The short answer is yes! White roof coatings reflect most of the ultraviolet light from the sun, this reflectivity can help with energy savings by decreasing the amount of heat that enters your home or building.
When it comes to roof coatings, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is what color to choose. Many people think that this doesn’t matter, but in reality, the color of your roof coating can significantly impact its reflectivity.
In this post, we will discuss the different colors available for cool roof coating and how they reflect heat. We will also help you decide which color is right for your home!
Choosing the Right Color
The first step in choosing the right color for your roof is to understand the different types of cool coatings that are available. The three main categories are elastomeric, silicone, and acrylic.
- Elastomeric – An elastomeric roof coating is a water-resistant type of roof sealant that can withstand extreme heat or cold temperatures. It’s typically used on flat roofs because it has an elastic nature which allows for some movement without cracking over time.
- Silicone – A silicone roof coating is also water-resistant, but unlike its elastomeric counterpart, it doesn’t stretch. This type of coating is ideal for roofs with a lot of curves or angles, as it can form a tight seal and prevent water infiltration.
- Acrylic – An acrylic roof coating is the most common type of roof coating and is available in both reflective and non-reflective varieties. It’s also ideal for roofing materials with a lot of curves or angles.
There are three factors that determine how well your roof will reflect solar radiation: the type of coating, its color, and thickness. Tucson Rubberized Coatings has four standard roof coating colors – white, sand, light gray, and dark gray.
- White – White roof coatings are the most reflective, and they can reflect up to 90% of the ultraviolet light from the sun. This helps keep your home cooler when it’s hot outside and can save you money on energy costs.
- Sand – Sand roof coatings are slightly less reflective than white but still have a high reflectivity rating. They reflect between 70-85% of the ultraviolet light.
- Light Gray – Light gray roof coatings have a moderate reflectivity rating, reflecting between 50-70% of the ultraviolet light.
- Dark Gray – Dark gray roof coatings have the lowest reflectivity rating, reflecting between 30-50% of the ultraviolet light.
Other Factors to Consider
Another factor to consider aside from color is dirt pick-up resistance. Dirt pickup resistance is defined as the ability of a coating to resist soiling and staining. The higher the rating, the less likely the cool roofs will be stained by environmental factors
Most roof coatings also have a solar reflectance index (SRI) rating. The SRI is a measure of how well the coating reflects heat from the sun. The higher the rating, the more heat it will reflect.
The long-term success of the coating you choose is also important. Some coatings may start to peel or chip after a few years, while others may last for up to 20 years. Be sure to choose a coating that will provide long-term protection for your roof.
Can You Improve Energy Efficiency With Roof Coatings?
Yes! A reflective roof coating can improve your home’s energy efficiency by up to 30%. This is because a reflective roof coating reflects the sun’s rays, which prevents them from heating up your home. Therefore, the less heat that enters your home, the lower your air conditioning costs will be.
In addition to reducing cooling costs, reflective roof coatings can also help reduce heat loss in the winter. This means you won’t have to turn up your thermostat as high, which will save money on heating costs too!
A reflective roof coating can also extend roof life by protecting it from UV rays and other environmental factors that cause damage over time.
Considering that reflective paint can save you money on your energy bills and may add years to the life of your roof, it’s definitely worth considering!
Find Out More About Tucson Rubberized Coatings
Tucson Rubberized Coatings’ extensive product line is engineered to achieve success in regards to reflectivity, weathering, and dirt pick-up resistance. In addition, our roof coatings are formulated to meet the strictest industry standards while providing optimal reflectivity and protection against the harshest environmental conditions.
The Acrylic roof coating line is packed with more UV Reflectivity than any other coating on the market. These Reflective Acrylic Roof Coatings are designed to keep your home cooler in the summer and can save you up to 30% on cooling costs.
Contact us today for a free consultation about which roof coating is right for your home!