Monday, September 24, 2012

White NYC roof 42 degrees cooler than black ones

According to a paper published in March 2012 in Environmental Research Letters about the first scientific results from New York City's effort to brighten rooftops and reduce its “urban heat island” effect, on the hottest day of the summer in 2011, a white roof covering was measured at 42 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the traditional black roof to which it was being compared.

The dark, sunlight‐absorbing surfaces of some New York City roofs reached 170 degrees Fahrenheit on July 22, 2011, a day that set a city record for electricity usage during the peak of a heat wave. But in the largest discrepancy of that day, a white roofing material was measured at about 42 degrees cooler. The white roof being tested was a low‐cost covering promoted as part of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s effort to reduce the city’s greenhouse gas emissions 30% by 2030.

On average through the summer of 2011, the pilot white roof surface reduced peak rooftop temperature compared to a typical black roof by 43 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the study, which was the first long‐term effort in New York to test how specific white roof materials held up and performed over several years.

Widespread installation of white roofs, which New York City is attempting through the NYC CoolRoofs program, could reduce city temperatures while cutting down on energy usage and resulting greenhouse gas emissions, said Stuart Gaffin, a research scientist at Columbia University, and lead author on the paper detailing the roof study.

The urban landscape of asphalt, metal, and dark buildings absorbs more energy from sunlight than forests, fields or snow‐and ice‐covered landscapes, which reflect more light. The absorption leads to what scientists call an “urban heat island,” where a city experiences markedly warmer temperatures than surrounding regions. New York City’s urban heat island has a more pronounced effect at night, typically raising nighttime temperatures between 5 and 7 degrees Fahrenheit relative to what they would be without the effect, according to Gaffin’s previous research.

The problem leads to everything from spikes in electricity usage and greenhouse gas emissions to poorer air quality and increased risk of death during heat waves. In recent years, city planners worldwide have discussed cutting into this effect by converting dark roofs to either “living” roofs covered in plants or to white roofs, the far less expensive option. The options tested in this study included two synthetic membranes requiring professional installation and a do‐it‐yourself (DIY), white‐paint coating that is being promoted by the city’s white roof initiative.

With climate change, the urban heat island problem will likely intensify in coming decades, said Cynthia Rosenzweig, a scientist at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York City and a co‐author on the paper. She said "Right now, we average about 14 days each summer above 90 degrees in New York. In a couple decades, we could be experiencing 30 days or more".

Conklin is America's #1 acrylic roof coating company by volume. They manufacture high quality, Energy Star rated metal roof renovation, single-ply, fabric reinforced, polyurethane foam, and EPDM roof coating systems that meet or exceed fire ratings and code standards.

Although these roofing systems require fewer labor hours than most, they are complex. Using inexperienced installers can increase the risk of the coating system to fail prematurely or to not be wateright from the onset. Conklin trains all roofing contractors hands-on and assists them with proper equipment and tool acquisition before they install their first job. They are also provided with year-round regional and national training and support.


To learn more about Conklin's roofing systems, please watch this short video:


 

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ROOFING CONTRACTORS NEEDED IN MULTIPLE STATES!
Patton Services | (309) 303-3128 | rpatton55@comcast.net | http://www.whiteroofingsystems.com/ 

Monday, September 17, 2012

How cool roofs benefit you and the environment

The roof system of a home or building is an area where significant heat gain occurs, in particular on relatively flat exposures to the sun’s position during the warmest period of the day. Dark colored roof surfaces can also contribute significantly to the urban heat island effect and smog formation, leading to increased air pollution.

Reflective, light colored “cool” roofs can not only help reduce cooling costs, but can also have a positive environmental impact by reducing the urban heat island effect. Light colored roof materials and coatings are advantageous over dark colors because of their ability to reflect and radiate energy away from the roof.

Here are a few additional cool roof benefits:
  • Reduce cooling costs
  • Reduce contribution to Urban Heat Island effect     
  • Increase life cycle of roof
  • Reduce maintenance (and maintenance costs) of the roof
  • Improve occupancy comfort level
How a cool roof is defined
Cool roofs are characterized by their ability to reflect and radiate a high percentage of the sun’s solar flux. This helps prevent the transmittance of heat into the building and the heating of its surroundings, know as “heat island” effect. Cool roofs have been confirmed to be up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than conventional dark colored roofs.
  • Heat Flux is the direct and diffused radiation from the sun received at ground level
  • Solar Reflectance is an index between 0 and 1 that expresses the fraction of solar flux that is reflected from the material. The higher the value, the more solar energy that is reflected
  • Thermal Emittance is the ratio between 0 and 1 that indicates the energy radiated by a material compared to the energy radiated by a black body at the same temperature. The higher the value, the more energy that is radiated away from the material
For those with homes or buildings in Chicago
Rebates are available in all states, but as an example here are the per-square foot rebates available to Chicago home and building owners based on the initial reflectance value of their roof system:




  • Low Slope Roof: A roof with a surface slope between 0 in 12 and 2 in 12 (0 inch rise in a 12 inch run and 2 inch rise in a 12 inch run), as defined in the Chicago Building Code Section 13 (18-13-303.2.1)
  • Medium Slope Roof: A roof with a surface slope over 2 in 12 and up to and including 5 in 12 (over a 2 inch rise in a 12 inch run up to and including a 5 inch rise in a 12 inch run), as defined in the Chicago Building Code Section 13 (18-13-303.2.2)
  • To qualify for a low slope grant, the roof slope must meet the slope requirements as specified above and have a roof material or coating system with initial solar reflectance greater than or equal to 0.65, as rated by the Cool Roofs Rating Council or Energy Star
  • To qualify for medium slope grant, the roof slope must meet the medium slope requirements and include roof materials or roof coatings with initial solar reflectance grater than or equal to 0.25, as rated by the Cool Roofs Rating Council or Energy Star
How to apply?
  • For owners of homes and buildings in Chicago, request an electronic fill form from the Department of Environment at roofgrants@cityofchicgo.org and submit electronically
  • If you have questions, call the Chicago Department of Environment at (312) 744-2994
Additional helpful sites


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ROOFING CONTRACTORS NEEDED IN MULTIPLE STATES!
Patton Services | (309) 303-3128 | rpatton55@comcast.net | http://www.whiteroofingsystems.com/ 

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

An Overview of Conklin Roofing Systems



Reflective white coatings can help to extend the life expectancy of many different roofing systems simply by avoiding extreme surface temperatures associated with prolonged exposure to the sun. They provide a “sacrificial” layer to take the punishment that the elements and environment dole out.

In areas with warmer climates, the surface of an uncoated roof can get up 180 degrees or even higher in the summer months, punishing workers and prematurely deteriorating your rooftop equipment and the roof system itself. A quality reflective white roof coating reflects most of the heat, keeping the roof surface near ambient temperature, reducing the amount of air conditioning required to cool the building below.

Coatings aren't just for warm weather climates though. Especially in northern states, enhanced roof longevity can result in at least as much cost savings. Without white coatings, roof temperatures soar in the summer months because of all the insulation required to retain the heat during the cold winter months.

Conklin is America's #1 acrylic roof coating company by volume. We manufacture high quality, Energy Star rated metal roof renovation, single-ply, fabric reinforced, polyurethane foam, and EPDM roof coating systems that meet or exceed fire ratings and code standards.

Although these roofing systems require fewer labor hours than most, they are complex. Using inexperienced installers can increase the risk of the coating system to fail prematurely or to not be wateright from the onset. Conklin certifies all roofing contractors through hands-on training and assists with proper equipment and tool acquisition before they install their first job. They are also provided with year-round regional and national training and support.

Fabric-Reinforced Acrylic Coatings
Conklin revolutionized the commercial roofing industry when we introduced white acrylic fabric-reinforced coating systems more than thirty years ago. Our fabric-reinforced ply roofing system combines the leak-resistant seamless membrane of a liquid-applied system with the toughness and a tensile strength of a single-ply system. The reinforced fabric gives extra strength to the finished watertight coating membrane without adding significant weight. With its reflective, energy-saving white top coat, a finished ply system stands up against tough weather and offers strong, long-lasting protection.

Metal Roof Restoration Coatings
Conklin’s metal roof restoration coating system was specifically designed to prevent leaks
where they most often occur - at the seams. In addition to outstanding protection against water penetration, the metal restoration system extends the life of your roof by resisting weather extremes and reduces air conditioning costs by reflecting the sun’s harmful rays, and its light weight also preserves the useful life of your building.

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Roofing Systems
Conklin's spray polyurethane roofing systems have been engineered to provide a superior, energy-efficient, long-lasting roof for any building. Foam roofing offers excellent insulation value and a smooth, durable, seam-free barrier against the elements when coated with Conklin coating systems. Foam is so lightweight (about eight ounces per square foot) it can be applied over most existing roof systems without exceeding the structural load capacity. Yet it’s amazingly strong, easily withstanding light foot traffic and other weight requirements. Conklin’s foam roofing systems have met the most stringent requirements for a variety of industry groups such as Factory Mutual and Underwriters Laboratories, and are recognized by the International Conference of Building Officials.

EPDM and Modified Bitumen Roof Coatings
You can extend the life of your existing EPDM or modified bitumen roof and save on energy costs at the same time with Conklin's innovative roof recoating systems. An EPDM coating system is an effective and economical alternative to tear-off and re-roofing. Adding a white, energy efficient, lightweight coating on top of your black roof avoids the expensive removal and disposal of your existing roof and the tremendous workplace disruption it causes.

You can potentially save enough in cooling costs to pay for your recoat within just 7 years, as Conklin's Energy-Star rated white top coats reflect up to 85% of the sun's heat rays, cooling your roof and building and enabling up to a 30% reduction in air conditioning. You may also qualify for federal tax credits and/or rebates. 

Single-Ply Roof Systems
Conklin’s Flexion single-ply roof system provides a tough, yet extremely flexible 50-mil barrier from the elements. Our advanced, naturally fire-resistant PVC formulation provides long-term superior strength, stability, and flexibility, requires minimal maintenance and has a favorable life cycle cost.

Conklin's Hy-Crown® single-ply roof system is extra-tough because it is manufactured with Hypalon® - a synthetic rubber made by DuPont. Hypalon is one of the most durable materials in the single-ply roofing market and has a track record of more than 30 years.

Single-Ply Roof Coatings
You can improve the performance and further extend the service life of a new, existing or aged TPO, PVC and CSPE single-ply roof with Conklin’s specialty formulated acrylic 
roof coatings. As single-ply membranes become weathered over time they can crack, leak, and pick up dirt, diminishing their effectiveness and energy-saving properties. Conklin’s elastomeric coatings provide a new, cost-effective solution for repairing, preserving and improving the energy savings of approved single-ply membranes.

Cost Benefits
Many satisfied customers have already discovered that a Conklin roof pays for itself during the warranty period through lowered air conditioning costs, Federal tax rebates, and tax credits and deductions that help to offset the already minimal investment. Additionally, in many cases re-coating your roof is considered a maintenance cost tax deduction. Please check with your local utility company, tax advisor, and EnergyStar.gov for additional details.

Many years from now when it is time to renew the superior protection of your Conklin roof, a simple recoat will do the job. In most cases, recoats can be done for the entire life of your roof, saving you the expense of tear-off and a completely new roof system, as well as extending the material warranty for several additional years.

For more information about Conklin Roofing Systems, or to find a professional Conklin-certified installer in your area, please visit www.WhiteRoofingSystems.com.


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ROOFING CONTRACTORS NEEDED IN MULTIPLE STATES!
Patton Services | (309) 303-3128 | rpatton55@comcast.net | http://www.whiteroofingsystems.com/ 

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Choosing the right insulation for your roof


Composition and thermal characteristics are the most important factors when choosing insulation for your roof.

Composition is literally what the insulation is made of, its stability and its compatibility with the roof membrane that is being installed.
Thermal characteristics are the "R-value" of the material. For instance, polystyrene insulation is not a good choice for use in built-up and modified-bitumen roof systems, as the insulation melts from the temperature of hot asphalt. Alternatively, it is the best choice for inverted membrane roofs, as its insulating value is not affected by water (mechanically fastened and fully adhered single-ply membranes also are good matches with polystyrene).

Polyisocyanurate insulation is the most common board insulation used because it can be used with almost all types of membrane roof systems. With hot adhesives, however, it has to be paired with an insulation cover board of another type, such as perlite or wood fiber.
Perlite and wood fiber are rarely used by themselves because of their low R-value. When high insulating value is not a requirement, such as unheated warehouses and storage facilities or when insulation board is needed solely to provide a smooth surface to apply a re-cover membrane over an existing roof, their low cost do make them an attractive decision. NOTE: Perlite should not be used with PVC membranes, as the two are incompatible.

Foamed-in-place insulation is the material of choice when a liquid or spray-applied membrane roof is installed. Because the foam application is seamless, there are no insulation board joints for the liquid or spray-applied material to run down into. Also, foamed-in-place insulation is excellent for adding slope to a roof, as it can be shaped on the roof to meet the precise requirements of deflected and oddly shaped roofs.

For more information about foam roofing, please watch this short video:


Almost any insulation can be used in a tapered insulation system, used when the existing building deck is not structurally sloped to the drain or where deflection in the deck is causing areas of standing water. Perlite is a good choice as the tapered board because it is inexpensive and the insulating value can be met by an underlying layer of polyisocyanurate, leaving the perlite to form the slope.
When in doubt, consulting with a professional certified roofing contractor to assist you in determining the proper (and compatible) insulation for your particular roof system is a wise decision.

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ROOFING CONTRACTORS NEEDED IN MULTIPLE STATES!
Patton Services | (309) 303-3128 | rpatton55@comcast.net | http://www.whiteroofingsystems.com/