Cool Roofs are gaining significant popularity with typical applications to reduce local air temperatures and lower peak electricity demands

 

Cool Roofs are made of a material that enhances the performance of the roof by reflecting sunlight, thus reducing energy consumption. It is comprised of a flat or textured roofing surface, which is reinforced by a rigid membrane. The reflective surface of the Cool Roof is made of a metal foil with a coating of reflective material. A Cool Roof is a unique building construction process, which offers a number of environmental advantages. The Cool Roof is also used in the commercial sector for the purpose of extending storage areas to roofs that are less than standard.

Cool Roofs are made of durable water-resistant materials such as slate, acrylic, concrete, stone, and tile. These roofing materials are non-combustible, thus offering protection against fire. It can also reduce heat gain and energy consumption during the summer months. Cool Roofs are constructed with a variety of distinctive designs, from basic straight-line styles to elaborate multi-colored roofing materials with retro-reflective shingles. The most common type of Cool Roof is the textured one, which is also known as roof coatings. These are made from polyurethane foam or epoxy coating and are designed to provide added protection against ultraviolet light, rain, snow, hurricanes, and other harsh weather conditions. They are cost-effective, even for commercial and industrial buildings. The coatings also prevent the growth of mold and mildew in cooler climates.

For homes and offices that have single-ply membrane roofs, such as on the south and west side, Cool Roofs may be used to create additional savings. Roof coatings reduce the temperatures by up to twenty-five degrees. Even in the hottest climates, the coatings can prevent the summers from being too hot and reduce unbearable summertime temperatures. The secondary cooling effect created by the coating is made up for by the insulation and stormwater run-off. This means that while installing the Cool Roof, the building's energy efficiency is increased. Recently, in May 2020, Nouryon launched elastomeric cool roof coatings solution Expancel, which reflects light.