A cool roof is one that strongly reflects sunlight (solar energy) and also cools itself by efficiently emitting any heat that was absorbed. The roof literally stays cooler and reduces the amount of heat conducted into the building below. If a building does not have air conditioning, this keeps the building cooler and a more constant temperature. If a building has air conditioning, the equipment does not have to work as hard. Imagine wearing a white or a black T-shirt on a hot day. By wearing the white T-shirt you will remain cooler than if you wore a black T-shirt because it reflects more sunlight and absorbs less heat. Cool roofs, like a white T-shirt, keep the internal temperature of the building lower.
However, a cool roof does not need to be white. There are many “cool color” products which use darker-colored pigments that are highly reflective in the near infrared (non-visible) portion of the solar spectrum.
Decrease the use of air conditioning systems
Lower energy consumption and cooling costs
Help to reduce CO2 emissions and a more sustainable home environment.
Reduce the environmental impact of a building .
Pinnacle® Sun shingles are manufactured to reflect the sun’s radiant heat away from the roof, decreasing cooling needs and increasing the overall energy efficiency of the home. The Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) is an indicator of the ability of a roof surface to return solar energy to the atmosphere, and Pinnacle® Sun shingles are produced to meet the Cool Roof Rating Council’s standards for SRI and may comply with city and state building codes for reflectivity.
Cool roofs can lower energy costs in conditioned spaces by reducing the need for air conditioning. Quantifying the energy savings and the associated energy cost savings depends on several factors. This document summarizes some of the primary factors that influence cool roof energy savings.
While there are many factors that go into product pricing, many cool roof varieties cost the same amount as comparable traditional roofs. Some cool roof products may cost slightly more, but that additional cost can be recovered through energy savings.
Solar reflectance and thermal emittance are the two radiative properties used to determine the “coolness” of a roof or wall surface. They are measured on a scale of 0 to 1 (0 to 100%), where 1 is the most reflective or emissive.
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) is a calculated value that represents the ability of a roofing product to reject solar heat. The index value of a roofing product is determined by inputting the measured solar reflectance and thermal emittance values into a calculation in accordance with the ASTM 1980 standard.
The SRI values typically range between 0 and 100, with particularly hot materials having a negative value and particularly cool materials exceeding 100. Importantly, SRI does not apply to vertical surfaces (e.g., wall products) due to the nature of the calculation, which is based on a horizontal surface.
At Green Vista Roofing, we combine our unmatched roofing expertise with a commitment to customer satisfaction, ensuring that every project is completed to the highest standards. From our skilled professionals to our personalized service, we strive to exceed your expectations and provide you with a roofing experience that is second to none.
