Cool Roof

The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) says,

"A cool roof is one that reflects the sun’s heat and emits absorbed radiation back into the atmosphere.  The roof literally stays cooler and reduces the amount of heat transferred to the building below, keeping the building a cooler and more constant temperature."

and

"A cool roof can significantly reduce your cooling costs and increase your comfort level by reducing temperature fluctuations inside your home.  Average energy savings range from 7%-15% of total cooling costs."

Source: CRRC - Cool Roofing Information for Home and Building Owners

Their graphic below puts it into a picture for you:

The California Energy Commission says,

"Cool roofs are highly reflective and highly emmissive roofing materials that stay 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than a normal roof under a hot summer sun."

Source: California Energy Commission - Cool Roofs and Title 24

EPA Energy Star says,

"Americans spend about $40 billion annually to air condition buildings - sixth of all electricity generated in this country.

• ENERGY STAR qualified roof products reflect more of the sun's rays.  This can lower roof surface temperature by up to 50°F, decreasing the amount of heat transferred into a building.

• ENERGY STAR qualified roof products can help reduce the amount of air conditioning needed in buildings, and can reduce peak cooling demand by 10-15 percent."

Source: ENERGY STAR - Roof Products

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Programs

"Cool roofs are roofing products that reflect more of the sun's rays thatn standard roofing products.  EnviroCoatings Ceramaic InsulCoat Roof is Tested, Rated, and/or Certified to function as a

• COOL ROOF COATING or PAINT - PRESCRIPTIVE ENERGY SAVING PRODUCT

and Listed with a growing list of PACE Programs across the United States. 

For more information, visit: PACE Energy Efficiency Programs

Take a moment and learn more the benefits of a Cool Roof  

April 2017 Video of a Black Asphalt Roof System on a Mobile Office Trailer

March 2016 Video of a Sloped Asphalt Shingle Roof System on a Residential Home

July 2013 Video of a Flat, Built-up Roof System on a Commercial Building

This 2011 U.S. Department of Energy video takes a look at how switching to a cool roof can save you money and benefit the environment.

Produced by the U.S. Department of Energy:  

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/multimedia/videos.html

Here is a 2010 video from the U.S. Department of Energy:

"By installing a cool roof at DOE, the Federal Government and DOE Secretary Chu are helping to educate families and businesses about important energy and cost savings that can come with this simple, low-cost technology."

Produced by the U.S. Department of Energy:  www.energy.gov 

October 2005, California Energy Code

Because cool roofs save both money and energy, in October 2005 they became part of the prescriptive requirements of California's energy code, the Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards.  Most cool roof materials for low-sloped roofs are often visible from the ground, however roofing material manufacturers have developed popular roof colors other than white that will still reflect or emit the sun's energy away from the building.

How cool is a cool roof?

During the summer, a typical dark roof is 150 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit at peak, while cool roofs peak at 100 to 120 degrees.

Is your Roof subject to the Title 24 Requirements?

The 2005 Standards' cool roof requirements apply to roofs on conditioned (heated or cooled) nonresidential buildings that have low-sloped roofs (2:12 or less).  These requirements apply to newly constructed buildings and to most reroofs on existing buildings.

Energy savings

Cool roofs can cut building owners's energy costs.  Because cool roofs gain less heat than normal roofs, they reduce the need for air conditioning, making buildings more comfortable to the people inside.

Other benefits

Cool roofs have other benefits.  Building owners can reduce maintenance costs and increase the life expectancy of the roof.  And for society in general, cool roofs can help to reduce the urban heat island effect that makes our cities hotter and produces unhealthy air.

Do cool roofs cost more than convential roofs?

Initial material costs are comparable with traditional roofing materials, some cool roof products cost less than traditional materials, some cost up to 20% more.  Cool protective coatings can be reapplied repeatedly every 10 to 15 years and will reduce and may eliminate the need for expensive tear-offs.  Combining these maintenance savings with an average 20% savings on air conditioning costs makes cool roofing a better bargain over the long term.

For additional information visit: The California Energy Commission Title 24 website: http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/coolroofs/

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