What Is a Cool Roof?
A cool roof, sometimes referred to as a green roof, is designed to reflect sunlight rather than absorb heat. This reflection usually helps lower energy bills thereby making the building more energy efficient and reducing the carbon footprint. While there are a lot of benefits to this type of roof, the climate does play a role in whether it should be installed. Construction companies in Billings, MT, and the surrounding area may be able to help you decide whether a cool roof is a good option for you.
Benefits
There are many different benefits that this type of roofing system can offer. As mentioned before, a cool roof helps to reduce the energy bills and saves the building owner money. A cool roof can also offer benefits, such as:
- Keeping a building cooler without the need for air conditioning.
- Reducing the emissions let off by power plants.
- Preventing power outages due to lower electricity demands.
- Extending the life of the roof due to cooler surface temperatures.
A cool roof is a great option for people who are environmentally conscious.
Climate
In this area, heat absorption is actually a big benefit during the winter. While the cool roof would help reduce energy bills during the hot, summer months, it could actually increase the cost of heating your home or building when it is cold. Your roofing contractors may be able to help you install a system that has some reflective capabilities.
Different Types
There are different ways to make a roof cool. Your current roof can be retrofitted with a reflective coating, or you can get an entirely new roof made from reflective shingles or tiles. The way your roof is made cool will also depend on the slope and type of system you currently have. If you want to learn more about cool roofs, you should talk with your contractor about the potential benefits, cost and design plan.
