Is This The Future of Cool Roofing?

 Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have recently invented a new smart roofing tile called “Thermeleon” (rhymes with “chameleon”), which is thermochromic – in other words, when it is exposed to heat it changes color from black to white, and vice-versa.

Thermeleon works by sandwiching common polymers between several flexible plastic layers. When it is cold outside, the polymer solution stays dissolved and the black rear-face shows through to absorb the natural heat. When it heats up outside, the polymer solution condenses to form light-scattering droplets (in other words, it turns white), to reflect the heat.

We now know that a white roof reflects up to 80% of the sunlight, keeping the interior of the building beneath the roof much cooler. This can result in a 20% reduction in summer air conditioning costs. But during the winter months when you would rather your roof capture as much heat as possible from the sun, the black coloring has the reverse effect - these tiles scatter only 30% of incoming solar radiation, thereby helping to keep the building beneath the roof warmer (reducing heating costs).

The team at MIT is now working on micro-encapsulating the chemicals to create a commercially-viable paintable or spray-on roof coating. If they can figure out how to produce this roof coating at a favorable price and proves to be durable enough for the extreme summer months in regions like the desert southwest, this could very well be a sneak peek at the future of cool roofing.

Roofing: Making White Coatings Work

The main purposes of white coatings is to protect roof membranes, resulting in longer roof life cycles, and to reflect solar radiation, resulting in lower energy costs. A closer look at their formulations and components can help you successfully specify and apply coatings and ensure maximum performance.

Binders, pigments, liquid carriers
In general, a white coating consists of a binder blended with pigments and other additives. There are hundreds of different white coating products formulated and manufactured by a range of companies. Most can be conveniently classified according to the binder they use. Most white coatings used today are water-based - often referred to as latex coatings - and are available in a variety of polymer types. For some white coatings, organic solvents carry the liquid, while others, called reactive coatings (generally prepared with multiple-part resins blended on site before curing), might flow well enough to eliminate the need for a liquid carrier.

Membrane Compatibility
You can specify white coatings for use on most roofing membranes and systems. They most commonly are applied to metal roofs, single-ply rubber roofs and modified bitumen roofs. But they can be applied to certain kinds of asphalt built-up roofs. Prior to specification, you will need to establish the compatibility between the coating and the underlying roof surface. You can do this by consulting with a RAMCON representative

Primers and Surface Preparation
Primers are useful for improving the adhesion between roof surfaces and coatings and for imparting additional properties to roof coating systems. A compatible primer for a rubber roof coating might provide better adhesion to a rubber roof membrane or improve a coating’s permeability rating on a sprayed polyurethane roof.

Application Insights
We typically use airless sprayers, rollers or brushes. Due to the variety of coating types, climactic conditions and surfaces to be coated, it’s important that we utilize the proper application rates and related recommendations.

Many, but not all, white coatings are waterproof. A coating’s permeability to liquid water, water vapor, and gases varies greatly, depending on the coating type:

• Acrylic coatings are breathable, so they have a high moisture-vapor transmission rate, or permeability.
• Silicone coatings are classified as breathable.
• Butyl rubbers, hypalons and neoprenes have very low permeability, so they are highly resistant to moisture transmission.

Cleanliness and Aging
The frequency and intensity of precipitation, along with the slope of the roof, will affect the cleanliness of coatings over time. As with other white surfaces, white coatings can discolor and darken slightly after several years of service. Generally, a small decrease in reflectivity occurs over time, depending on several factors. Wind-blown dirt and dust can decrease the reflectivity of white coatings, depending on the coating’s age and regional climate characteristics. To prevent this, your roof can be re-coated periodically, which is significantly less expensive than the original coating.

Whether you are looking for a reflective coating to reduce the energy costs of your facility, are seeking valuable LEED points or are looking to extend the life of your system, trust the professionals at RAMCON. We’ll be able to put together a solution, utilizing the right coating for the job and at the right price.

White, Green and Cool - Maximizing the Value of Solar-Reflective Roof Membranes

Roof systems are an important element in green, sustainable architectural solutions. One of the more-interesting concepts in energy efficiency is the “cool roof,” also sometimes known as a “white” or even “green” roof. The terms are not really interchangeable -- the cool roof concept is specifically defined by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) as a roof membrane (single-ply, built-up, or modified bituminous), field-applied coating or other type roof cover, such as sheet-metal, with both a specified initial solar reflectivity and an “aged” reflectivity value. But the basic concept -- reflecting the sun’s heat, absorbing and then emitting solar radiation -- is well established.

Cool roofs are definitely green (to the extent that they are sustainable and minimize adverse environmental impact) and may contribute to interior comfort while reducing energy expenditures, but they are not the vegetated or garden-surface variety of the term “green roof.” Green roofs are also commonly designed with high insulation R-values.

The cool roof idea has been around for several decades, but it has gained importance with increasing environmental concerns. Building codes feature stricter standards regarding R-values and roof materials (e.g., thermal resistance value must be 20 or greater), while environmental issues add a social awareness element -- cool roofs can enhance your reputation.

Caveats for Cool
Cool roofs, if properly maintained, can also reduce energy costs, thus beneficially impacting an owner’s bottom line. There are some caveats regarding cool roofs, however. 

Roof surfaces should be positively sloped to minimize the accumulation of dirt in low spots and to likewise aid in “self-washing” during normal rain.  Cool roofs are particularly appropriate for warm, sunbelt-style climates like ours with greater demands for cooling rather than heating, especially for buildings with minimal thermal roof insulation. 

Targeted Maintenance
Even where a cool roof is initially effective, targeted maintenance, which is often overlooked, is still necessary for the roof to remain clean and reflective so that it can stay cool and efficient throughout its life cycle. Dirt, soot, sediment and similar substances will still settle on a cool roof to some extent making the roof darker and less efficient over time. We must invest some time, effort and money in monitoring the roof’s condition and performing cleaning or repairs as necessary. Otherwise, energy-efficiency declines and cool roof benefits are largely lost. 

Management Specialists
The best way to ensure proper maintenance of cool roof systems is our MyRAMCON Star Program (Preventative Maintenance Programs). Our programs include predictive modeling of where problems may occur, a database of various roof systems for comparison purposes, and “what-if” simulations to forecast the impact of various interventions (modify, repair, replace). We can also advise on upgrades from conventional to cool roofs, perform feasibility studies and prepare you for the challenges of altering the existing design.

Are cool roofs a cure-all for environmental and energy-efficiency challenges? No. But combined with an appropriate sustainable roof system design and an intelligent use of a MyRAMCON Star Plan through its life cycle, a cool roof can be greener and more cost-effective than other conventional alternative systems.

Roofing Trends: Protective Planning

For decades, “keep it off the roof” has been the mantra of knowledgeable building owners and managers. The first and perhaps most effective method for extending the life of a roof system has been to keep it free of mechanical equipment and superfluous items while also limiting unnecessary foot traffic. However, the growing popularity of alternative energy sources has given the roof a new role to play. Increasingly, roof systems are also being looked at as a platform for energy production through the installation of solar energy systems. We know, as a leading solar installer, that the roof surface has become too valuable a space to be left under used.

As a consequence, roofs are being called upon to be the base support for other functions independent of its traditional purpose. These other functions need to be designed and integrated into the roof system. In order to meet these dueling demands in the most effective manner, it is necessary to understand how best to marry the two together to ensure a sustained level of high performance.

Coexisting With Solar Energy Systems
While much attention in recent years has been paid to vegetative roofs, we’re seeing, and anticipate, a larger shift towards a significant growth in installation of solar energy systems.
Once the roof has been chosen to support energy producing components, you should immediately start a matrix of those functions, their design, construction, and maintenance requirements. We can help and coordinate all factors under one program. For instance, solar systems must provide proper clearance above the roof membrane to enable maintenance or repairs below, and it should be spaced to allow for access between units.

Protecting The Roof
A roof that will serve as a platform needs to be designed for heavy foot traffic and for access to both the roof and the equipment it supports. The key is to understand installation sequencing. With platform roofs, the need is to prevent damage throughout the installation of equipment—solar arrays for example. The roof surface is impacted not only by foot traffic but also material packaging, tools, materials, as well as workman setup and construction. We’re one of very few contractors experienced in these procedures.

It’s important to understand the need for proactive and continuous maintenance, given the fact that the roof is performing multiple functions. This maintenance, as well as the first several years of climatic cycling, can affect the roof systems. Proactive and specified roof maintenance for the first year is always factored into our solar projects. This allows us to attend to minor items before they manifest into larger concerns—ones not covered under warranty.

Once completed, the system needs to be managed and documented. We offer leading preventative maintenance programs for all systems under our MyRAMCON Star Program.

Overview
Roof systems today are being asked to perform many more functions than their predecessors, and these should be designed in a way that reflects emerging needs. Taking a holistic approach to roof system design, construction, and management results in watertight performance while supporting other activities, such as solar production. For many facilities, the roof is, or will become, a valuable contributor to its aesthetic and energy performance. Making sure RAMCON is by your side will ensure your project is a success.

Roofing Trends: Protective Planning

For decades, “keep it off the roof” has been the mantra of knowledgeable building owners and managers. The first and perhaps most effective method for extending the life of a roof system has been to keep it free of mechanical equipment and superfluous items while also limiting unnecessary foot traffic. However, the growing popularity of alternative energy sources has given the roof a new role to play. Increasingly, roof systems are also being looked at as a platform for energy production through the installation of solar energy systems. We know, as a leading solar installer, that the roof surface has become too valuable a space to be left under used.


As a consequence, roofs are being called upon to be the base support for other functions independent of its traditional purpose. These other functions need to be designed and integrated into the roof system. In order to meet these dueling demands in the most effective manner, it is necessary to understand how best to marry the two together to ensure a sustained level of high performance.

Coexisting With Solar Energy Systems
While much attention in recent years has been paid to vegetative roofs, we’re seeing, and anticipate, a larger shift towards a significant growth in installation of solar energy systems.

Once the roof has been chosen to support energy producing components, you should immediately start a matrix of those functions, their design, construction, and maintenance requirements. We can help and coordinate all factors under one program. For instance, solar systems must provide proper clearance above the roof membrane to enable maintenance or repairs below, and it should be spaced to allow for access between units.

Protecting The Roof
A roof that will serve as a platform needs to be designed for heavy foot traffic and for access to both the roof and the equipment it supports. The key is to understand installation sequencing. With platform roofs, the need is to prevent damage throughout the installation of equipment—solar arrays for example. The roof surface is impacted not only by foot traffic but also material packaging, tools, materials, as well as workman setup and construction. We’re one of very few contractors experienced in these procedures.

It’s important to understand the need for proactive and continuous maintenance, given the fact that the roof is performing multiple functions. This maintenance, as well as the first several years of climatic cycling, can affect the roof systems. Proactive and specified roof maintenance for the first year is always factored into our solar projects. This allows us to attend to minor items before they manifest into larger concerns—ones not covered under warranty.

Once completed, the system needs to be managed and documented. We offer leading preventative maintenance programs for all systems under our MyRAMCON Star Program.

Overview
Roof systems today are being asked to perform many more functions than their predecessors, and these should be designed in a way that reflects emerging needs. Taking a holistic approach to roof system design, construction, and management results in watertight performance while supporting other activities, such as solar production. For many facilities, the roof is, or will become, a valuable contributor to its aesthetic and energy performance. Making sure RAMCON is by your side will ensure your project is a success.