Cool Roofs

As building envelope and waterproof specialists, Simon Roofing realized years ago the environmental and economic benefits reflective roof membranes or cool roofs could provide to our clients. Building upon a century of roofing experience we developed our EnviroGreen line; CRRC/Energy Star/LEED/Title 24 compliant cool roof membranes and a winner of the Plant Engineering Product of the Year Award.

But what is a cool roof and what makes them so beneficial? Simply put cool roofs consist of materials that reflect the sun's energy and are generally bright white in color. To be considered a cool roof, they must also have high emissivity, allowing them to emit infrared energy. Bare metals and metallic coatings, while often bright, tend to have low emissivity and are not considered cool materials.

Cool roofs can reduce the roof surface temperature by up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, thereby reducing the heat transferred into the building below. This helps to reduce energy costs by keeping plenums cooler and reducing the intake air temperature of roof mounted HVAC units.

In addition to keeping energy costs down additional benefits include:

• Reduces air pollution and smog formation
• Increases comfort inside the building
• Lowers roof maintenance costs and extends roof life, avoiding reroofing costs and reducing solid waste  
• Helps builders and managers meet building codes
• Mitigates Urban Heat Island Effect

In selecting your roof, it is important to understand your climate zone and actual energy use will determine how much your building will save. There are two cool roof calculators available online that can give good estimates of how much energy you will save. However performing an energy assessment will provide the most accurate data.

DOE Cool Roof Calculator
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs%2Bwalls/facts/CoolCalcEnergy.htm

EPA Cool Roof Calculator
http://www.roofcalc.com/RoofCalcBuildingInput.aspx

From rebates to tax deductions there are several incentives for energy efficient buildings that employ cool roofs.

1. Utility rebates that help pay for cool roofs based on their ability to save energy, especially during the hot afternoon hours when demand for energy is at its peak.
2. State legislation and incentive programs that provide rebates and tax deductions.
3. Federal legislation — the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) which can provide a tax deduction if certain energy efficiency requirements are met.
4. Voluntary green building programs, like the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, can bring financial incentives for various levels of certification in some cities.

Simon Roofing realizes not everyone is an expert in energy modeling; nor wants to be. Which is why we are one of the few roofing contractors to maintain a Sustainability Department and provide roof load energy assessments that help identify the appropriate roofing system.

To set up an appointment with one of our sustainability experts or simply find out what cool roof codes are applicable to your next project call 1-800-558-7714 x582.