What Is A “Cool Roof”?
A cool roof is a roofing system that performs better in terms of thermal emittance (the capacity to radiate absorbed, or non-reflected, solar energy) and solar reflectance (the capacity to reflect the visible, infrared, and ultraviolet wavelengths of the sun, reducing heat transfer to the building) than conventionally designed roofing products. Cool roofs have traditionally been white or some lighter hue. The development of residential cool roof solutions like Landmark Solaris® and Presidential Solaris® from CertainTeed, which provide solar reflectivity even in dark, rich hues, has altered this dynamic in recent years.
In addition to increasing roof durability, cool roofs can significantly lower building cooling loads and the urban heat island effect.
How it Works a Cool Roof
Over 90% of the roofs in the United States and the rest of the world are dark in color. A black roof’s surface can go up to 190 °F hotter under the heat of the sun, an increase of more than 100 °F over the surrounding air temperature. The effects of this rise in surface temperature include:
- Increased energy demand for cooling and higher electricity costs
- Lower level of comfort inside
- Roofing materials are deteriorating more quickly, maintaining a roof costs more money, and there is a lot of roofing waste being dumped in landfills.
- Increased electricity production costs, a potentially overloaded power grid, and higher peak electricity demand (the maximum energy load an electric utility experiences to supply customers instantly, typically experienced in summer late afternoons as businesses and residences turn up their air conditioners);
- Increased air pollution as a result of the “heat island effect” becoming more intense
Benefits of the cool roof
These shingles are designed to have higher solar reflectance and thermal emittance properties that can help reduce a home’s cooling load on hot, sunny days. Here are the benefits of this type of shingle:
Temperature Reduction: Considerably lower summertime temperatures overall, including within a structure or residence, especially when compared to conventional cooling methods.
A Stronger Roof: A prospective roof that is more resilient, has a longer lifespan, and requires less upkeep.
Utility Rebates: Another advantage of installing a cool roof is that you may be able to recoup the initial cost of the cool roof shingles and then continue to save money over time thanks to a number of available utility rebates.
Lower Utility Use and Cost: Homeowners will use their air conditioner less because a residential cool roof drastically lowers temperatures inside and outside. Homeowners can save money on their energy bills as a result.
Reduced Heat Island Effect: Installing cool roof solutions in urban contexts would not only lower the temperature of the building as a whole, but also lower the temperature of the surrounding region, which is a common problem with the heat island effect.
Air pollution is reduced: because less fossil fuels are burned and fewer damaging greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere when people use their air conditioning systems. Due to the decrease in these hazardous emissions that cause problems like smog in some areas, it might also result in better air quality.
Look to your trusted builder for advice, support and a quote to professionally and responsibly solve your problem. If you’re in the market for new roofing in Bethel Park PA, turn to Pittsabana Contracting Services LLC. This local roofing company employs team members who are certified by CertainTeed and committed to delivering premium service on every job, from repairing storm-damaged commercial buildings to fully replacing residential roofs. Call (412) 580-6567 to speak with a friendly staff member to schedule service or visit the website to learn more about how they’ll help you.
