During summers, urban cities experience the phenomenon called “urban heat islands”, wherein the city heats up disproportionately than surrounding areas. One of primary reasons for this type of phenomenon is predominant dark-colored roofing and dark asphalt pavements across the city. The dark-colored roofs and asphalt panels absorb and reradiate the heat back into the environment, consequently increasing the temperature. Thankfully, cool roofs are one of the proven solutions to fight “urban heat islands” effect.
In this blog post we discuss the benefits of implementation of cool metal roofs in Scottsdale and elsewhere.
Measuring the Urban Heat Effect
How to detect what materials minimizes the urban heat islands effect? Firstly, every material absorbs and reflects varying amounts of solar heat, depending upon its color and reflectance. This variation is measured, based on ASTM test standards C1549 and E903. These tests help determine the solar reflectance (SR) of materials. It is expressed as the fraction of solar energy reflected, on a scale of 0 to 1. As standard, black paint has an SR of 0, while bright white titanium paint is tipped at 1.
How cool metal roofs help?
Scientists have developed the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI), to measure the ability of roofs to stay cool in summers. It measures both an initial SR value and thermal emittance value of materials and products. Higher SRI means higher amount of solar radiation reflection and lesser thermal radiation, leading to a comparatively cool surface. Metal roofs help achieve high SRI values, while minimizing the heat buildup. Many multifamily renovation contractors in Scottsdale choose metal roofing materials based on their SRI rating.
Benefits of Cool Metal Roofs
Increased Energy Savings
Commercial and residential property owners take personal interest in lowering the energy footprint of the property. Cool metal roofs have a high SRI rating, meaning that they help lower the temperature of both the roof and surrounding atmosphere. This helps lowering the air conditioning requirement, and hence, cut down the cost of energy bills in long term.
Long-Term Durability
Building materials may degrade prematurely due to daily exposure to high solar radiations. Traditional roofing materials usually dry out, turn brittle, or decompose in the course of time, if not maintained properly. Using high-SRI index metal roofing enhances the longevity of the roofing system. It also helps shield roof sheathing and other substrate materials that are in direct contact with the roof surface. A cool metal roof helps alleviate the negative impacts of solar heat on the attic spaces below, along with mechanical and electrical equipments in the property.
Wrapping Up
Multifamily renovation contractors in Scottsdale and other places understand the implications of urban heat islands and, therefore, endeavor construction and renovation materials that minimize its impact. In addition to realizing the benefits of energy efficiency, by installing high-SRI cool metal roofs during construction and renovation of multi family properties, property owners can ensure more financial benefits in terms of tax rebates. Cool metal roofs may have a high installation costs, but offers value for money as it is durable and highly environmentally friendly.
Multifamily Building Renovations 