Significant Savings Drive Demand for Cool Roofing
Cool Roofing Options and Choosing the Best Cool Roofing System
There are two primary types of cool roofing products on the market today: (1) reflective paints and coatings; and (2) single-ply roofing systems. Paints and coatings based on either acrylic or elastomeric chemistry can be an effective short-term solution for reducing energy costs, but most facility owners looking for long-term, low-maintenance solutions opt for a complete single-ply roofing system.
Many roofing products are on the market, which can make choosing the right one a challenge. Fortunately, several objective tools are available to help with the process. Choosing a system from the approved list of products in the EPA’s ENERGY STAR® Roof Products Program or from the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) ratings chart is a good way to narrow down the selection process. Products on the ENERGY STAR list undergo rigorous testing before approval to ensure that they meet the established standard for reflectance.
In addition, the ENERGY STAR Roof Products Program has developed an energy savings calculator that projects the potential savings from installing a cool roof compared with alternative “non-cool” systems.
Here is a short list of important factors to consider when selecting a cool roofing system:
- Reflectance/emittance performance, both initial and after three years.
- Long-term track record of durability and performance.
- A good warranty backed by a solid, well-established manufacturer.
- Climate and weather extremes in a given location.
- Maintenance requirements and ease of repair.
In our next installment we will discuss: Single-Ply Cool Roofing Systems
