Solar Reflectance Index: The Guide to Choosing a Cool Roof

Installing a cool roof can cut your energy costs while contributing toward a better environment. By lessening the demand for energy, it decreases carbon emissions that cause pollution. Furthermore, it doesn't store as much thermal energy as an ordinary roof. As a result, it minimizes urban heat island effect, which affects air and water quality of the surrounding communities.

Choosing the right cool roof for your home greatly depends on your local climate. You can determine through Solar Reflectance Index (SRI). West Side Roofing, one of the top roofers, explains further.

What Is Solar Reflectance Index?

The SRI is a measure of the roof's ability to repel solar heat, as shown by a small temperature increase. It defines that the standard black is 0, which is most likely to absorb heat. The standard white is 100, which is most likely to reflect heat. For instance, the standard black has a temperature increase of 90° when exposed to the sun, while the standard white has a temperature increase of 14.6°. After computing the highest temperature increase of a given material, the SRI is then computed by interpolating between the values of white and black.

How Will It Contribute In Choosing a Cool Roof?

While cool roofs achieve the highest cooling savings in warm regions, it can increase utility bills in colder areas because of decreased heat gains. Thanks to SRI, it will determine the exact roof specifications suitable for your area to achieve the best results. It is also easy to read because it already incorporates reflectivity and emissivity values into one standardized measure.

As one of the most trusted roofers, we provide quality cool roofs that meet your needs. We offer GAF's Timberline® Cool Series® shingles that can save you up to 15% on total cooling costs. This shingle line uses special granules to reflect solar heat, which will keep your attic cool. Furthermore, it also maintains a more constant temperature, which can help to prolong your roof's service life. We also offer tile and slate for superior performance and energy efficiency.

Look no further than West Side Roofing, one of the leading local roofers, for exceptional roofing solutions. Call us today at (216) 245-1050 or complete our form for a free quote. We serve Cleveland, Akron, Parma, and nearby areas in Ohio.