Cool roofs reflect and emit the sun’s heat instead of absorb it. By reflecting the heat of the sun instead of absorbing it, they keep buildings cooler and reduce the amount of energy needed to cool them.
“Coolness” is measured by two properties: solar reflectance and thermal emittance. Both properties are measured from 0 to 1; the higher the value, the “cooler” the roof.
What makes one roofing material “cooler” than another? When a roof can deliver high solar reflectance, and high thermal emittance, it is considered a cool roof. Reflective roofing technologies are increasingly included in federal, state and local energy codes. Many opportunities exist in both new construction and re-roofing to install cool roofs and other energy-improvement options
CertainTeed is a leading U.S. manufacturer of low slope and steep slope roofing products for commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential roofing and waterproofing applications. CertainTeed has served the roofing industry for 100 years, establishing a solid reputation for quality, reliability, and technical innovation.
CertainTeed offers a broad array of asphalt shingles in various shapes, colors and styles. The most popular are the Luxury and Premium Shingles that emulate the look of wood, slate and other natural materials. Traditional Shingles offer beauty, value and protection.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing benefits the environment and your wallet. Metal roofs are energy efficient, sustainable, durable and recyclable. Reflective in nature, metal roofs inhibit a building from absorbing heat during the day, yet they allow heat to escape at night, resulting in reduced interior cooling costs. Metal roofs can save you up to 40 percent in summer energy costs as they can reduce air temperatures by as much as 12° Fahrenheit (F).
In addition to being energy efficient, metal roofs generally are stronger and more durable than asphalt shingle roofing, with twice the lifespan of conventional roofs. Because they do not deteriorate with sun exposure and can sustain hail, sun exposure and wind better than shingle roofs, a metal roof can have the potential to reduce your insurance premiums and earn you energy tax credits.
Flat/Low Slope/Single Ply Roofing
In full sun, the surface temperature of a black, low-slope roof can rise as much as 50° to 90° F, reaching midday temperatures of 150° to 190° F on a summer day. A white reflective roof on the same building typically increases only 10° to 25° degrees above ambient temperatures under the same conditions.
White or light-colored, single-ply vinyl membranes are not only durable but they achieve some of the highest reflectance and emittance measurements in roofing.. Vinyl roofs can reflect three-fourths of the sun’s rays and emit 70 percent or more of the solar radiation they absorb.
Most single-ply roofing systems can stand up to the Texas heat and are resistant to water, fire, chemicals, grease, and punctures. The single-ply product is also 100 percent recyclable. Lighter in weight than most other roofing materials, it also requires less fuel to transport. Single-ply systems can often be installed over existing roofs, thereby reducing waste, landfill space and disposal costs. Doing so also saves the customer thousands in tear off costs.
Concrete and Clay Tile Roofing
Concrete and clay tiles will no doubt be one of the shining stars for builders when it comes to using energy-efficient products because tile improves with age.
Tile roofs have been considered a premium product with a premium cost. While tile roofs may initially cost about three times the price of a shingle roof, the actual cost of a tile roof over its lifespan is significantly lower than that of a shingle roof. Tile roofs also provide inherent natural qualities for energy reduction. . For example, natural airspace around the tiles creates natural ventilation that provides a thermal barrier for heat transfer to the roof deck.
One of the most popular energy-efficient tile roofing systems is the Energy Efficient Roof System (EERS) by MonierLifetile. This system costs a little more than your standard tile roof, but the payback in energy savings and the life expectancy of the roof offsets these costs.
For more information about tile roofing green specifications, visit the Tile Roofing Institute’s website at www.tileroofing.org.
Composition Shingle Roofing
GAF-ELK Corporation has recently introduced its Timberline Prestige High Definition “COOL COLOR” Series of shingles. These unique shingles slow heat build-up to make your home more energy efficient. They feature highly reflective roofing granules that bounce back the sun’s rays and more effectively release absorbed heat. They are rated by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) and meet initial ENERGY STAR performance levels.
Halligan Foam Coating of Houston
Halligan Foam Coating of Houston, Inc. specialize in all kinds of foam roof work, and offer comprehensive roof maintenance programs to eliminate foam coating in progress leaks even before they happen — and all at very reasonable rates. Halligan Foam specializes in employing a unique process of applying urethane foam to create a lightweight and leak proof roofing system. They provide the community with an affordable, environmentally safe and effective solution for maintaining residential, commercial and industrial buildings safe and sound for years to come.
For more information
Braun’s Roofing has been serving Houston and Galveston since 1987 with the highest quality Roofs, Doors, Windows, Siding&Gutters, and Insulation. Our services have been installed in more than 50,000 residential, commercial roofing, systems. For more information, please visit our Contact, LinkedIn, or Facebook pages, or call us directly at (713) 645-0505.