Roofing and Reflectivity
It’s About Saving Energy.
There are many options available to help assure that your roof, whether low-slope or steep-slope, reduces energy use and saves you money.
- In fact, many states are instituting building codes that require roof systems to be energy efficient.
- There are many rebate programs available in the marketplace to learn about potential rebates. For more information on energy efficiency rebates in your state please visit: http://www.dsireusa.org/
Why is Reflectivity Important?
Reflective roofs are one option
Reflectivity can help reduce the heating and cooling costs associated with commercial buildings or residences by reflecting the heat generated by the sun back into the environment.
There are several ways to accomplish energy savings and still maintain the look and performance you have come to expect with asphaltic roofing.
The “Whole Building Envelope” approach encourages the use of insulation to reduce heating and cooling costs.
Most states with energy requirements for roofing allow an “insulation trade-off.” Adding additional insulation to a roofing system in Northern Climates is another effective way to save energy in addition to a highly reflective roof surface. Additionally, in these climates where heating days exceed the cooling days, the building owner may achieve a better energy efficiency and avoid a heating penalty.
Many energy calculators are available and can tell you how much insulation you need to use if you like the look of a non-reflective roof covering.
How Do Reflective Roofing Systems Work?
A reflective roof system absorbs less of the sun’s energy by reflecting back into the environment the heat that could be absorbed by dark roofing. Roofs that don’t absorb heat lessen the load on AC units, helping equipment last longer and lowering energy bills.
What Options Are Available?
Choose the asphalt roofing system you like then consider the following:
- Factory surfacing with reflective performance
- The “Insulation Trade-Off”
- Reflective coatings over some non-reflective low-slope membranes
- Vegetative over-burdens (garden roofs) may also help meet energy efficient building codes
Key Terms to Look For…
- SRI
- Reflectivity
- Emissivity
- ENERGY STAR
- LEED
- CRCC
Bottom Line.
There are plenty of energy efficient reflective options with asphaltic roofing technology, the performance you can count on.
