All posts tagged: roof

Tesla Solar Roof is on life support as it pivot to panels

Tesla Solar Roof is on life support as it pivot to panels

Published by skeptic

Tesla’s Solar Roof was supposed to revolutionize residential solar. Elon Musk unveiled the product in 2016 with the promise of beautiful solar tiles that would replace your entire roof — and he set a target of 1,000 new Solar Roofs per week by the end of 2019. Nearly a decade later, Tesla has installed roughly 3,000 Solar Roof systems total, stopped reporting deployment numbers, and is now quietly pivoting to conventional solar panels. The gap between Tesla’s Solar Roof promise and reality is one of the most stark examples of unfulfilled ambitions in the company’s history — and it has left thousands of customers stuck with an expensive product that Tesla appears to have deprioritized. The promise vs. the numbers When Musk first presented the Solar Roof in October 2016, he positioned it as a cornerstone of Tesla’s energy future. The pitch was compelling: solar tiles indistinguishable from premium roofing materials, integrated with Powerwalls for whole-home energy independence. Musk claimed it would cost less than a conventional roof plus traditional solar panels. Tesla acquired SolarCity …

Porsche 911 GT3 S/C: 9,000 RPM, Manual, No Roof

Porsche 911 GT3 S/C: 9,000 RPM, Manual, No Roof

Published by skeptic

The Porsche 911 GT3 S/C represents a bold evolution in the world of high-performance convertibles, seamlessly blending the precision engineering of the GT3 with the lightweight ethos of the ST model. Featuring a naturally aspirated flat-six engine, a manual transmission, and an open-top design, this vehicle is crafted to deliver an immersive and exhilarating driving experience. It prioritizes a visceral connection to the road, the sound, and the pure joy of driving, making it a standout choice for purists and driving enthusiasts who value authenticity and engagement. The video below from Porsche gives us a detailed look at the new Porsche 911 GT3 S/C. Key Features That Define Excellence The 911 GT3 S/C is a masterclass in automotive design and engineering. Its standout features include: Lightweight construction using magnesium wheels and carbon fiber components to reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity. A naturally aspirated flat-six engine producing 500 horsepower with a thrilling 9,000 rpm redline. Manual transmission for a fully engaged and tactile driving experience. A convertible roof mechanism that operates seamlessly, even at speed, …

Iconic L.A. venue the Magic Castle set to reopen following roof fire

Iconic L.A. venue the Magic Castle set to reopen following roof fire

Published by Sam Flores

The outcome could have been very different after a fire broke out Tuesday at a well-known Hollywood venue, but the site emerged relatively unscathed, the owner said, chalking it up to “true Magic Castle magic!” Randy Pitchford, owner of the Magic Castle, confirmed Wednesday that damage was minimal after a roof fire flared up at the property around 5 p.m. The more than 100-year-old Victorian-style building features pieces of historic art, artifacts, a museum and a library — all of which could have turned to ash, Pitchford said. “It’s a wonder and a miracle — true Magic Castle magic!” he wrote in a statement on X. “The top floor offices and attic are pretty wrecked, but ALL of our important history [is] safe, sound, and undamaged!” Pitchford confirmed that no employees or guests were injured. Ben Roman, an employee at the Magic Castle, said there were about 200 people inside the building when the fire began. “Those of us in the office smelled smoke and immediately sprung into action and called [the Los Angeles Fire …

Rays Are Eager to Return to Tropicana Field for the First Game Since Hurricane Damaged the Roof

Rays Are Eager to Return to Tropicana Field for the First Game Since Hurricane Damaged the Roof

Published by Sam Flores

A sellout crowd will welcome the Tampa Bay Rays back to renovated Tropicana Field on Monday for the first time in 18 1/2 months. The quirky stadium with the tilted roof and unique catwalks underwent major repairs after Hurricane Milton swept through downtown St. Petersburg on Oct. 9, 2024, and caused extensive damage. High wind ripped sections of the original roof, allowing rain to fall into the stadium bowl for months. Water caused mold and damage to electrical, sound and broadcast systems. There was thought initially the Rays would never play another game at the only ballpark they had called home since the franchise’s debut in 1998. Instead, nearly $60 million was spent to replace the roof and rebuild the Trop. While the Rays played their 2025 home games across the bay in Tampa at Steinbrenner Field — the spring training home of the New York Yankees — their stadium got a makeover. The new roof was installed last August, and the final panel was put in place Nov. 21. Luxury suites and the stadium …

Engineer Says It’s Time to Rebuild the Twin Towers as Giant Data Centers With Anti-Aircraft Lasers on the Roof

Engineer Says It’s Time to Rebuild the Twin Towers as Giant Data Centers With Anti-Aircraft Lasers on the Roof

Published by José Betancourt

Sign up to see the future, today Can’t-miss innovations from the bleeding edge of science and tech After their grisly destruction in a terror attack in 2001 — and the chaotic and deadly wars that followed — it can be hard to remember that the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers, originally completed in 1973, were architecturally controversial for their impact on the Manhattan skyline. Now, a long-shot effort seeks to rebuild them in an unlikely locale: Chicago, where they’d be reborn as massive data centers. Behind the campaign is Raphael Chryslar, who might seem like an unlikely candidate for the project. Currently residing in Hatfield, England, he was just a toddler when the original Twin Towers fell. Trained in aerospace engineering — and a self-described author, photographer, entrepreneur, and aspiring architect and astronaut — Chryslar is clearly a superfan of the originals: he’s even gone so far as to get a tribute to the original World Trade Center tattooed on his arm. Called the World Tech Center, Chryslar’s project envisions nine buildings across a 35-acre …

From Reactive Repairs to Smarter Home Protection: How Technology Is Changing Roof Care

From Reactive Repairs to Smarter Home Protection: How Technology Is Changing Roof Care

Published by skeptic

Homeowners used to experience roof issues that appeared suddenly without any prior warning signs. The first indication of a problem occurred when people noticed a ceiling stain or experienced a storm-related leak. The next step after that situation required people to contact a contractor who would help them choose between repairing the roof or replacing it entirely. Current technological advancements are starting to alter this existing procedure. Contractors use advanced inspection tools together with improved documentation methods to discover hidden issues beyond visible defects. Modern inspections use visual damage assessments as a foundation, but they also demonstrate roof performance and detect concealed problems. This shift is helping homeowners make more informed decisions about roof care. Why Traditional Roof Diagnosis Falls Short In the past, roof inspections mostly focused on what could be seen from the outside. Contractors looked for broken shingles, worn flashing, or areas where water might enter the roof. The problem is that roof damage does not always show clear signs right away. Water can move through roofing layers before it becomes visible …

Arsenal stress levels are through the roof and could cost them the title

Arsenal stress levels are through the roof and could cost them the title

Published by Sam Flores

The history of Arsenal vs Chelsea over the last 25 to 30 years tells a curious story of both clubs enjoying long spells of dominance and the balance of power currently lies in north London.  Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal, with the help of the odd Sylvinho screamer here and Nigel Winterburn rocket there, were Chelsea’s bête noire around the turn of the century. Chelsea went 10 years without a league win against Arsenal between 1995 and 2005, but things started to change after Roman Abramovich’s takeover in 2003 and Wayne Bridge’s goal at Highbury in 2004 which knocked Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ out of the Champions League.  Wenger’s only victory against Jose Mourinho came in the 2015 Community Shield, with Arsenal winning just two Premier League games at Stamford Bridge between 2005 and 2020. The nadir for Arsenal came when they lost 6-0 at Chelsea in Wenger’s 1,000th game in charge.  Following Mikel Arteta’s appointment in 2019, and BlueCo taking over at Chelsea in 2022, the tables have turned again. Arteta has lost just twice in 16 meetings …