Cool-roof Systems
Cool-roof Systems | Roofing | Guild
Imagine a surface so reflective that it turns the summer sun into a silent energy-saving partner. HEP’s cool-roof systems transform rooftops into highly emissive shields that bounce away up to 90 % of solar heat, keeping interiors naturally comfortable while slashing HVAC costs. Our Guild-based team installs premium membranes and coatings engineered to resist UV breakdown, ponding water, and the region’s unpredictable weather—so your investment keeps paying you back season after season.
Beyond immediate comfort, these solutions extend roof life, qualify many buildings for energy rebates, and help shrink your carbon footprint—all without disrupting day-to-day operations. If you’re planning new construction or upgrading existing roofing, let HEP show you how an eco-forward approach can look sharp, perform better, and pay dividends every month.
FAQs
What is a cool-roof system and how does it work?
A cool roof is a roofing assembly designed to reflect a higher percentage of the sun’s radiation and emit absorbed heat more efficiently than conventional roofs. It accomplishes this through light-colored or specially coated membranes, highly reflective shingles, tiles, or metal panels. By reflecting solar energy and radiating heat, the surface stays significantly cooler—often 30–50 °F (17–28 °C) lower on a hot sunny day—reducing the amount of heat transferred into the building below.
What are the main benefits of installing a cool roof in Guild’s climate?
In Guild’s mix of warm summers and moderate winters, a cool roof delivers several advantages: • Lower cooling bills: Less heat gain means air-conditioning systems run fewer hours, typically cutting summer energy use by 10–30 %. • Improved indoor comfort: Rooms directly below the roof stay noticeably cooler, even in non-air-conditioned spaces such as garages or warehouses. • Extended roof life: Lower surface temperatures reduce thermal expansion and ultraviolet degradation, helping membranes, coatings, and sealants last longer. • Reduced urban heat-island effect: High reflectivity helps keep surrounding air temperatures down, benefiting the entire neighborhood. • Environmental impact: Lower energy demand translates to reduced greenhouse-gas emissions from local power plants.
Which roofing materials can be used to create a cool roof?
Cool-roof technology is available in most major roofing categories: • Single-ply membranes (TPO, PVC, certain EPDM formulations) with factory-applied reflective surfaces. • Cool-roof coatings—white or light-colored elastomeric acrylics, silicones, or polyurethanes—applied over existing BUR, modified bitumen, or metal. • Cool asphalt shingles containing specialized reflective granules. • Standing-seam or corrugated metal panels finished with high-reflectance, high-emissivity Kynar® or SMP paints. • Clay or concrete tiles in light colors or with reflective glazes. • Green/vegetative roofs, which shade the roof deck and provide evaporative cooling. A roofing professional can help match the right material to your building type, slope, and budget.
How much energy can I expect to save with a cool roof, and will it affect indoor comfort?
Savings depend on roof area, insulation levels, HVAC efficiency, and local utility rates, but building-simulation studies and field data from Guild show: • Residential: 7–15 % reduction in total annual cooling energy; peak summertime cooling demand drops up to 20 %. • Commercial/industrial: 10–30 % cooling-energy savings, often yielding simple paybacks of 3–6 years. • Thermal comfort: Ceiling temperatures can be 10–15 °F cooler, lowering ambient indoor temperatures by 2–4 °F and reducing temperature stratification in high-bay spaces.
Is a cool-roof system more expensive than a traditional roof?
Material costs for factory-produced cool membranes or reflective shingles are usually comparable to their non-cool counterparts. When a coating is applied over an existing roof, the added expense typically ranges from $0.50–$1.50 per square foot, depending on preparation requirements. However, energy savings, increased HVAC longevity, and potential utility incentives offered in Guild often offset the premium within a few years. Additionally, some cool roofs qualify for local green-building credits and state or federal tax deductions, further improving the financial picture.
What maintenance and lifespan considerations are there for cool roofs?
Routine maintenance is similar to any high-quality roofing system: • Keep the surface clean: Semi-annual washing or low-pressure rinsing removes dust and biological growth that can lower reflectivity. • Inspect seams, flashings, and penetrations: Address any punctures or sealant deterioration promptly to prevent leaks. • Recoat when needed: Elastomeric coatings may need a reapplication every 10–15 years; membrane or metal systems typically last 20–35 years with minimal upkeep. Because lower temperatures reduce thermal stress, cool roofs often outlast conventional roofs, lowering life-cycle costs while improving sustainability.