Scientists and world leaders have finally convinced us that the “greenhouse effect” is real. Climate change is happening and is having an impact on our planet. And while everyone knows that cars are one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, the other big contributor might surprise you. It’s buildings!
Yes, buildings, like your kid’s school or your office building. Even when there’s no smokestack spitting out black soot, buildings are still a large contributor to climate change. And if you go up on top of the building you’ll see the reason why. It’s that black roof.
Imagine how you’d feel if you spent a sweltering summer day in the sun wearing nothing but black. You’d roast. That’s why people wear white clothing to stay cooler in hot climates because white reflects light while black absorbs it. Similarly, black rooftops absorb heat and at the same time increase the temperature of the air around them.
The Energy Star Roof Products Program, sponsored by the US Environmental Protection Agency, has a list of qualified roofing products that reflect more of the sun’s rays. Solar reflectance is the most important characteristic of a roof product for yielding the highest energy savings during warmer months. These products can lower roof surface temperatures, decreasing the amount of heat transferred into the building and thus the amount of air conditioning needed. One of the most effective products tested by the EPA is the Duro-Last Cool Zone® Roofing System.
Duro-Last Cool Zone® is a highly reflective PVC membrane that is white through and through. And in Energy Star tests only Cool Zone® had an initial reflectivity of 87.5% and retained most of that reflectivity (85%) after three years of weathering. Made for flat or low sloped roofs, Cool Zone® is durable, virtually maintenance-free, inherently recyclable, and can dramatically reduce roof surface temperatures, lowering cooling costs and keeping non-conditioned space more comfortable and productive for workers. Cool Zone® calls itself “The World’s Coolest Roof”, and tests have proven that to be true.
In Louisville, Commonwealth Roofing Corp. is a Duro-Last® Elite Contractor and a KRCA Certified Contractor (Kentucky Roofing Contractors Association) with 28 years of experience. Commonwealth owner, Michael Sasse, along with his sons Nathan and Joe have consistently been ranked among the top roofing contractors in the region. “At CRC, we’re bringing what’s new, smart and ‘green’ in roofing to business owners. That’s why we chose to represent Duro-Last® products. Buildings covered in Duro-Last Cool Zone® roofing have seen up to a 40% reduction in energy consumption during peak times. It’s one of the fastest and least expensive ways to reduce energy costs.”
As President Barack Obama has stated, “Few challenges facing America, and the world, are more urgent than combating climate change.” Duro-Last Cool Zone® roofing is a huge step in the right direction. It’s effective in virtually all climates and has an excellent environmental reputation.
Black roofs are passe. These days the smart and energy-efficient roof is wearing white . . . and going green!
For more information contact Michael Sasse, (502) 459-2216
Commonwealth Roofing Corp.
