For years, the standard roof coatings for industrial and commercial buildings were dark, often built with asphalt and gravel. As technology has advanced, newer, cooler coatings have been developed, including elastomeric roof coatings. When it comes time to repair or replace your facility’s roof; or if you are building a new facility, there are significant reasons why you might want to move toward with what is commonly called a “cool” roof. A cool roof is one in which the materials used are more reflective in nature and they do not absorb heat like conventional roofs (think dark clothing versus white clothing in the summertime).
Standard dark roofs in sunny climates can reach temperatures of 150-170 degrees Fahrenheit. That heat is transferred into the upper parts of the building, and potentially into the building itself. The same cool roof (white) can reduce that temperature by 50 degrees. That can result in significant savings, particular in hotter climates that rely more on air conditioning and less on heating.
By cooling the roof, you reduce the amount of air conditioning needed for your building and, therefore, the amount of energy you use. That means you reduce the cost of the monthly energy bills. In addition, you may qualify for energy savings rebates which can further improve your bottom line.
Additional benefits to cool roofs include reducing the temperature of non-conditioned spaces. Personnel often have to go into the attic, or into areas that do not have air conditioning. Cooler roofs help make for cooler areas. By reducing the temperature of the roof itself, you may also increase the lifespan of your roof coating.
There is another energy saving benefit to installing cool roofs which is wider in scope than simply your own business’ energy savings. If enough buildings in an area install the cool roofs, the overall demand for energy needed for air conditioning during peak times will be reduced. That would mean that blackouts and brownouts could be reduced or eliminated. Consider also that using less energy means we need to produce less energy. In addtion, reducing the amount of heat in dense city areas can impact the ‘heat island’ effect, reducing the overall temperature in a given urban area (http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/tips-energy-efficient-roofs).
Producing less energy is good for the planet and good for our country since we would produce less energy, and become less dependent on overseas energy.
Why not consider a cool roof elastomeric coating for your facility?
