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What is a Cool Roof?
A:
According to the California Energy Commission: “Cool roofs are
specialty roofing materials that stay 50 to 60 degrees F cooler than
a normal roof under a hot summer sun.” This reduces the heat
transfer into the building. (Specific performance requirements must
be met to qualify under State mandated building codes)
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How does a Cool Roof Work?
A:
This can be done in many ways but the most cost effective and
usually the most beneficial method for most commercial flat roofing
conditions is to have a white reflective coating installed that
reflects the majority of the sun’s heat and prolongs the life of the
roofing System by many years. Cool Roofs will reflect over 70% of
the sun’s heat energy, thus keeping the exterior and interior of a
building cooler.
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What is the difference between a cool roof and a reroof?
A:
It depends on what is being done, because a cool roof can be
incorporated as part of a reroof, although it is much more typical
that it is an application over the existing roof system. At the Cool
Roof Company we specialize in restoring an existing roof of almost
any condition and transforming it into a cool roof, thus avoiding
the tremendous costs associated with traditional tear-off and
replacement. See the section of our website on cool roofs to learn
more about the benefits of cool roofing.
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Is a Cool Roof the same as Elastomeric Coating?
A:
Yes and no. One type of Cool Roofing makes use of specially
formulated Elastomeric coatings. Elastomeric coatings in general
have elastic properties and can stretch in the summertime heat and
then return to their original shape without damage. This is of
obvious benefit when it comes to the problems other roofing
materials have with cracking, leaking or warping due to changes in
temperature.
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What types of commercial properties can benefit from having a Cool
Roof? A:
Virtually all types of commercial buildings can benefit from a Cool
Roof.
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I have heard I can get tax help if I put in a cool roof. Is this
true? A:
It is possible, although these programs are ever-changing. You will
need to consult with your tax advisor as to your particular
circumstance to determine if you qualify for any tax relief either
state-wide or federally.
You should also contact your local energy provider. There have been
different programs from time to time for which you might qualify
that could save a significant amount of money. To find out if one of
these programs applies to you check out the Flex Your Power website
at: www.fypower.org
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What types of roofing problems can be helped with having a Cool
Roof? A:
With cool roof materials, used in combination with other products
and innovations available to us, we can help you solve a multitude
of problems that go along with having a flat roof. Problems such as
cracks, leaking and ponding water can all be resolved with our cool
roofing materials.
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How will having a Cool Roof save money or otherwise be of benefit to
me? A:
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Reduce electrical power demand by as much as 10% in hot sunny
weather, thus reducing energy bills.
-
Increase the life expectancy of the roof.
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Extend the useful life of the building’s cooling equipment.
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Improve thermal efficiency of the roof insulation; this is because
as the
temperature increases the thermal conductivity of the roof
insulation
also increases.
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Increase occupant comfort by keeping out unwanted heat.
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Reduce the resulting air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
from
electricity generation.
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Cool Roofs are Green Roofs.
A California study found that cool roofs provide an average yearly
net savings of almost 50 cents per square foot. This number includes
the price premium for cool roofing products and increased heating
costs in the winter as well as summertime energy savings, savings
from downsizing cooling equipment, and reduced labor and material
costs over time due to the longer life of cool roofs compared with
conventional roofs.
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Is Cool Roofing Title 24 compliant?
A:
Yes, for a true Cool Roof. For more information you can go to
California’s State website:
www.energy.ca.gov/title24/
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What impact will a Cool Roof have on the internal temperature of my
building?
A:
According to EnergyStar.gov the surface temperature of your roof may
be lowered as much as 100 degrees. You can imagine how this
translates in the lowering of the internal temperature of that
building.
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Do cool roofs cost more than conventional roofs?
A:
No, a Cool Roof can cost less than 1/3 that of a conventional roof.
Add to this the energy cost reductions and you can see how much of a
savings a Cool Roof can be.
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How does a Cool Roof impact the environment?
A:
By a reduction of air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and lower
demand on an overloaded power grid due to lowered energy usage.
Also, by reducing the impact on our landfills, because tear-off of
the existing roof is not required as it is in conventional reroofing.
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When is the best time to put on elastomeric coating?
A:
A conventional roof of any age, be it new or old, can benefit from
the application of a cool roof product.
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Can I use elastomeric coating over a tar or gravel roof?
A:
Yes, although it requires special preparation.
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Are Cool Roofs fully compliant with federal, state and municipal
building codes and energy conservation programs?
A:
Yes, if properly applied.
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How much does a Cool Roof Cost?
A:
This depends on several variables. We would be happy to inspect your
building and provide a free estimate.
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How long does it take to do the job?
A:
This can only be determined by looking at your site. A job can take
anywhere from several days to weeks depending on the site and its
requirements. However, it can typically be done in less time than
that of a conventional tear-off and reroof.
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Will we have to shut down our business during the work?
A:
No. Our work is done in a way that will not interrupt your business.
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Will I have to do any maintenance to my roof once you are done with
it?
A:
Yes. All roofing requires some maintenance. We recommend yearly
basic maintenance. This usually involves a quick cleaning and any
minor maintenance needed and taken care of by our qualified
professionals. The cost of this is usually just a few hundred
dollars. Cheap insurance for your roof.
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Can we get references to ensure you will do the job right the first
time?
A:
Yes. We will be happy to give the names and numbers or recent
clients.
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Do you offer a free estimate?
A:
Yes. We are happy to provide a free estimate for qualified
individuals.
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How much money will I save by installing a Cool Roof?
A:
It will depend on the size of your roof and each will need to be
monitored on its own basis. However, very simply, it costs far less
to cool a space which is not as hot. This is just one of the
benefits and goals of cool roofing.
Per Wikipedia a test of cool roofing was done on a commercial roof
in Texas. The cool roof delivered an 11% decrease in aggregate air
conditioning consumption for a savings of approximately $.07 per sq.
ft. per year.
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