What is a Cool Roof? Keeping Your Home Cool This Summer
6/1/2021
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As the temperature heats up, you may be wondering how you can keep your home cooler. If so, it may be time to consider a cool roof, designed specifically to reflect the sun’s energy away from the roof and back. Essentially, cool roofs divert and creates thermal emittance, so your home stays cooler, literally.
Besides reducing the heat inside your home, there are many benefits to a cool roof including:
- Improved home air quality
- Lower air pollutant emissions
- Less energy use
- Lower month energy bills
Interested in adding a cool roof? Here are the most popular ways to create a cool roof for your home:
Coating. One of the most popular cool roof techniques is to simply coat your roof with a paint-like finish that is designed to reflect the sun’s rays. The paint is actually made from special materials that cool surfaces. While this coating can be applied to roofs made from almost any material, it works best on roofs that are low-sloped.
Foam roofing. This is a great, low-cost option for homeowners who want the benefits of a cool roof without a big investment. The type of foam used for this purpose is lightweight, flexible and able to work on a variety of roofing systems. It’s quick and easy to install as well.
Built up roofing (BUR) systems. This type of cool roof is more complex than the other two, as it includes a base layer, a second layer made of fiberglass and a top protective layer. Often called “tar and gravel roofs” these feature reflective marble “chips” on the top layer that help deflect the sun’s rays. Another type of BUR system is made of asphalt. These not only cool homes in the summer but also help keep homes warm in the winter.
When you’re ready to take advantage of a cool roof, contact a CertainTeed professional. We have been helping homeowners choose the best cool roofing system for their home, and are ready to help you choose yours, too.