No Energy Savings From My Cool Roof – What Gives?

Okay, so you installed a cool roofing system, but since the building already had so much insulation you haven’t noticed any energy savings. What’s the point?

True. High reflectivity is a key characteristic that helps keep buildings cooler and can reduce energy usage. As much as 40% less cooling energy may be needed for buildings that have highly-reflective roofs. But even if a building is very well insulated, here are some other valuable benefits from cool roofing:

Insulation can be 25%-50% more effective

Studies have shown that extremely high temperatures reduce the effective R-value of the most widely used types of insulation (Leonard & Leonard, 2005). Cooler surfaces help preserve and keep rooftop insulation materials cooler.

HVAC equipment can operate more efficiently

Inlet air temperatures can be 5-15 degrees cooler 30 inches above a cool roofing surface compared to a black surface. Most rooftop HVAC units are designed with efficiency ratings evaluated at 95ºF (York International, 2005); rooftop temperatures on a black surface can reach 160ºF or higher, meaning that HVAC units will not operate at peak efficiency.

Substrate deterioration may be slowed by as much as 75%

Ultraviolet and infrared radiation and moisture penetration accelerate substrate deterioration. A cool roofing system will reflect this radiation and help protect the substrate (Kirn et. Al., 1994).

Ambient interior temperatures can be up to 20ºF cooler than outside

Studies of worker performance with machine operation and high physical activity reveal that productivity drops 10% at 84ºF and 38% at 95ºF (Schweisheimer, W., 1962). So even if a building is not air conditioned occupants will still notice improved comfort on hot days.

Originally posted by Duro-Last Roofing and re-posted by DK Haney Roofing.

DK Haney Roofing Works with CBS Channel 11 Studios on Roofing Project

On October 13, 2010, DK Haney Roofing rolled into the CBS Channel 11 Studios parking lot to commence work on the company’s latest roofing project.  The local CBS affiliate contacted DK Haney Roofing after discovering leaks in its current roof system which lead to their decision to replace the faltering 30,000 square foot roof.

When DK Haney Roofing sat down with CBS Channel 11 they recommended the industries leading roofing products, including Duro-Last® Roofing System, Built-up Roof Systems, and Modified Bitumen Roof System.  In the end CBS Channel 11 was sold on Duro-Last’s® Cool Zone Roofing System.

A black roof in Texas during the summer runs about 150 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.  When the temperature outside is 95 degrees, a Duro-Last® Cool Zone Roofing System will not exceed 100 to 110 degrees.  Energy cost savings from a Duro Last® Roofing System can range from 5 to 40 percent depending on a buildings insulation, geographic location, and energy costs in that area.  CBS Channel 11 Studio’s new Duro-Last’s Cool Zone Roofing System will not only lower heating and cooling costs but will also provide a leak proof roof.  The Cool Zone Roofing System is also custom prefabricated, durable, backed by the industry’s best warranties, code compliant, and the best long-term roofing value. 

For more information about DK Haney Roofing and their services and products, call 866-DRY IT IN or visit www.dkhaneyroofing.com.

*Roofing temperatures and cost savings are estimates and may vary depending on building insulation, geographic location, and energy costs in that area.