These roofs are well-sealed and insulate the buildings they cover. If you live in a warmer area or have trouble keeping your home cool, but you don't want to splurge for a whole new roof, you can cover your existing roof with a light-colored coating to lower your cooling costs. You add it all up, add ten to fifteen percent to cover screw-ups (which are inevitable), and you go back to the banker. You start with a coated metal and paint it a light color or add some light-reflecting pigment, and you've got a cool roof. But even that treatment doesn't solve all the problems: A smooth roof reflects more light than a bumpy roof. The intensity and angle of that reflected light create the so-called "heat island" effect in cities and can erode the atmosphere. R-value measures the ability of insulation to resist the transfer of heat. Loss of thermal efficiency is a major problem associated with damp insulation. Concrete makes a great option for those who like the thermal properties of terra-cotta but not the price.

As an added eco-bonus, they're heavy: That superior thermal mass keeps the cool air inside on a hot, hot day. When you imagine that sweltering rooftop next to many others, it's no surprise that the air in a large city filled with dark, heat-absorbing rooftops can often be hotter than the air in surrounding areas. Clay tile and concrete roofs can cost more to install, but they can save you money in the long run because they tend to be more energy efficient than other materials -- in all climates. You've probably heard of asphalt roofs and tile roofs, but what about green roofs? You start with a flat roof, then build it up with layers of asphalt and material coated with asphalt. Repairs and installation services include all roofing material such as asphalt shingles, slate shingles, clay tile shingles, wood shake shingles, flat roofs, and more. With a wide range of style and color options available, you are sure to be able to find beautiful asphalt shingles that complement your property’s exterior. Options for creating a cool roof include materials like modified bitumen, single-ply membranes, cool roof coatings and even green (vegetated) roofs.

Roofers replace, repair, and install the roofs of buildings, using a variety of materials, including shingles, single-ply, bitumen, and metal. Shakes and shingles are generally the most popular types of roofing materials, but without the right engineering, they're also the least cool of the cool roofing options. Because of the layering, this type of roof is very insulating, and with careful selection of materials, the roof can be a cool roof as well. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, this type of Steel Roof Decking has been used in the United States for more than 100 years, and it's commonly known as a tar and gravel roof. According to the Single Ply Roofing Association, they have a more consistent quality because they're not constructed on site. But in a building that's designed to carry that load, the heavy roof can have tremendous insulating benefits. They're durable, so heavy foot traffic will not damage the roof system. A roof entirely composed of pavers is as heavy as a stone roof and can weigh more than 23 pounds per square foot. Read on to discover 10 ways to cool your roof! To read more articles on roofing and green building, check out the links on the next page.

Read on to learn about 10 of them. Choose a contractor who has a lot of experience installing energy-efficient roofs. Can installing a green roof save you money? This type of roof is usually more of an industrial application. Cool roofs reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than standard roofs, making them over 50 degrees F cooler, contributing to energy savings and comfort in hot weather. The most energy-efficient roofs also have high emittance, which means they're efficient at releasing any solar heat they have absorbed. Cool roofs are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than standard roofs. This section indicates that ventilators for roofs are to be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s installation instructions and the requirements of Section R903. In some states and municipalities, cool roofs are required for all new commercial construction. To determine which roofing materials are best for your home or building, first determine the slope of your roof, then select the cool roof product that best suits your slope, budget and architectural style. Both have their merits and downsides, making the choice dependent on various factors, including climate, budget and personal taste.