When it comes to sustainable living and cutting down on energy bills, small changes can make a big difference. One of these changes involves using a cool roof coating, which is a practical, eco-friendly solution gaining popularity among homeowners and businesses alike. If you’ve ever felt like your roof becomes unexpectedly hot during the Oklahoma summer, you’re not alone. Roofs absorb heat, and that heat can make cooling your building an expensive challenge. It also tends to ruin roofing materials.
Cool roof coatings are designed to change that. These coatings don’t just maintain the look of your roof, they work hard to reflect sunlight and reduce the amount of heat your roof absorbs. The result? A cooler home or building, less strain on your AC, and some extra savings in your wallet. If you are also looking to install these coatings, but are on the edge of a decision, this blog post will help explain all you need to know.
What Is A Cool Roof Coating?
A cool roof coating is a specialized type of roof coating that you apply to your roof to help it stay cooler. It’s usually white or light-colored, and it reflects sunlight and UV rays. If you live in hot states like Oklahoma, using a cool roof coating is especially important to keep your home or commercial property comfortable.
Cool Roof Coatings and Solar Reflectivity
Cool roof coatings operate in two main ways: solar reflectance and thermal emittance. Solar reflectance is the ability of the coating to bounce back, or reflect, sunlight, especially the infrared waves which contain the majority of the sun’s heat. This reflected sunlight helps to keep the roof’s surface cooler, reducing heat absorption. On the other hand, thermal emittance is the roof’s ability to release the heat that it has absorbed, allowing it to radiate that warmth away efficiently. Together, these properties work to minimize the temperature of the roof, enhancing energy efficiency and comfort within the building.
Not only do these coatings work with a variety of different roofs, such as flat, sloped, metal, or asphalt, but they also provide an extra layer of protection against weather damage. So, whether you’re in a scorching desert or a humid coastal area, a cool roof coating could be a game changer.
The Benefits of Cool Roof Coatings
Based on what we discussed above, it’s clear that cool roof coatings help reflect sunlight better and keep temperatures down, but this is not its only advantage. There’s more!
Improved Energy Efficiency
One of the biggest advantages of a cool roof coating is the way it reduces energy consumption. By keeping your roof cooler, these coatings help lower indoor temperatures, meaning that your air conditioning system won’t have to work as hard. This is good for homeowners, and even better for business owners since large properties are involved, and saving money is very crucial.
In fact, studies show that cool roofs can reduce a building’s energy use by 10% to 15% in hotter climates. That translates into lower electricity bills, especially during peak summer months.
Improved Comfort Inside The Property
Even if you don’t have air conditioning, a cool roof coating can make your home or building noticeably more comfortable. By reducing the heat that seeps in through the roof, these coatings help maintain cooler indoor temperatures. This can be especially beneficial for warehouses, garages, or other spaces where air conditioning isn’t typically used.
Longer Roof Lifespan
Heat and UV rays are two of the biggest culprits behind roof deterioration, particularly with asphalt shingles. Over time, excessive heat can cause cracks, warping, and other forms of damage. Therefore, cool roof coatings act as a protective barrier, reducing wear and tear from the elements. This not only extends the life of your roof but also saves you money on repairs or replacements down the line.
Environmental Benefits
There are two ways in which cool roof coatings provide environmental benefits:
Reduced Urban Heat Islands: In cities, heat from roofing systems contributes to higher overall temperatures (a phenomenon called the urban heat island effect). Cool roofs help counteract this by reflecting heat away.
Lower Carbon Footprint: By cutting down on energy use, you’re also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a win-win for you and the environment.
Cost Benefits In The Long Run
Many property owners might see installing a cool roofing coating on the roof as extra work that increases the expense. However, they should understand that it’s a worthwhile investment in the long run, and the energy savings alone often cover the initial expense within a few years. Plus, when you factor in the extended lifespan and reduced maintenance needs, it’s clear that cool roof coatings offer excellent value for the price.
Versatility
Another reason to love cool roof coatings is their versatility. They work well on a variety of different building types; such as residential homes, commercial offices, industrial warehouses, and even schools. No matter the type of roof you have, chances are there’s a cool roof coating that can be tailored to your needs.
How Suitable are Cool Roof Coatings to Use With Other Materials?
Cool roof coatings are versatile and effective across a range of roofing materials, making them an excellent choice for various building types. Here are the roofing materials that gain the maximum benefits from having cool roof coatings applied.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are durable and well-known for the way they already reflect the sun. However, they can still absorb heat, so benefit from a cool roof coating that helps with reflection.
Benefits: Helps prevent rust, reduces cooling costs, and protects the roof from weathering.
Ideal Fit: Works seamlessly with smooth surfaces like standing seam or corrugated metal roofs.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles, while popular for residential homes, are prone to overheating due to their dark color. A cool roof coating enhances their reflectivity and prevents heat buildup.
Benefits: Improves energy efficiency, reduces heat-related cracking, and extends the lifespan of shingles.
Ideal Fit: Perfect for reducing summer heat on residential properties without requiring a roof replacement.
Flat Roofs
Flat roofs, often found on commercial properties, benefit significantly from cool roof coatings, as they tend to absorb more heat due to their broad, sun-exposed surfaces.
Benefits: Lowers energy costs, reduces water damage risks, and protects against UV degradation.
Ideal Fit: Suitable for materials like concrete, EPDM, and TPO.
Best Cool Roof Coating Products For Your Roof
There are several types of roof coatings available on the market and a wide variety of choices, which can confuse you. To avoid this, we have narrowed down the following products for your needs:
#1 887 Tropi-Cool White 100% Silicone Reflective Roof Coating
This Henry Cool Roof coating stands out in the market with its silicone composition that provides numerous benefits. It also has dirt-resistant technology, and it becomes rain-safe in a little over 15 minutes.
#2 Rust-Oleum 790
Rust-Oleum’s 790 Synthetic Roof Coating offers 88% initial reflectivity for superior energy savings and long-lasting performance. With exceptional weather resistance and high elasticity, this is a great product.
To learn more about different roof coating products, visit our blog post: 5 Best Cool Roof Coatings
Install Quality Roof Coatings Today
If you’re considering a cool roof coating for your home or business, now is the perfect time to take action. As a trusted roofing company in Oklahoma, A. Fricker Roofing and Waterproofing has improved the quality of both residential and commercial roofing systems.
We’re here to guide you through the process, from selecting the right product to ensuring flawless application. Contact us today at (918) 402-7167 to learn more about how a cool roof coating can make a difference for you!
