Retractable roof

A retractable roof is a roof system designed to roll back the roof on tracks so that the interior of the facility is open to the outdoors. 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 roofs are used in residences, restaurants and bars, swim centres, and other facilities wishing to provide an open-air experience at the push of a button.

History

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) shows that David S. Miller, founder of Rollamatic Retractable Roofs, filed a patent in August 1963 for a movable and remotely controllable roof section for houses and other types of buildings. As Rollamatic was founded five years earlier, the first installation of a motorized retractable roof must be between 1958 and 1963.

Shapes and sizes

While any shape is possible, common shapes are flat, ridge, hip-ridge, barrel and dome. A residence might incorporate one or more 3' by 5' retractables; a bar or restaurant a retractable roof measuring 20' by 30'; and a meeting hall a 50' by 100' bi-parting-over-stationary.