what can be accomplished when creativity and ingenuity are combined with innovative solutions.