FM Strategies & Solutions from Building Operating Management

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Carlisle SynTec Systems

Over the last 10 years, white roofs have been migrating north. Reflective white “cool” roofs are very popular in hot, southern climates due to their ability to help reduce buildings’ air conditioning usage and energy bills. Building owners and construction professionals who value sustainability and energy-efficiency often choose to install cool roofs in an effort to combat the urban heat island effect and reduce global warming. However, studies show that white reflective roofs are not the most energy-efficient choice in colder, northern climates.

Carlisle Syntec

Ashley McGraw Architects, PC and CDH Energy Corp conducted an experiment on identical buildings. One building had a white TPO roof over 4 inches of insulation, while the other had a black EPDM roof over 4 inches of insulation. A 30 percent heating penalty was documented with the white roof.

Another energy usage study conducted in Canada measured the energy impact of white, gray, and black modified bitumen membranes over identical levels of insulation. The black membrane was found to be more energy-efficient in heating-dominated climates.

A study by researchers from Stanford University shows white roofs may actually increase the earth's temperature. The study suggests white roofs reflect heat upward into the atmosphere, where it mixes with black and brown soot particles that retain heat. And a study by Arizona State University indicates that widespread adoption of highly reflective cool roofs could negatively impact rainfall patterns across the United States.

The myth of white roofs in northern climates is further evaluated in an article published in HPAC Engineering magazine. For more information, visit www.carlislesyntec.com, or contact Ron Goodman at Ron.Goodman@CarlisleSynTec.com.



Information courtesy of Carlisle SynTec Systems


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