It’s August in Virginia, which means it is hot! At ShenCorp, Inc., we know how important it is to keep your home cool during the summer. How do you do that in high temperatures? One way to reduce air conditioning costs is to install a cool roof. So, what is a cool roof?
A cool roof reflects more sunlight and absorbs less heat than a traditional roof. This type of roof can be made of a reflective paint, a sheet covering, or reflective shingles or tiles. Standard (dark) roofs can reach temperatures of 150°F or higher during summer months, but under similar conditions, a cool roof could stay more than 50°F cooler. This would save you money by saving energy and therefore using less air conditioning in your home. Before installing a cool roof, it’s important to consider climate and other factors, like cost of the installation and moisture control.
Other than reducing energy bills, a cool roof can also benefit the comfort of indoor spaces that are not air conditioned, like garages. In addition, decreasing the temperature of your roof may also increase the lifespan of your roof, saving you money long-term. Cool roofs also benefit the environment in several ways, such as reducing local air temperatures and reducing power plant emissions by reducing the energy use in certain buildings.
The surface of your roof (the part that’s exposed to the sun) is the part of your roof system that determines if a roof is cool or not. Typically, you can make an existing roof cool by choosing the correct surface material to coat it with. The coating to make a roof cool is typically white, and it includes reflective materials that reflect the sun. These coatings will protect the roof from UV light and damage from chemicals.
One factor that’s important to consider before installing a cool roof is the cost of the installation. Cool roofs are not necessarily more expensive to install than a traditional roof, but changing a traditional roof in good condition into a cool roof can be expensive. Typically, roof costs include the initial installation and continuous maintenance after the roof is installed. It’s essential to consider if the cost of installing a cool roof will save you more money than the initial costs of installation. One way to estimate how much energy you could potentially save is by using a cool roof calculator.
If you’re considering installing a cool roof, give us a call! Since 1977, ShenCorp Inc. has specialized in commercial roofing throughout Winchester, VA, Charlottesville, VA, Waynesboro, VA, Richmond, VA, Virginia Beach, VA, and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic region. Call ShenCorp now for your total roofing services.