Do you have an aged commercial roof? Are you looking for ways to improve its sustainability? If so, you may want to consider installing a cool roof.
Commercial roofs are constantly exposed to the sun, rain, wind, and snow. Over time, this can cause the roof to age prematurely and lose its sustainability. A cool roof is a great way to improve the sustainability of an aged commercial roof without replacing it altogether.
This blog post will discuss what cool roofs are, how they work, and why they are an excellent option for businesses looking to improve their sustainability!
Cool Roof: The Definition
A cool roof is a roof coating system designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a traditional roof. Cool roofs can be made of various materials, including metal, tile, and asphalt. They are often white or light in color to help reflect sunlight.
They are applied to both flat and sloped roofs. This helps keep the building cooler in the summer months and reduces energy costs, but the benefits of cool roofs are not limited to energy savings.
How Cool Roofs Improve Aged Commercial Roof Sustainability
Many commercial roofing systems are nearing the end of their useful life. When a roof reaches this point, business owners have some tough decisions. They can choose to roof over the existing roof, which is often less expensive up front, but can cause problems down the road. They can also do a complete tear-off and install a new roof, which is more expensive, but will result in a higher quality roof.
However, a third option combines the best of both worlds: installing a cool roof coating. Cool roof coatings are designed to reflect sunlight and heat away from the building, helping to keep the interior cooler and reducing air conditioning costs.
These kinds of roofing materials have the ENERGY STAR label, which means they meet or exceed the energy efficiency guidelines or solar reflectance set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Many people think that cool roofs are only used on newly constructed buildings, but roof coating systems are frequently the simplest and quickest approach to boosting sustainability in an existing commercial roofing project.
These roofing systems can be easily installed and are non-intrusive, so there is no need to drill, nail, or weld the seams. With the help of cool roofs, the aged, cracked, and leaking roof membranes can be fully restored and provide for your roof’s specific needs.
Cool roofs can also add 10-20 years to your existing commercial roof, and it can be recoated again in the future to extend your roof’s life indefinitely.
Other Benefits of Cool Roofs
Energy Efficiency
During the summer months, a cool roof transfers less heat to the building below. This causes the building to stay cooler and use less air conditioning. This can lead to lower air-conditioning bills. In the winter, cool roofs can also help to reduce heating costs by trapping heat inside the building. As a result, cool roofs can provide year-round energy savings.
Protects Roofing Materials
The reflective surface of a cool roof helps protect the roofing materials from UV damage and heat. UV radiation and heat can cause your roofing materials to deteriorate, making them more susceptible to leaks and damage. A cool roof can help reduce these risks, making your home safer and more comfortable during the hot summer months.
Reduces Urban Heat Island Effect
The reflective surface of a cool roof helps to reduce the urban heat island effect. This is when cities are hotter than surrounding rural areas due to dark surfaces that absorb heat. The reflective surface of a cool roof helps to reflect some of that heat away, making the city cooler.
Saves Money
Cool roofs can save money by reflecting sunlight and heat away from the building, reducing the energy needed to cool the building. They can also extend the roof’s life by protecting it from the elements.
Decreases Air Pollution
By lowering energy use, cool roofs decrease the production of associated air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing these emissions helps to improve air quality and fight climate change.
Improves Health
In connection to the reduced air pollution, cool roofs can help to improve human health. Cool roofs can reduce air temperatures inside buildings with and without air conditioning, helping to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration. In addition, the cooler temperature can help to reduce the risk of respiratory problems.
Signs That Your Commercial Roof Needs a Cool Roof
If you have an aged commercial roof, it might be time to consider a cool roof coating. If your commercial roof is more than 20 years old, it is probably time to consider a cool roof. However, there are other signs that your roof may need a cool roof:
- The surface of your roof is dark or discolored
- Your energy bills have increased
- Your air conditioner is working overtime
- There are leaks or cracks in your roof
- Roof Coating Systems to Consider
Now that you know the benefits of cool roofs and when to consider them, you need to choose the right roof coating system. There are various roof coating systems on the market, each with its own set of benefits. Here are a few of the most popular types of cool roof coatings:
Acrylic Roof Coatings – Acrylic roof coatings are among the most popular types of cool roof coatings on the market. Acrylics are a type of plastic that is highly reflective, making them ideal for cool roof applications. Acrylics are also very durable and can last for up to 20 years with proper maintenance.
Elastomeric Roof Coatings – Elastomeric roof coatings are another popular type of cool roof coating. Elastomeric coatings are made of rubber or plastic and are very flexible. This flexibility makes them ideal for roofs that experience a lot of movement, such as commercial flat roofs. Elastomeric coatings can also last for up to 20 years with proper maintenance.
Silicone Roof Coatings – Silicone roof coatings are one of the most durable types of cool roof coatings on the market. Silicone roof coatings can last for up to 30 years with proper maintenance.
At Tucson Rubberized Coatings, we understand the importance of choosing the right roof coating system for your commercial roofs. We only offer high-quality cool roof coatings that will surely meet your needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cool roof coating for your commercial roof is important. A cool roof can save you money, reduce the urban heat island effect, and protect your roofing materials. If you have an aged commercial roof, it might be time to consider a cool roof coating.
Planning to get your commercial roof coated? Contact us today to learn more about our cool roof products and how they can benefit your commercial roof.