You’re always seeking new ways to save on energy costs. As we head into the summer months, the experts have a simple suggestion: Look up.
In warm and hot climates, “cool roof” coatings can make a big difference in electricity costs. Cool roof coatings are white or reflective pigments that reflect sunlight, leading to lower roof temperatures.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says cool roofs can reduce the annual air-conditioning energy use of a single-story building by up to 15%. That’s because reflective roofs cool the insides of buildings, decreasing the need for air conditioning and peak demand electricity.
Cool versions of roofing materials may require a reflective surface coating that adds about $1 per square foot to the installed cost of a roof. But it may be worth it. According to the DOE, installing a white roof on a commercial building yields annual energy savings worth up to $0.20 per square foot. The savings are greatest in warm and hotter climates.
