Cool-roof Systems
Cool-roof Systems | Roofing | Delano
Baked under Delano’s powerful sunshine, your roof deserves an upgrade that works as hard as the sun itself. HEP’s cool-roof systems use advanced reflective membranes and precision-installed insulation to bounce heat away, lowering attic temps and trimming energy bills from day one. Homeowners love the immediate comfort boost, while businesses enjoy year-round savings and a roof that looks sleek and modern.
Every project is handled by our local team, trained in the latest sustainable roofing practices and backed by HEP’s rock-solid warranties. From free thermal assessments to swift, meticulous installation, we make transforming your property simple, affordable, and future-proof—because smarter roofing starts at the top.
FAQs
What makes a cool-roof system beneficial for homes and businesses in Delano?
Delano’s long, hot summers routinely push daytime temperatures past 95 °F. A cool-roof system is engineered with highly reflective membranes and coatings that bounce away a large portion of the sun’s radiant heat instead of absorbing it. In Delano’s climate, this can lower a roof’s surface temperature by 50–60 °F, trim indoor cooling loads by up to 20 %, and significantly cut air-conditioning costs during peak utility-rate periods. Added benefits include extended roof life—because materials undergo less thermal stress —and improved indoor comfort for buildings that are not fully air-conditioned, such as warehouses and agricultural structures common in the area.
How much energy can I actually save with a cool roof in the San Joaquin Valley?
Savings vary with roof size, insulation levels, occupancy, and HVAC efficiency, but field studies in the Central Valley show annual cooling-energy reductions of 10–30 %. A typical 2,000-sq-ft Delano home with an older, dark asphalt roof might save 15–20 % on summer electricity bills after switching to a Title 24 compliant cool roofing product. Commercial buildings with large, low-slope roofs often see an even higher percentage because the roof is a greater portion of the envelope exposed to solar gain.
Are cool-roof systems compatible with the flat and low-slope roofs found on many Delano commercial buildings?
Yes. In fact, cool roofing originated in the commercial sector. For flat and low-slope roofs, we typically install white or light-colored single-ply membranes (TPO or PVC), spray-applied elastomeric coatings, or foam-and-coating assemblies. These materials achieve solar reflectance (SR) values of 0.70–0.88 and thermal emittance (TE) values of 0.80–0.90—well above California’s Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) minimums. They are fully compatible with parapets, rooftop equipment, and existing drainage systems common on Delano’s packing facilities and retail buildings.
Will installing a cool roof qualify me for any incentives or code credits in Kern County?
California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24, Part 6) already require cool roofing on most new low-slope non-residential projects, but retrofit projects in Delano can tap into additional savings. Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) has periodically offered prescriptive rebates for upgrading from dark roofs to CRRC-listed cool products—typically $0.10–$0.20 per square foot. Kern County property owners may also qualify for PACE financing, which lets you spread the cost over up to 20 years through your property-tax bill. We handle all the paperwork, including reflectance testing certificates and rebate applications, as part of our service.
How does maintenance of a cool roof differ from that of a traditional roof?
Routine maintenance is very similar—keep the roof clean, clear drains, and inspect flashings twice a year. With cool roofs, however, surface cleanliness directly affects reflectance. Dust, pollen, and agricultural residue can reduce performance by 5–15 % if not removed. We recommend a gentle, low-pressure wash each spring after the almond-bloom season and again in late fall to flush away harvest dust. The coatings we use are UV-stable and resist chalking, so they typically maintain high reflectance for 10–15 years before a recoat is needed, which is much simpler and less expensive than a full tear-off.
What does a cool-roof installation cost in Delano, and how long is the payback period?
Installed costs in 2024 range from $2.50–$4.50 per square foot for a low-slope commercial re-coat and $5.50–$9.00 per square foot for a full tear-off and replacement with premium reflective membranes or metal panels. For single-family homes, cool asphalt shingles average $1.00–$1.50 more per square foot than standard shingles. Because energy bills in Delano spike during the long cooling season, most homeowners recover the incremental cost within 3–7 years, while commercial facilities often achieve payback in 2–5 years—especially when they take advantage of utility rebates and accelerated depreciation.