Reflective Cool Roof Materials

With the recent release of cool shingles like the timberline cool series from gaf and the 1 500 energy star tax credit for cool roofing materials many folks are asking whether the any energy savings are worth the additional cost.

Reflective cool roof materials.

There are different cool roof standards for commercial low slope roofs and residential steep slope roofs. Energy star certified roof products reflect more of the sun s rays. Compared to the 30 solar reflectance of asphalt shingles that s a dramatic difference. Owens corning cool roof collection shingles are specially designed to reflect the sun s energy and absorb less heat than standard shingles without limiting your color options.

Darker shades such as red green and blue reflect only 20. Standard or dark roofs can reach temperatures of 150 f or more in the summer sun. High albedo products such as bright white paint are the most effective with a solar reflectance of 85. Cool roof reflective coatings white roof coatings are opaque and reflective consisting of polymeric materials and some types of white pigment.

Energy star certified roof products can help reduce the amount of air conditioning needed in buildings and can reduce peak cooling demand by 10 15 percent. The owens corning cool roof collection helps keep your roof cooler for a more comfortable home. A high thermal emittance also plays a role particularly in climates that are warm and sunny. A cool roof under the same conditions could stay more than 50 f cooler and save energy and money by using less air conditioning.

Solar reflective shingles range between 2 and 3 per square foot depending on manufacturer and vendor. These typically come in mid range colors such as medium browns and grays. Aluminum roof coatings. Cool metal roofing is a popular cool roofing material as it can offer more than twice the solar reflectance of traditional asphalt roofing.

Up to 70 when paired with a colored reflective coating. A high solar reflectance or albedo is the most important characteristic of a cool roof as it helps to reflect sunlight and heat away from a building reducing roof temperatures. Commercial cool roof options include bright white membranes and white coatings. Residential roofing options include asphalt shingles metal clay tiles and concrete tiles.

To rate the level of reflectiveness of different products manufacturers have come up with a classifying system. Cool roofs can be made of a highly reflective type of paint a sheet covering or highly reflective tiles or shingles. This can lower roof surface temperature by up to 50f decreasing the amount of heat transferred into a building.