“When you use a cool roof, you cool the city,” says Art Rosenfeld, commissioner of the CEC.
How a Cool Roof can Save you Money and the Planet
What is a cool roof?
Cool roofs (or white roofs) are made up of highly reflective roofing material that stay up to 60 degrees cooler than a regular roof under the hot Dallas sun.
We use Hydro-Stop Premium Coat system, which has been tested and greatly exceeds the requirements of the Department of Energy's standards for a cool roof system.
How does a cool roof work?
The average black roofing material possesses a high emittance value (90%) but a low reflectance value (5%). This creates a hot roof surface but even though the emittance is high, there isn’t enough reflectance to cool the roof. As such, the standard black roof is given an SRI (Solar Reflectance Index) value of 0.
The average white roofing material is highly reflective (80%) and has the same emittance as the standard black surface (90%).The surface is considerably cooler and assigned an SRI value of 100.
What does this mean for you? Savings, plain and simple. By reducing the absorption of heat through your roof, you have a naturally cooler building that requires less energy to cool, via air conditioning.
How much savings can I expect?
Several factors come into play, such as materials, geography and condition of the building. Our thorough analysis will give you a much better indicator. Generally, cool roofs are much more energy efficient in warmer climates (Texas definitely qualifies there!). You can expect savings of 10 cents per square foot per year, which is substantial.
Why should I choose a cool roof?
- Cool roofs provide immediate and long-term savings in energy costs. Their lighter shades take in less heat than normal roofs, reduce the need for air conditioning, and create a more comfortable atmosphere indoors.
- Cool roofs can reduce the need for electric power by as much as 10% on hot days.
- Cool roofs are also durable roofs and longer lasting.
Why is a cool roof an eco-friendly choice?
Cool or white roofs:
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Slow global warming by increasing the reflectivity of the Earth
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Reduce local temperatures in the hottest cities
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Reduce fossil CO2 emissions
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Save U.S. consumers and businesses billions of dollars in energy costs
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Reduce urban smog and hence cardio-pulmonary disease
- Longer AC unit life resulting from decreased air-conditioning needs
Why does a cool or white roof look like?
Walmart’s white roofs [below] helped reduce energy use and lower heat island effect. The skylights are part of the company’s daylight harvesting system, which can save an average of 800,000 kwh of energy annually. Check out our Before and After Page for more examples.
(Image Source: Walmart Stores)
So what are you waiting for? If you’re in need of a new roof, consider a cool roof. It’s a win/win situation for your budget and the planet! Call 800-803-8010 for a free consultation.
* Ecological information courtesy of Climate Progress
We proudly serve the following areas in Texas: Dallas, Fort Worth, Oklahoma City and Austin s well as Phoenix, Arizona.