<b><b>Global warming means the UK could be heading for a stormy future. This in turn could change the way we build our roofs. Andrew Leech reports </b></b><br><b>With all the effort, expertise, technology and research that is going into the roof these days, it is fast becoming the most robust element of the entire housing envelope. Sustainability and durability are high profile buzzwords most often on specifiers' lips, while roofing manufacturers are also concerned about aesthetics, economics, workmanship and keeping ahead of new regulations. </b><br><b><b>Storms brewing </b></b><br> In an obscure, but nevertheless positive way, the severe winds over the past few decades have taught us a lot. According to BRE, which has monitored the effects of storms since 1962, roofs, on average, suffer 65% of all windstorm damage to buildings. And meteorological experts predict that the frequency of gale force storms will increase by up to 30% by the year 2050.<p></p><p> Which, understandably, leads Jeremy Sumeray, Redland Roofing Systems' head of marketing, to comment: &amp;"Any housebuilder aiming for zero defects should focus on their roofing specifications. Field research shows that mortar bedding is often the cause of roof failure, whilst mechanically fixed roofs are withstanding severe conditions. </p><p>&amp;"The irony is that …