Roof coatings are designed to create a smooth, protective layer on various roofing surfaces. They increase sunlight reflection, minimize heat absorption, and form a waterproof cover to increase energy savings. These coatings are specially formulated using certain compounds like polyurethanes, acrylics, or silicone, catering to the specific needs of the setting. The increasing preference for smart solutions that align with green philosophy is increasing the demand for roof coatings that ensure reduced footprint, utility cost, and energy efficiency. Applying these coatings significantly saves residents from energy wastage and high maintenance expenses.
Reflectivity and temperature control in cool roof coatings
Reflectivity influences the surface temperature of the roof and, consequently, the indoor temperature of a building. It is measured on a scale of 0-1, where 1 represents the most reflective surface. A cool roof absorbs and transfers less heat from the sun to the building compared with a more conventional roof. For example, Gardner’s energy-efficient coatings deliver high solar reflectivity and thermal emittance which significantly cut down roof temperatures. Lower roof temperatures bring down cooling needs for a more energy-efficient building. NanoTech launched its Nano Sheild Cool product designed to be used for commercial roofs in March 2023. They reduced 30-40% of HVAC use in building cutting down on energy expenditures.
Cool roofs also impact surrounding areas by dropping temperatures outside buildings, thus mitigating the heat island effect. A cool roof lowers the amount of heat transferred to the building, which allows it to stay cooler and use less energy for air conditioning. These roofs decrease the associated air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by lowering energy use. When applied at a scale large enough to affect ambient temperatures, cool roofs decrease the formation of ground-level ozone and reduce cooling energy use across a city. In April 2023, Neogard completed the testing of the Cool Roof Coating Council’s final approval of the 7490-CA aliphatic urethane roofing topcoat product. The approval would maximize the company’s revenue.
Solar energy efficiency leads to declining costs
Generally, roofing materials absorb heat, causing the roof surface to become significantly warmer. This heat then transfers into the home, forcing the air conditioning system to work overtime to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. These coatings help decrease the heat that penetrates the homes, sometimes as much as 50 degrees Fahrenheit by keeping the roof surface cooler. Properly specified and installed, elastomeric coatings improve a roof’s service life by 10-20 years, which synchronizes the service lives of the roof and the solar installation. The significance of elastomeric coatings is projected to garner the highest CAGR OF 4.0% from 2021 to 2030 for the segment in the roof coatings market. In November 2022, Midland, MI – Dow selected AB Specialty Silicones as an authorized distributor in the U.S. and Canada to support the Company’s business growth of OH functional silicone polymers.
Peak energy demand reduction
Another significant aspect of how roof coatings affect utility costs is their role in reducing peak energy demand. During extremely hot days, the demand for electricity skyrockets as many households crank up their air conditioning. This leads to higher utility rates, especially during peak hours. Reflective roof coatings help lessen this demand by keeping homes cooler, thus lowering the overall electricity consumption during those peak periods. In April 2023, Everest Systems LLC released a high-performance field-applied topcoat called Fluorostar that restored and protected different types of roofing surfaces with long-lasting color. Fluorostar is a water-based, ultra-thin film roof coating created using Kynar Aquatec.
The Cool Roof Rating Council reports that reflective roof coatings bring down peak energy demand by 10% to 15%. This is not only beneficial for individual households but also helps reduce stress on the local power grid, which can translate to more stable energy prices in the long run. In air-conditioned residential buildings, solar reflectance from a cool roof brings down peak cooling demand by 11–27%.
Minimal maintenance costs and increased property values
The initial investment in roof coatings seems daunting for some homeowners, but the long-term financial benefits often outweigh these upfront costs. In addition to lowering utility bills, roof coatings help extend the lifespan of the roofing system. These coatings eliminate the frequent need for repairs and replacements by providing a protective layer that shields the roof from UV rays, weather damage, and general wear and tear. Fewer maintenance issues mean fewer expenses, allowing one to allocate the budget to other home improvement projects or savings. The Roof Savings Calculator from Oak Ridge National Laboratory concluded that one color’s advantage depends heavily on location and climate. Heating costs in northerly climates are three to five times greater than cooling costs elsewhere. The Roof Savings Calculator found that the cooling benefit from white roofs in 25 northern cities is exceeded by the heating penalty due to reflected heat loss.
The roof coating adds to the cost, but it increases the warranty years and minimizes fire insurance premiums, while solar power can reduce electric costs by as much as 60 percent. If the coating and solar installation meet requirements to qualify for a federal renewable energy production tax credit under Production Tax Credit (PTC) 1603, it receives a tax credit of 30 percent of the combined installation cost and a short depreciation schedule. PTC 1603 was passed under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to increase investments in clean energy.
Investing in roof coatings also enhances the overall value of homes. Energy-efficient features are increasingly appealing to potential buyers, and a home with a reflective roof is expected to stand out in the real estate market. Rebate programs are typically run directly by utilities or by cities as a part of larger programs for energy efficiency upgrades. Thirty-five utility and municipal rebate programs for installation of cool roofs are available in 11 states (Example: Energy Cool Roof Rebate Program), representing the most popular financial incentive program nationally for cool roofs.
Endnote
Roof coatings offer a cost-effective extension of the roof’s lifespan. They significantly enhance energy efficiency and minimize the carbon footprint. High-quality roof coatings can last a decade. These coatings reflect the sunlight and keep the homes cooler during summer. Reducing energy consumption helps avail government subsidies and increases the property’s value. Moreover, numerous available options provide a wide range of coatings that consumers can choose based on their budget and style. The increased awareness of these multiple advantages is thus expected to raise the application rates of roof coatings paving the way for sustainable dwellings.
✍ **𝑨𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓: Saranya Ganguly
Author’s Bio:
Saranya Ganguly is a B2B writer with extensive experience in crafting research-driven content. Her interests concern sustainability, BFSI, and technology. The knack for blending insights and statistics with creative flair motivates her to deliver engaging, and impactful write-ups. She specializes in web articles, newsletters, promotional pieces, and LinkedIn briefs, helping businesses articulate their brand voice and value propositions. A master’s degree holder in English and Commonwealth Literature, Saranya enjoys reading in her free time. When not writing, she dabbles in photography and fine art.
