The results of a recently conducted Virginia Tech University study challenge the premise that white or reflective roofs are generally the best option for urban heat islands.
The study analyzed the ways in which black and white roofs differently affect the temperatures of surrounding air and adjacent building materials and surfaces. The study draws no conclusions about whether white or black roofing is good or bad; it does, however, suggest that the industry should be more methodical about roof selection and the unintended consequences of reflected light and heat energy from the sun.
Elizabeth Grant, Associate Professor at Virginia Tech and the leader of the study, said, “Roof selection is an architectural issue.” Grant continued, “It’s not as simple as slapping a white roof on everything to gain a LEED point. Architects and roof consultants need to be aware of potentially adverse thermal effects when choosing roof membranes, particularly where roof surfaces are adjacent to walls that can be affected by bounced sunlight.”
Click here to read the full article. For additional information, contact Ron Goodman at Ron.Goodman@CarlisleCCM.com.
|
|
|
|
