First of all, what is a cool roof?

A cool roof is one that reflects heat and solar radiation, therefore reducing the heat that is brought into the house. This way, electricity usage is lowered as well as costs for the home-owner. Copper roofing or special paint pigments can be used to get a cool roof.

The process of keeping your roof cool is similar to the difference between wearing a black shirt or a white shirt on a hot day. One material will absorb the heat while one reflects it.

So, how do you know if you are getting the results you want?

There are a couple tests you can do to see if you have a cool roof.

R – Reflectance

Reflectance is one of the ways to assess your roof’s cooling properties. This test measures the amount of solar energy that is reflected from the roof.

E- Emittance

Emittance refers to the the infrared radiation energy that the roof emits.

Both Reflectance and Emittance are measured on a scale from 0 (least reflective/emissive) to 1 (most). The tests are done both right when the roof is built and it has been three years since construction.

So, a white roof will reflect more infrared sunlight while a darker one will absorb more. This is not to say that you need a white roof for cooling, because there are some darker colors that can reflect, but in general the white roofs are more efficient.

Cool Metal Roofing

Metal can be used to help the cooling process. The metal itself can even be shaped to look like shingles (if you prefer that look) and can be formed to fit a wide variety of roofs. There is a diverse selection of colors and textures to choose from so it can still fit your personality and design preferences.

If you are using a copper roof, which changes over time, your level of cooling will be affected. It is important to take this into consideration when choosing which type of metal to use.

Need more reasons to invest in a cool roof? Since your house will stay cooler, your air conditioner will last longer. And, in some locations, you can get a utility rebate.

Cool roofs are affordable, too. Typically, the cost of installing one is comparable to installing any other type of roof. Since you’re saving money on your power bill and potentially receiving a rebate, it is definitely worth it to install a cool roof.

Some areas are even starting to have building codes that require that you meet cool roof guidelines.

Having a cool roof benefits the environment and your wallet. So, is your roof cool?

Learn more here: http://www.copper.org/publications/pub_list/pdf/a4094.pdf

And here: http://coolroofs.org/

-J.C.

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Go Green, Save Green: Metal Roofs and Energy Efficiency

As Americans become more and more aware of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions, a growing number of homeowners and roofing contractors are turning to metal roofing as a “green” alternative to traditional roofing materials.

Metal roofing systems are growing in popularity every year, and a significant portion of that growth is due to their environmental appeal.  Homeowners have discovered that installing a metal roofing system is not only one of the most environmentally-responsible choices they can make, it’s also one of the most cost-effective.

Metal roofs and walls come in a variety of colors, but it’s the “green” makeup of metal that is prompting many home and business owners to sit up and take notice.  For homeowners and roofing contractors committed to preserving natural resources, metal building products offer a unique, environmentally-friendly solution.

Metal roofs and walls can contribute considerably to the “green” building movement because of their high recycled content, recyclability, sustainability and energy efficiency.  The recycled content for steel used in metal roofs and walls, for example, is at least 25%. This level of recycled content reduces both the cost and environmental impact of making new steel, as it conserves energy and other natural raw materials.

In addition to their recycled content, metal roof panels offer the added benefit of being recyclable at the end of their “useful” life. For example, while other old roofing materials are dumped by the ton in landfills, the steel, aluminum, copper and zinc used in metal roof panels is 100% recyclable, contributing to future products  recycled content.

Moreover, in many retrofit applications, metal roofs can be installed over old roofs. This eliminates the need to remove the old roofing material, and helps preserve valuable landfill space.

In addition to their other environmentally-friendly attributes, metal roofs and walls can also help reduce energy consumption. Metal roofs, for example, can be finished with heat-deflecting coatings to lower energy usage by reducing cooling loads. Available with baked-on finishes or granular-coated surfaces, “cool metal roofs” can reflect up to 70% of the sun’s rays, resulting in less heat transfer to the interior of the building and saving owners up to 40% in energy costs.

Moreover, metal has a low thermal mass, meaning that it dissipates heat very quickly once the sun goes behind a cloud or sets for the day. Other construction materials such as concrete have greater thermal mass and will continue to radiate captured heat into the structure, even when the sun is not shining.

Roofing ranks near the top of the list when it comes to home improvements that can benefit big from going green. After all, a roof’s exposure to heat, cold, and sunlight make it an excellent candidate for improving overall energy efficiency.

And since the roof is also the home’s most important line of defense when it comes to protecting homeowners from the elements, it’s easy to see why homeowners and roofing contractors across the country are drawn to the quality workmanship and high expectations that green remodeling is known for.

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