Why the Sudden (& Growing) Interest in "Cool Roofs"?
Well, it's not that sudden...civilizations, including ancient
Greece, have been using cool roofs for centuries. "White" roofs
have an advantage. During the summer their surface temperature
can be 40 to 50 degrees fahrenheit COOLER than similar
black roofs. That is because cool "white" roofs can
reflect 25 - 80% of the near-infrared solar radiation that
hits them versus 5% for typical black roofs. Obviously,
cool white roofs in hot climates are a good thing. Cooler
roofs conduct less heat into the interior of the building.
In combination with insulation and ventilation, cool roofs
can reduce the need for air conditioning (a huge and costly
power draw in the summer). Beyond saving money, a cool roof
can also reduce the outside ambient air temperature. It does
so by literally re-radiating the sun's heat-containing rays
right back into space! Cooler ambient air reduces the creation
of air pollution and, in urban areas, helps to reduce the
so-called "Urban
Heat Island Effect".
Which CertainTeed products are considered "Cool"?
Steep Slope:
• Landmark Solaris shingles - All have initial SR values of 0.26 or greater.
• Light-colored Landmark™ and CT™ 20/XT 25 Shingles - Some
have SR values of 0.25 or greater.
• Symphony Slate Shingles - Most have initial SR values of 0.25 or greater.
Low Slope:
• Flintlastic¨ CoolStar Series of low-slope roofing cap sheets - All
products have SR values ranging from 0.71 to 0.77.
• FlintCoat W has an initial SR of 0.90.
• Other "FlintCoat" products contain aluminum flakes and have
initial SR values ranging from 0.54 to 0.70.
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