With the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) researching the favorable effects that COOL roofing shingles have in reducing urban heat concentration, you know the benefits of these shingles are definitely nothing to scoff at.
What Are Cool Roofing Shingles?
COOL roofing shingles are comprised of solar-reflecting granules that reduce the amount of heat radiated into your home. In order for an asphalt shingle to be designated as “COOL”, it requires a COOL Roof Rating Council (CRRC) rating for solar reflectance and thermal emittance. Adopting a COOL roofing system can allow for an overall reduction in indoor temperatures, leading to less air conditioning usage – which means more money in your pocket.
In order to fully comprehend the benefits that a COOL roof provides, you need to get acquainted with the relationship between the heat from the sun, and your roof – and ultimately how that interaction impacts your energy bills.
Let’s learn more by going over the three major processes (Absorption, Solar Reflectance, & Thermal Emittance) that occur when solar radiation hits your roof.
Roof Shingles & Solar Absorption
If you are suffering from an increase in indoor temperatures coupled with rising energy costs, your attic may be absorbing too much heat. Absorbed heat can raise temperatures inside your home, something that is often a symptom of either improper ventilation or inadequate insulation. If you suspect your ventilation or insulation isn’t up to par, consider contacting a roofing professional to inspect your attic and roof.
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Roof Shingles & Solar Reflectance
When heat from the sun radiates onto your roof, it carries both infrared and ultraviolet light waves. The amount of light bounced back into the atmosphere is what determines a shingles solar reflectance rating.
Asphalt shingles can achieve ENERGY STAR certification if they have relatively higher solar reflectance values, in this case an initial solar reflectance of at least 0.25, and a three-year solar reflectance measurement of at least 0.15.
For reference, the solar reflectance measurement range is between 0.0 and 1.0, with 1.0 representing 100% reflection.
Roof Shingles & Thermal Emittance
When your roof absorbs sunlight, it also emits some of that warmth into the surrounding atmosphere – this process of radiating absorbed heat is known as thermal emittance. The measurement range of thermal emittance falls between 0.0 and 1.0, with higher numbers representing less heat dispersing into your home.
While thermal emittance isn’t a requirement for ENERGY STAR certification, it is nonetheless specified on products for consumer-friendliness and a better-informed purchase. Also consider that low thermal emittance is beneficial to cold climates, while high thermal emittance would be preferable in hotter climates.
The Solar Reflectance Index (SRI)
The Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) is an aggregate of thermal emittance measurements and aged solar reflectance of asphalt shingles, with a measurement ranging from 0 to 100. This metric can be used to determine the potential heat of shingles exposed to sunlight, with lower numbers denoting hotter shingle temperatures.
In order to be classified by the COOL Roof Rating Council (CRRC) as “COOL”, asphalt shingles must meet the specific values for solar reflectance, thermal emittance and solar reflectance defined by the energy code. This ensures that your “COOL” roofing system results in the lower energy expenditure that you require to save on utility bills. Ultimately, when it comes to a well-priced and energy-efficient roof in a warmer climate, you simply can’t go wrong with a COOL roofing system.
About Rapid Restore
Our mission at Rapid Restore is to provide a stress-free, refreshingly simple, world-class roof installation experience for our customers in Long Island, NY. We look forward to protecting you. With over 110+ 5 star reviews on Google, you can trust the expert roofing contractors at Rapid Restore to replace your roof on-time and within budget.
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