Favorite vacation spots have always included warm, sunny places where people can go to bask in the sun. However with today’s global warming, those warm, sunny places can be a little too close for comfort, especially if you live in urban areas. That’s because in our cities there is a tendency for temperatures to reach 3Ëš to 8Ëš F higher than outlying rural areas. This is known as the urban “heat island” effect.
The causes for the differences in temperatures from rural to urban areas breakout something like this: 56% is attributable to less vegetation; 38% is caused by dark roofing; and 6% is the result of dark paving. Black rooftops and pavement create “hot spots” that absorb far more heat than their surrounding areas. And as these hot spots increase the temperature of the air around them, they also increase the probability of smog.
Today’s “green” builders know the importance of using “cool roof” products that can combat global warming and the “heat island” effect. One such product is the Duro-Last® single-ply roofing system made for flat and low-sloped, commercial and industrial roofs. The highly reflective white membrane is the real defender in this fight. It reflects more of the sun’s rays and delivers real savings in monthly energy bills. And like its name suggests, Duro-Last® is exceptionally durable, as well as leak-proof, resistant to high winds and virtually maintenance free.
Michael Sasse, owner of Commonwealth Roofing Corp. in Louisville, partnered with Duro-Last® in 1987 and is now one of their Elite Contractors. “Duro-Last® is a roofing system we’re proud to represent. As a charter partner in the EPA’s Energy Star® Roof Products program, Duro-Last® has made an enormous contribution to rooftop sustainability and energy efficiency. Duro-Last® membranes are watertight, resist ponding and are extremely effective at reflecting sunlight and heat away from buildings. And building owners especially like the Duro-Last® comprehensive 15-year full warranty; it’s the best in the industry.”
As a KRCA Certified Contractor (Kentucky Roofing Contractor’s Association) with 28 years of experience, Michael feels it’s important that customers know where he stands. “At Commonwealth it’s our goal to always have up-to-date knowledge of what’s out there, what’s ‘green’ and what’s not. And because Kentucky has no licensing requirements for roofers, it’s up to each of us to deal fairly and honestly with customers. That’s what I’ve always done and will always do.”
Today, climate change is recognized by many as one of the greatest possible dangers facing humanity. With the urban “heat island” effect, people who live and work in overheated buildings must endure not only discomfort but also possible danger; and owners of hot buildings face escalating energy costs and potential energy shortages. As an approved Energy Star product, Duro-Last® roofing can lower roof surface temperatures and decrease the amount of heat transferred into a building, reducing peak cooling demands by 10% to 15%.
Over half the people in the US live in a “heat island” . . . and it’s no vacation spot! It’s sweltering summer temperatures, scorching pavement and ever increasing energy use which leads to higher energy costs, increased pollution and environmental degradation. Americans spend one-sixth of all electricity generated in this country on air conditioning, so it’s critical that we take advantage of every means possible to reduce energy usage. The good news is one solution is already out there . . . up on the roof.
For more information contact Michael Sasse, (502) 459-2216
Commonwealth Roofing Corp.
