Sustainability is such a huge part of green building. From installing solar panels to using eco-friendly building materials, there are tons of ways you can reduce your carbon footprint and increase your energy efficiency. One way to make the move to green energy is by installing a cool roof.
What is a Cool Roof System?
Cool roofs are a great way to take a step towards becoming more eco-friendly. These roofing systems create a higher solar reflectance and thermal emittance compared to other standard materials like asphalt shingles, clay/concrete tiles, or wood shakes. Solar reflectance refers to the process in which a roof reflects the sun’s UV and infrared rays, which decreases the amount of heat transferred into a building or home through the roof. Thermal emittance refers to the roof’s ability to radiate absorbed and non-relefected energy from the sun.
Dark colored roofs made with standard roofing materials can reach scorching temperatures of up to 150°F in the summer when exposed to direct sunlight. A cool roof, in similar conditions, can stay up to more than 50°F cooler in comparison. Cool roofing systems enhance a roof’s durability, reduce cooling costs by increasing energy efficiency, and can also help reduce the urban heat island effect (when built-up urban areas are hotter in the summer compared to surrounding rural areas).
This diagram shows how cool roofs work!
Benefits of Cools Roofs
Installing a cool roofing system can bring you many benefits. Here are some of the top benefits that are a result of cool roofs:
- Save Money — One of the biggest benefits is the amount of money homeowners will save. Cool roofs will reduce your cooling costs and other associated energy bills because they decrease the need for air conditioning. In some areas, homeowners can also be eligible for utility rebates. It’s also possible for some homeowners who install an ENERGY STAR compliant, pre-painted metal roof to be able to meet the requirements for additional tax credits. Money savings all around!
- Increase Roof’s Lifetime — Cool roofs can lower the costs of annual roof maintenance and simultaneously extend a roof’s lifespan. By lowering the temperature of your roof, these systems extend the life of your roofing system, once again saving you money.
- Increase Indoor Comfort — A cool roofing system also drastically improves the conditions inside the home. In areas that aren’t air conditioned, like garages or covered patios, homeowners will notice an increase in comfort level. You can avoid installing an air conditioner where there isn’t one due to these roofs improving indoor conditions.
- Decrease Energy Use — Since you won’t need to run your air conditioner as much, your cool roof will reduce a single home’s energy use. It also decreases the size of the air conditioning system needed and extends its life.
- Aid Climate Change — Cool roofing systems directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions since they help conserve electricity. By lowering the amount of CO2 emissions from power plants and helping lower your community’s Urban Heat Island Effect, by installing one of these roofs, you’ll help aid climate change!
Should I Install a Cool Roof?
If you’re aiming for increased energy efficiency and sustainability, you should absolutely consider installing a cool roofing system. Bridger Steel offers metal roofing and metal siding panels in approved cool roof colors. They’re created with highly reflective paint to help the metal panels absorb less heat by reflecting sunlight. Our materials are also 100% recyclable, perfect for solar panels, and ideal for rainwater collection systems.
Bridger Steel is proud to offer products that have earned and received the government’s ENERGY STAR label. This label represents products that help businesses and homeowners save money and protect our climate by utilizing superior energy efficient products.
If you’re interested in learning more about cool roof systems and how you can take a step towards being more eco-friendly, talk to a Product Specialist today. Our team of experts will work directly with you to help you choose the right panel profile, gauge, and color/finish needed to make your project a success.
