Energy-Efficient Roofing Solutions for Commercial Properties
Energy-Efficient Roofing for Commercial Properties
A Cool Roof is an energy-efficient roofing system that reduces the levels of heat that transfer into commercial properties. Instead of absorbing sunlight and heat like a traditional roof, energy-efficient roofing is reflective or made of a lighter color. A commercial property with an energy-efficient roof reflects more of the heat and releases it to reduce the heat of the property. Roof coatings are designed to be reflective against solar radiation and even extend your roof’s lifespan. Coatings are a common addition to many sustainable commercial roofing installations.
When doing initial construction on commercial properties, consider having a sustainable roof installed. Choosing different roofing materials, roof coatings, reflective membranes, and other sustainable options can reduce the amount of heat and increase your savings. Implementing sustainable roofing solutions can save your company money over long periods by reducing the cost to heat and cool your property, and can extend the life of the roof itself. Consider the cost benefits of an energy-efficient roof alongside sustainability.
Benefits of An Energy-Efficient Roof
A sustainable roofing solution has many benefits that businesses should consider. Sustainability with commercial roofing can come in different forms, including membrane roofing, BUR, metal roofing, modified bitumen roofing, and reflective coatings.
During some of the hottest periods of the year, a commercial roof can become upwards of 80 degrees hotter than the temperature outside due to solar radiation. A commercial roof that doesn’t have reflective coatings or other energy-efficient roofing will likely allow a significant amount of heat transfer during these hot days. By focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency when designing a commercial roof, you can greatly reduce heat from penetrating the building. A green roofing solution reduces utility bills, which can not only reduce the cost of the roof installation but also increase the amount of thermal emissivity. These environmental impacts make a noticeable difference and can even reduce the Heat Island Effect that many dense city areas experience.
Energy Savings is Money Savings
The installation of energy-efficient roofing directly results in money saved. With green commercial roofing solutions, solar radiation is reflected or blocked from being transferred into the building. When heat transference is prevented, the property temperature stays cooler. With less heat entering the building your HVAC won’t have to run as frequently in order to maintain the same cool temperatures. With proper insulation and an efficient roof, your commercial property can save significantly over many years.
Even in cooler climates like Ohio a green commercial roof can have a big enough impact in the summertime to still provide long-term utility savings. Choosing to have an energy-efficient roof installed when your building is newly constructed is the most cost-effective way to make your roof more sustainable. Energy-efficient roofs don’t typically cost more than a standard roof, but they do benefit the property. Even if your roof wasn’t designed to be sustainable, there are still options to increase its efficiency, such as coatings or color changes. Depending on your area, your company may qualify for government incentive credits, which can provide significant savings. Contact DeMarco Inc. to learn more about these benefits and what options are best for your property!
How Commercial Roofing is Different
Many commercial buildings have flat roofs to provide additional space for HVAC, plumbing, antennas, and other systems. Larger commercial buildings have hatches and other access points to provide maintenance and services to these systems, which wouldn’t work well on a sloped roof. Commercial roofing experts have the knowledge and experience to correctly install a roof while also accommodating all of these systems that non-commercial buildings don’t have. Planning for commercial roofing builds is a much more extensive process than for a traditional roof on a residential building. The scale of a commercial building is much larger, and there are many more safety concerns. A commercial roof typically requires specialty tools, larger equipment, greater amounts of materials, and more time. If you’re in the middle of new construction, speak with your contractors about proper and sustainable roof ventilation. Heat can become trapped inside if the ventilation doesn’t allow it to escape, which can have the opposite effect of green commercial roofing. Hiring a professional commercial roofing company is the best course of action when trying to build, maintain, or repair a commercial roof.
How A Roofing Solution Can Impact The Environment
A Cool Roof is designed to reflect solar radiation and UV rays, which reduces the amount of heat that is absorbed. Because less heat is absorbed, there is less thermal transfer. As heat collects and is released in the area it can increase the temperatures in the environment. The Heat Island Effect occurs when man-made materials located in metropolitan areas hold onto heat, increasing the temperature and keeping it higher even after the sun sets.
A cool roof will reduce the overall utility usage, which increases the businesses’ sustainability while also reducing the potential for a power outage. During the hottest months power outages are more likely because of the high demand for electricity to cool down buildings. Reflective commercial roofs can collectively reduce global warming by reflecting light from the sun away from the Earth. A lower electricity demand also reduces the emissions that are released from local power plants.
Green roofs have no noteworthy downsides and provide massive benefits. Not only does your green roof save you money and reduce waste, but it can last longer than traditional commercial roofs, meaning you are using fewer materials over the lifespan of the building.
The Right Roofing Choices
The main factors in determining the effectiveness of your energy-efficient roof are the materials you use. The color of the material has an impact on reflectivity and how much solar radiation is absorbed. Lighter colors like white and light grey reflect a higher amount of sunlight and reduce heat absorption.
Several popular commercial roofing systems are made of different materials and are each installed differently. EPDM, TPO, PVC, BUR, and Metal roofs all have their benefits. By speaking with a professional commercial roofer you can narrow down which material is the best for your needs. Some are more expensive upfront but require less maintenance. Some materials can come in custom colors. Some are more flexible and are more durable in hotter conditions. Talk with DeMarco Inc. to learn about these differences and get an estimate on what materials we believe are the right fit!
Commercial Roofing Maintenance Planning
Energy-efficient commercial roofs don’t require additional maintenance than traditional commercial roofs. Oftentimes Cool Roofs are more durable and resistant to wear and tear from solar radiation and withstand the elements longer. These durable materials aren’t as susceptible to damage and are likely to need less maintenance than a traditional commercial roof.
Despite these roofs being extremely durable, maintaining your energy-efficient roof is still just as important. Any damage that occurs to a commercial roof can lead to further damage to the commercial property. By having your roof inspected regularly, small issues can be easily repaired before they grow into larger, more expensive problems.
DeMarco Inc. can provide regularly scheduled long-term maintenance to ensure your roof is getting regular inspections and the maintenance treatment it needs to stay durable for many years.
Commercial Roofing Experts in Central Ohio
For over thirty years, we have provided professional commercial roofing services in Columbus, Ohio, and the surrounding area. Our certifications and decades of expertise have positioned us as leaders in the roofing industry of Ohio. We are proud to have DeMarco Inc. roofs across the city and have built long-standing relationships with many local and regional businesses. Contact DeMarco Inc. today to get estimates on an energy-efficient roof for your commercial property.