Types of Cool Roofs

Roof systems are made of one or more material layers. The surface exposed to the sun is the one that determines if a roof is cool or not. Different roofing systems present different surface options. By selecting the right surface, you can usually make your new or existing roof cool. Here are some common roof systems along with a description of how their surfaces can be made cool. To learn more about these and other roof systems, check with the National Roofing Contractors Association.

Cool Roof Coatings contain white or special reflective pigments that reflect sunlight. Coatings are like very thick paints that can protect the roof surface from ultra-violet (UV) light and chemical damage, and some offer water protection and restorative features as well. Coatings can extend a roof’s service life as long as the roof is still in good condition, Figure 6. More than 500 different cool roof coatings are available, and products exist for most roof types. Manufacturers also coat some roof surfacing materials (membranes, metals, granules, etc.) at the factory to make them more reflective.