The sun’s energy is a curious thing. Light is not the only form of energy that our sun provides, although it is certainly the most obvious. This light, however, transforms into heat when it comes into contact with objects. Most of the time, this light-to-heat transformation is barely noticeable, but with enough light and time, this heat can raise the ambient temperature up to 10 degrees higher than the surrounding areas.
This is actually an observable phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect, where a large number of buildings and structures reflect and radiate heat around each other, effectively creating pockets of high-temperature areas.
With years of experience as residential roofing contractors, our professionals at The Roofing Company have found a few solutions to reduce the heat island effect, and here are a few of our best tips.
Cool Roofs
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends the use of “cool” roofing technologies to reduce the thermal radiation brought about by the heat island effect. The main characteristic that allows cool roofs to remain, well, cool is its albedo. This is a surface’s ability to reflect sunlight and heat away from itself and back into the environment.
Albedo, as well as thermal emittance or a roof’s ability to emit or “lose” heat, are two factors that work together to give cool roofs their unique ability to resist increased temperatures compared to other materials used in new roof construction projects.
The Benefits of Cool Roofs
Perhaps, the most obvious benefit that homeowners can expect is a marked drop in their energy consumption. By allowing your roof to remain a few degrees cooler than its environment, your air conditioning unit doesn’t consume as much energy to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Cool roofs also have advantages when it comes to protecting the environment, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, helping to create a much healthier world for all of us.
Learn more about how cool roofs can help keep your home cool and comfortable with The Roofing Company. We are your leading provider of roof installation services as well as repairs and maintenance. Give us a call at (970) 887-0104, or fill out our online contact form to request a quote today. We serve homeowners in Aspen, CO, and nearby areas.