The Durability, Sustainability & Energy Efficiency of Solar Reflective Elastomeric Roof Coatings vs. Traditional Built Up Asphalt Roofing

More than ever before, homeowners are faced with tough decisions when it comes to home improvements balancing cost, value and the environment.

When addressing flat roofing issues, homeowners should consider durability and sustainability when evaluating roofing system costs. The installation methods and materials surrounding traditional built up asphalt roofing have changed little in over a century. Advances in white solar reflective elastomeric roof coating over the past 15 years have resulted in a durable roofing system that addresses the need for energy-efficient roofing. These roof coatings provide three key benefits- durability, sustainability and energy efficient solar reflectivity. When combined, these three benefits can provide homeowners value, protection and reduced energy costs.

When evaluating roofing solutions, the homeowner should take into consideration what the roofing system will deliver in terms of real and lasting value. In other words, the roofing system chosen should be durable and not have to be replaced again and again. This principal of durability and value provides relief for the environment as well as the pocketbook. When high quality white solar reflective elastomeric roof coating products are applied correctly, they provide a protective barrier that can stand up to some of the harshest elements and last for years with proper care. When maintained properly; the service life of a coated roof can last for many years. With the proper installation and maintenance all that is required to extend the life of a white solar reflective roof coating is periodic cleaning and an additional coating application as per the manufacture’s recommendations.

When compared to white elastomeric solar reflective roofing systems, the installation of built up asphalt roofs is an energy consuming process that results in a roof that has a relatively short service life of 8-10 years. It is estimated that 7% to 10% of landfills are comprised of roofing waste due to the fact that traditional built up asphalt roofing is not sustainable and requires frequent replacement. Asphalt roofing contributes to atmospheric air pollution in the form of both toxic and green-house gases produced during installation and “out-gassing” over the life of the roof. Because solar reflective roof coating systems only require additional coats to extend their life once the initial system is in place, they help reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills associated with traditional roofing tear-off.

Reflective roof coatings act like mirrors, reflecting the sun's radiant energy back into space. When first applied, solar reflective roof coatings can provide a solar reflectance of up to 80%, which means that only 20% of the sun's energy is being absorbed as heat. Conventional built up asphalt roofing typically reflect only about 25% of sunlight. This is because they are typically covered with a gray aggregate (mineral) with a rough texture and a black substrate which allows considerable heat absorption. The solar reflectivity of the white elastomeric roof coatings can reduce the surface temperatures 55 – 75 F when applied over flat built up asphalt roof surfaces. The roof surface temperature reduction associated with white elastomeric roof coatings equate to lower cooling costs to homeowners and promote the life of the roof. Pairing energy savings with durability make elastomeric solar reflective roofing systems an environmentally friendly and sustainable roofing solution.

The advances in white solar reflective elastomeric roof coating technology over the past two decades have resulted in a durable roofing solution that addresses the need for energy-efficient roofing and durable roofing solutions.

Quinones Design/Build provides an energy efficient and durable roofing solutions. Call Quinones Design/Build today to schedule a free Solar Reflective Roofing System consultation and estimate
575-524-4646 or E-mail: jake@quinoneshomes.com

Las Cruces' Roof Coating Experts: Beat the Heat of Southern New Mexico

Keep Cooling Costs Down - Combining Proper Attic Ventilation with Solar Reflective Rood Coatings

Southern New Mexico’s summer heat presents homeowners with unique challenges when dealing with cooling their homes, keeping energy costs down and extending roof life. Installing both the proper attic space ventilation and a solar reflective roof coating can provide many benefits to reduce attic temperatures, reduce cooling costs, and extend the life of the roof.

All too often, attic space ventilation is overlooked and often ignored as a place for potential energy savings. Air trapped in the attic can easily reach 150˚, or more, during Southern New Mexico’s peak summer months. Uncirculated hot air in the attic space radiates heat into the home’s interior; this causes the heating and cooling systems to work harder and translates into higher energy costs year round. A recent survey found that close to 90% of all existing homes in the U.S. were not equipped with proper attic space ventilation. The older the home the more likely that home was not equipped with the proper attic space ventilation. Aside from increasing cooling costs; an improperly vented attic space can lead to very costly and damaging effects. Excessive heat buildup can cause a warping or buckling of the roof sheathing, cause premature failure of roof shingles (or the asphalt roofing materials of a flat roof) and decrease the service life of the roof. Proper attic space ventilation can help to reduce moisture. Trapped moisture can cause wood rot, paint blisters, roofing bubbles, reduction of insulation R-value, and mold colonization. Attic space ventilation can be accomplished by gravity ventilators, wind assisted ventilators and/or power ventilators. Regardless of the method used to vent, the purpose is to provide uniform ventilation of the attic for temperature and moisture control. For the comparatively small investment to ventilate the attic space properly, homeowners can save on costly repairs and reduce cooling costs.

Reflective roof coatings act like mirrors, reflecting the sun's radiant energy back into space. When first applied, solar reflective roof coatings can provide a solar reflectance of up to 80%, which means that only 20% of the sun's energy is being absorbed as heat. Conventional built up asphalt roofing typically reflect only about 25% of sunlight. This is because they are typically covered with a gray aggregate (mineral) with a rough texture and a black substrate which allows considerable heat absorption. The solar reflectivity of the white elastomeric roof coatings can reduce the surface temperatures 55 – 75 F when applied over flat built up asphalt roof surfaces. The roof surface temperature reduction associated with white elastomeric roof coatings equate to lower cooling costs to homeowners and promote the life of the roof. Pairing energy savings with durability make elastomeric solar reflective roofing systems an environmentally friendly and sustainable roofing solution.

From reducing cooling costs to extending the life of the roof, the proper attic space ventilation combined with a solar reflective roof coating provides homeowners with a practical solution when dealing with Southern New Mexico’s hot summers.
Contact Quinones Design/Build for a free Attic Space Ventilation and Solar Reflective Roofing System consultation.

Stay Tuned as Quinones Design/Build provides more information on energy saving home solutions.