Everything You Need to Know About Cool Roofs
Rooftops are among the large contributors to excessive heat issues since most of them are built with heat-absorbing materials that have low solar reflectance. This situation is common in densely populated areas and the reason for the adoption of the term ‘heat islands’. In light of this, cool roofing is one of the main strategies used to control the temperature of buildings and areas. This roofing system reduces heat transfer to the building by reflecting the sun’s heat and efficiently cools itself by emitting the radiation. Cool roofs are able to create a cool and comfortable indoor environment.
As the sun heats the roof, it warms up the air and deck beneath. This heat is later transferred from your attic into your home. There is also reflective shingles, tiles and roofing membranes. Compared to normal roof surfaces, these reflective products are able to reflect more Infrared Radiation which is known to generate significant amounts of heat on roof surfaces.
How it Works
The ‘coolness’ of a roof is based on solar reflectance and thermal emittance. Solar reflectance measures a roof’s ability to reflect heat and sunlight away from the structure. It is measured on a scale of 0%-100% with cooler roofs represented by higher values. The most efficient cool roof should be able to absorb a small percentage of heat into the building by reflecting more than 70% of solar energy away from the structure. Thermal emittance, on the other hand, refers to the ability of a roof to release the absorbed heat. A roof with high thermal emittance ensures that the heat is not held within the roof or building and it’s therefore preferable in warmer areas. It is also rated on a scale from 0%-100%.
Benefits of Cool Roofs
In summer, your roof absorbs heat throughout the day and therefore, the temperature inside your home increases. Your air conditioner will have to strain to keep the interior of your home comfortable and this increases the cost of energy used to cool your home. For this reason, the importance of an energy efficient roof cannot be overlooked. Cool roofing is very affordable overall since it helps reduce your expenses and carbon footprints from the use of less power to keep your home comfortable during the hot summer months. Other benefits of cool roofs include:
- Reduced maintenance costs and a longer roof lifespan
- Reduced local air temperatures- heat island effect
- Lowered peak electricity demand
- Reduced air pollutant emissions and improved air quality
- Improved indoor comfort for spaces that do not have air conditioners
When you think of cool roofs, maybe all that comes to mind are the white and lighter shade colored roofs. This dynamic has changed with the development of cool roofing systems with high levels of solar reflectivity even in dark shades. If you have shingle roofs or tile roofs with low solar reflectance, you don’t have to worry about having to replace the roof for a cool one. Some of these roofs are naturally reflective enough to achieve cool roof standards while others while others have to be made cool. This involves the use of surface treatments and by coating the existing roof using waterproof materials.
Cool roofs should be installed as per the local climate challenges. The right materials will also be able to prevent excessive heating costs in winter months. This is why you need to align yourself with a reputable roofer who can help chose the right materials for a comfortable and energy-efficient roofing system. Please contact All-Nu Construction today at 419.242.5568 for more information on cool roofing installation and the benefits.