By Emma Peterson.
Cool roof technology is becoming more important as the effects of climate change become more apparent and critical. But what exactly is a cool roof, why is it so important and how do you create one? A cool roof is a surface specifically designed to reflect the sun’s heat and release any absorbed heat back into the atmosphere. Ultimately, a cool roof’s surface temperature should only be slightly higher than that of the air temperature when designed correctly.
Cool roofs bring a whole host of benefits. Not only do they help reduce urban heat island effect and smog, creating a healthier natural environment, but they can also reduce use of HVAC systems, creating energy savings that benefit occupants’ comfort and wallets, along with helping to stabilize their local electrical grid. So, how do you create a cool roof?
Most cool roofs are created using coatings that are highly reflective. A great example of a cool roof product is UNIFLEX®’s Silicone44™ Rubberized Silicone White Roof Coating. This coating is certified by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) and can be used on metal; single ply; smooth BUR, APP, SBS; modified bitumen; polyurethane foam; cured concrete; and existing asphaltic and elastomeric roof coatings. The CRRC gives this product a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) rating of 110. SRI is a calculation that combines solar reflectance and thermal emittance measurements to create an indicator of how hot a roof will get when exposed to the sun. The lower the number, the hotter it will get. The higher the number, the more energy efficient and cooler it will be.
Learn more about Uniflex® in their Coffee Shop Directory or visit www.uniflexroof.com.
About Emma
Emma is a content intern for the Coffee Shops and AskARoofer™. When she's not writing, she enjoys a good movie night with friends and trying to cook new recipes.
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