FM Strategies & Solutions from Building Operating Management

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Carlisle SynTec Systems

The article “Rethinking Cool Roofing” evaluates and documents trade-offs associated with the indiscriminant use of white or “cool” roofs regardless of the local climate. Careful evaluation of the effectiveness of white roofs in northern climates reveals some potential unintended consequences.

EPDM roof

INCREASED ENERGY COSTS. The Department of Energy and Oak Ridge National Laboratory Roof Saving Calculator indicates that the use of white roofs is energy-efficient in warmer southern climates, but not energy-efficient in colder northern climates where they can increase a building owner’s total energy costs.

GLOBAL WARMING POTENTIAL. A recent study conducted by researchers at Stanford University came to the conclusion that white reflective roofs may actually contribute to global warming as they reflect heat back into the atmosphere.

CONDENSATION ISSUES. Because the assembly of a white reflective roof remains cooler than dark colored alternatives, there is an increased risk of condensation forming inside such roof assemblies in northern climates, especially in the absence of a vapor barrier, thereby slowly eroding the integrity of the roof.

WINTER SAFETY. Frost, dew and ice in northern climates are more prone to happen and more difficult to see on white roofs creating a slip hazard for maintenance people.

DECREASED LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE. Darker-colored EPDM membranes typically perform better than cool roofs in Xenon Arc accelerated weathering tests and real world weathering. Additionally, EPDM remains more easily repairable at the end of its service life.

When installing a new roof, it is important to be aware color is only one component of a roof system. A roofing system should be determined during the design process based on geographic location, occupancy, service life, and level of insulation. Combining the geographically appropriate roof color with the optimal R-value of insulation should result in an energy-efficient, sustainable roof.

For information on EPDM roofing systems, visit www.carlislesyntec.com or contact Ron Goodman at ron.goodman@syntec.carlisle.com.



Information courtesy of Carlisle SynTec Systems

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