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Product FAQ’s

We’ve answered the questions we see most often about our cool roofs below. If you have other questions, call us at 800.587.3758 or contact us here to speak with one of our liquid roofing application experts.

Why should I get my roof coated with a reflective coating?

Reflective coatings will extend the life of your roof by reducing heat transfer into the building, decreasing thermal shock (thermal expansion and contraction of the roof material) and helping to mitigate leaks. Reflective coatings also can reduce air conditioning costs through solar reflection and improve the aesthetics of the roof.

What kinds of roofs can be coated?

Almost all types of clean, dry, mechanically-sound roofs can be coated. Some examples include metal, spray polyurethane foam (PUF), single-ply, modified bitumen, built-up roof (BUR) systems and more. Ballasted and gravel roof surfaces can also be coated after rock removal and preparatory work is completed.

What types of reflective coatings are available on the market?

There are several types of reflective roof coatings that impart varied reflectance rates and values. Typically, the reflective coatings are what are commonly referred to as “cool roof” coatings. Highly reflective white roof coatings are usually comprised of acrylics, urethanes, silicones, SBS, SEBS, and other types.

Will a reflective coating extend the life of my roof?

Yes. The coating becomes the sacrificial layer, providing protection against UV rays, providing waterproofing, and helping to reduce the expansion and contraction (thermal shock) of the roof.

How long will the coating last?

Based on long-term histories, the service life of a roof can typically be extended up to 10 years or more. If maintained and recoated, the roof can last indefinitely. Performance can vary depending on type and conditions, as well as the coating film thickness.

What are the energy savings?

This depends on the geographic location, insulation and cost of electricity. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), and several roofing material manufacturers have computer programs that can estimate the savings. A growing number of energy consultants are also available to provide environmental regulation compliance information.

Are there any warranties available?

Yes. When you purchase Energy Seal products and utilize our installation experts, you automatically receive a 10-year warranty; warranties up to 20-years are available. For more information on our warranties, click here.

 

Is there a tax advantage or rebate program available?

Some states, municipalities and utilities have programs. The Cool Roof Rating Council maintains a database of current information on rebates and tax credits for installing reflective roofs.  CRRC’s customized search tool can be used to find the most up-to-date listings of reflective roofing financial incentives available.

Businesses can now deduct the full cost of a roof coating system in the year it’s completed instead of depreciating over 39 years for a new roof, using the Section 179D tax deduction.

What is “solar reflectance” and “thermal emittance”?

Solar reflectance is a measure of the ability of a material (roof coating) to reflect the sun’s radiation. Thermal emittance is a measure of the material (roof coating) to release trapped heat back into the atmosphere. These two measurements are used to determine the SRI (solar reflective index) of a roofing material.  The higher the number the better.

What is ENERGY STAR?

ENERGY STAR is a U.S. government-sponsored program that encourages the use of energy-efficient products. Roofing materials including coatings can qualify for an ENERGY STAR rating if the coating meets specific solar reflectance criteria.

What is the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC)?

The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) is an independent, non-profit organization that maintains a third-party rating system for radiative properties of roof surfacing materials.

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