Flat Roof Systems Have Come a Long Way Since the Days of Tar and Gravel

Posted: Sep 26, 2013
Author: Race City Roofing

‘Cool roofs’ or ‘white roofs’ have been around for some time, but recently, higher reflective pigments and better materials are making them more beneficial than before. We’re even seeing the government offering grants and incentives to convert older dark roofs to white or cool roofs.

With the highly reflective coatings on these flat roof systems, home and business owners are enjoying substantial savings on their electricity bills. The first thing they notice is that their air conditioning units only need to run a third of the time during summer. This is due to the fact that a cool flat roof, with a white or light colored coating, actually reflects solar UV rays back into the atmosphere. As such, the heat isn’t transferred into the building.

Older flat roofing systems do the opposite. They do a bad job in reflecting UV rays away – in fact, they absorb them and the heat that they bring. Many older gravel and tar roofs are impossible to even touch on a hot summer’s day. Temperatures can be as high as 158 to 194 degrees F, which indicates their inadequacy to reflect sun.  Conversely, a cool flat roof is less than 41 degrees F.

Americans are beginning to get on board with the movement to cool roofs. They know they must make an effort to reduce the UHI (urban heat island) effect, and a cool flat roof system is one of the best ways of doing this. So next time you need to replace your roof, think cool.

If you are interested in a flat roof in Mooresville NC or would simply like more information, contact us at Race City Roofing. We proudly maintain a 25-year record of 100% customer satisfaction and an A+ rating on Angie’s List. Give us a call today!