"Cool Roofs vs. Government Inaction""

We touched briefly on "Heat Island Effect", and heat absorbed by petroleum based roofing materials. This topic is so simple, yet so ignored, that I thought we could devote time today, as it is an ongoing theme.

To me (and I will further explain why), it is beyond irresponsible for any governmental agency, or department, on any level, not to understand this principle. Yet, I see the same outdated, "cookie cutter" roofing specifications, as I saw in the 70's. Who builds structures made of oil? Doesn't that just sound silly?

I decided to do a side by side comparison between a white reflective synthetic roof, and a white modified bitumen roof over R-20 insulation, and a warranty term of 30 years. The energy model (200,000 sq. ft.) revealed a carbon reduction of 77,000 lbs., and an amazing $456,000.00 in energy savings (Courtesy: Carlisle Syntec).

The example was to replicate the general size of a High School, so I could provide a visual. Folks, that's almost a half million of YOUR tax dollars spent without the slightest benefit. None. Now imagine the size of your school district, and multiply. Rather staggering isn't it? Now, repeat this process with prisons, universities, and all governmental structures. Keeping in mind the average energy savings of non-petroleum roofs is 20% (other factors also influence that number).

I am a conservative environmentalist (spotting one is like seeing the Abominable Snowman) seeking maximum benefit of taxpayer dollars, and pursue this with enthusiasm on your behalf.

I've never seen, nor heard of any roofer who does this, and frankly don't think it's their fault.

Where I am retired, independent of monetary influence or having to "go along" with the game, they are not. Please understand I have only friends in the commercial roofing discipline, and understand they have a common responsibility: To provide work, nourish their employees, so they can provide for their families. An incredible task for anyone in business, and I pray for their success.

They need WORK, and it would be cruel of me to criticize anyone for addressing commodities of immediate need. But, if government would get it's head out of the sand, my colleagues would just as easily comply. They cannot complain, or they will be ostracized. FACT.

Okay, that's enough of the shrill tone, but I would encourage anyone who gives a whit about tax dollars to ask your local, state, or federal government "why".

I've had the privilege of speaking to Dr. Steven Chu, Physicist, Nobel Laureate, Former Director Lawrence Berkely Laboratories, and now U.S. Secretary of Energy. Secretary Chu supports exactly what I'm saying here about white reflective roof systems.

Quoting Dr. Chu:
"Professor Steven Chu, the US Energy Secretary, said the unusual proposal would mean homes in hot countries would save energy and money on air conditioning by deflecting the sun's rays.

More pale surfaces could also slow global warming by reflecting heat into space rather than allowing it to be absorbed by dark surfaces where it is trapped by greenhouse gases and increases temperatures.

In a wide-ranging discussion at the three-day Nobel laureate Symposium in London, the Professor described climate change as a "crisis situation", and called for a whole host of measures to be introduced, from promoting energy efficiency to renewable energy such as wind, wave and solar.

The Nobel Prize-winning physicist said the US was not considering any large scale geo-engineering" projects where science is used to reverse global warming, but was in favor of "white roofs everywhere".

Thank you for visiting with me today, and keep looking "UP".

"The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible"

Be good,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

"Cooking with Asphalt Shingles"

Remember when I told you asphalt shingles get extremely hot?

"Heat Island Effect" and asphalt shingles.

In this discussion, I will share the "Reality" of Heat Island Effect created by your asphalt shingle roof system.

MANY people are confused by, or have little knowledge regarding solar radiation, and the energy demand it creates. This is "Low Hanging Fruit" friends, so let's deal with that first.

The number ONE issue I face when discussing this topic is that all white roofs are "Cool Roofs". I speak to Professors, Architects, Engineers, and Government "Officials" who debate the esoteric, and ignore one of the most principle rules of physics: "Solar Radiation". Cool Roofs are almost exclusively measured by their ability to reflect solar radiation.

Please bear with me here, because I really need you to understand the following: Petroleum based roofing products (asphalt shingles, modified bitumen, and built up roofing) ABSORB the sun's energy, and retain it well into the evening.

But Ron, I've got white asphalt shingles on my home, so I've got a "Cool Roof", right? The answer is NO. The sun "sees" all petroleum products as "black", and your shingles may reach temperatures up to 100 degrees (assume all measurements to be Fahrenheit) hotter than ambient temperatore.

Example: If you change from a black asphalt shingle roof to a white asphalt shingle roof, you will not qualify for any energy rebates. The white granules embedded in asphalt shingles have very little reflective value. I don't care if the granules were made of chrome, your roof will be hot.

This energy absorption creates a roof surface temperature approaching 180 degrees, and greatly stresses attic insulation, and is a strong influence on your average energy consumption. For those of you who may be ambitious, try to touch them on a hot day. Now that's kind of like your Mother telling you not to touch the stove, but doing it anyway. Mom gets the Bactine, and you shout "blow it, it burns".

This is where you will say, "I live in a very cold climate", so why should I care? In your area, you may have more heating days than cooling days. So you would benefit from it, but most of the country (and world) do not live in that environment. I'll get into more regional discussions at a later date.

The best measure of a material's ability to reflect radiant energy is it's "Solar Reflectance Index" (SRI). Asphalt shingles rate very low at about .27, but I'll get into the SRI a bit later as I don't want to overload you with data. I will show you where to go, and you will see the published statistics. I do not feature EnergyStar in my assessments, as they allow manufacturers to publish their own statistics, and many times the manufacturer even owns the testing laboratory. How's that for a "Fun Fact"?

More on Heat Island Effect in the next post.

Have a happy, and productive day. Always remember to keep looking "UP".

Respectfully,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
CCC1325620 (Florida)

Initial Introduction:

Here, we will be discussing the correlation between synthetic reflective roof systems, and their benefit to sustainability efforts. By benefit, I am referring to clean water runoff, substantial energy reduction, safety, and taxpayer/owner value. Reflective white synthetic roof membranes are inherently LEED compliant which I will address in detail with future posts.

Retired after 37 years in the commercial roofing discipline at the highest level, a licensed Roofing Consultant, and State Certified Roofing Contractor (Florida CCC1325620). I've been directly involved in the successful completion of over 70 public schools, and a great number of high profile commercial and industrial facilities.

I've had the great joy, and honor of being a nominee, a finalist, and judge (3 times) for the Governor's "Sustainable Florida" and "Sustainable Schools" programs, which are considered the premier sustainability achievements in my state.

The basis of my advocacy is to inform you, and let you make decisions based upon science, public record, extensive research, and your specific need. The idea is to separate the grain from the chaff, and maximize your roofing investment. Fair?

I do not sell anything, do not represent anyone other than myself, nor do I receive/accept monetary or personal advancement scenarios. This is the only way I can reasonably expect you to believe my statements to be free of influence. Along the way, I may share some experiences (good and bad) which you may identify with, or in some cases avoid altogether.

While these topics may be vast in terms of money involved, I do not take myself too seriously, and don't want to portray something I am not. I'll try to keep this page upbeat and positive, as that's my nature.

I will not participate in anything that is not inclusive of ALL people, as I find that beneath me, and frankly, beneath you. You will soon learn my aversion to "Proprietary Specifications", or "Sole Source" contracting, as nothing good ever happens there. Especially when it further burdens taxpayers.

Please know I am open to constructive criticism, and welcome comments based upon science or record. I'm aware I cannot be "all things to all people", and may offend someone with my directness, but I hope a direct approach is why you're here. I know many people who will tell you exactly what you want to hear, but I'm not interested in sacrificing my integrity to make it happen.

MANY of you will be interested in roof water catchment devices, material selection, and safety. Over 400,000 people in New Zealand alone depend on the roof as their only source of water, and we'll try hard to bring that into perspective.

By Oct. 18, I will post very specific questions, answers, concerns, and articles to get us started.

My goal is to earn your trust, and provide the information you seek.

"The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible"

Thanks for spending time with me today, and don't forget to look "UP".

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

Welcome to the Sustainable Roofing Blog

Welcome!  Ron will edit this first post soon.  Stay tuned!