Roof Color and Energy Efficiency
November 8th, 2010
Recently, government driven energy conservation programs have affected the roofing industry. The US Department of Energy has successfully promoted the use of light colored roof membranes through its ENERGY STAR program. Independent studies are focused on the effect of “heat islands” and the environment. So what is a “heat island”? These studies address the factors that contribute to high temperatures in urban environments. There are three factors which have been identified and these are clear to anyone who has flown into a major metropolitan area and looked out the window. The lack of vegetation has been identified as contributing over 50% of the heat generated. Black roofing and paving contributes the remainder.
What does this mean to you? If your building is in an urban environment you will soon (if you haven’t already) begin hearing about energy efficient roofs. In Chicago there is already a new Chicago Energy Code which includes requirements for newly installed roofs pertaining to reflectivity. The Indianapolis area may not be far behind. Some of the factors to consider will include the use of light colored coatings over roof membranes or the use of white membranes. This will present a new set of challenges for the performance of new roofing systems and design considerations to keep new roofing systems both cost competitive and performance oriented. The decision by a building owner to switch from proven technology to something new should not be made without proper study and evaluation. The early days of single ply membrane roofing in the United States should serve as a reminder that ALL new technology doesn’t always work.
By kacey
Posted in: Roof Inspection, Roofing Specifications
This entry was posted on Monday, November 8th, 2010 at 4:42 pm and is filed under Roof Inspection, Roofing Specifications. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
