Tips to Cool a Roof This Summer by All Seasons Roofing

(Newswire.net — July 30, 2015) Wilmington, North Carolina — According to the US Department of Energy, the temperature on a traditional roof can be more than 50 degrees warmer than the outside air. This additional heat raises the temperature within the house as well, creating a higher demand for air conditioning. This then leads to increased energy use and higher monthly energy bills.

One alternative to a traditional roof is a “cool roof”. The name is a reference to the fact that the roof is specially designed to stay cooler than other roofing materials, even in direct sunshine. The roof works by utilizing reflective materials to deflect sun rays from the roof, allowing it to absorb less heat and remain cooler. All Seasons Roofing Inc. recently shared several ways that people can cool their roof to stay comfortable this summer.

Cool Roof Coatings

If the roof is in good condition, a cool roof coating can be applied to improve the solar reflectance. There are two types of coatings used – cementitious and elastomeric. Cementitious is made from concrete or ceramic, while elastomeric contains polymers. The coating is simply painted on the existing roof to create a bright white, reflective surface.

Modified Bitumen Roof

A modified bitumen roof is a popular cool roof option for low-sloped and flat roofs. This membrane is made from sheets of plasticized or rubberized asphalt. These sheets are bonded together with rolled reinforcing fabric. This fabric is rolled on the roof and attached using hot asphalt or cool adhesive. A white coat is applied over the surface to create a cool roof.

Roof Mist Cooling System

A roof mist cooling system sprays small amounts of water across the roof. As the water evaporates, the roof temperature is lowered. Also known as an evaporative cooling system, this can lower the roof’s temperature by up to 60 degrees with only a pint of water per square foot per day.

Metal Roofs

Unpainted metal roofs are another good option for a cool roof. These naturally reflective roofs are ideal for use on roofs with a steep slope. Although it can be left unpainted, its efficiency can be improved with special coatings that help it release heat better.

For more information about the benefits of an energy-efficient cool roof, visit the website of All Seasons Roofing Inc. at www.allseasonsroofinginc.com. All Seasons Roofing Inc. provides residential and commercial roofing services to people located in Wilmington, North Carolina and the surrounding areas.