Flat roofs absorb heat faster than slanted roofs, which can keep your interior warm which is why more building owners are choosing energy-efficient reflective flat roof systems. While they can be an economical roofing option, when not properly maintained, they can experience problematic issues.
With a reliable commercial roofing system, you’ll have one less thing to worry about, especially when it comes to your business establishment’s safety and energy efficiency. Choosing the right roofing material, however, can be challenging, especially with the wide array of options. To help you make the right decision, Texas Traditions Roofing, one of the most trusted commercial roofing contractors in the area, discusses the main features of three types of roofing systems.
A cool roof is one that reflects and emits the sun’s heat back to the sky instead of absorbing it and transferring it to the home or building beneath it. When the heat is reflected rather than absorbed, the building will use less energy to keep the interior comfortable and cool.
Cool roofs are measured by their solar reflectance, or the fraction of solar energy that is reflected and by thermal emittance which is the ability of the roof to radiate absorbed heat. Both ENERGY STAR and the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) set the standards that determine whether a shingle or other roofing material can be considered a cool roof.
It used to be that the only shingles that met the criteria to be considered a cool roof were white; however, advances in granule technology have greatly expanded the color choices. Most homeowners have no problem finding a color that complements their home and provides the energy efficient benefits that they are seeking.
With summer temperatures in central Texas pushing, and often passing, the 100-degree mark, choosing a cool roof shingle for your home can ease the burden placed on your home’s air conditioning system. The CRRC estimates that average energy savings range from seven to 15 percent of total cooling costs. In addition to the improved cooling efficiency, a cool roof system helps the environment. Studies have shown that cool roofs reduce greenhouse gas emissions by conserving electricity, which means power plants emit less carbon dioxide.
A cool roof is about more than just the shingle. It’s also about ensuring that your home has proper ventilation and insulation in the attic. The combination of those three things delivers powerful benefits including:
Ready to take the next step toward installing a new, cool roof? Request your free consultation today!