In the roofing industry, there are two types of roof system that are getting more and more popular today – cool roofs and the solar roofing. Both types are designed to improve building temperature – to achieve ideal temperature conducive for people working under – and at the same time promote a clean and green environment. But what is the difference between the two? This resource provides some useful ideas.
'Cool Roofs'
A 'cool roof' system is engineered to reflect the sun's heat and emits absorbed radiation back into the atmosphere. This makes the roof cooler, which can significantly reduce the amount of heat transferred down inside the building. Cool roofs are usually white as this color reflects more sunlight and absorbs less heat. But they do not need to be always white; other cool color can also be used.
Some advantages of cool roofing:
- Cool roof system is quite versatile as it can be installed over existing roofing, eliminating costly tear-offs and materials ending up in landfills.
- Roofing companies have working to provide a cool roof system that is non-toxic – no harmful fumes or poisons that could compromise a worker's health and the environment.
- It is also safe and manageable and then there is no need for special handling or costly disposal.
- Also, it is usually made of recycled materials – roofing companies have developed roofing materials with about 30% are made of recycled component.
- It is designed so that it avoids hazardous fires – non-flammable.
- It is also a highly-reflective system, which can significantly help in reducing energy costs
- Could last about 20 years
'Solar roofs'
Solar roof is another energy efficient and environment-friendly system that can be installed to any building structures. The science behind this system is simple – installed solar panels collect sunlight and converts it to energy, which can be used to power a building facility.
Here are some advantages:
- Can help maintain temperature inside a building on its ideal level.
- It is energy efficient and can cause no harm to the environment – it promotes a clean and green environment.
- While the initial cost is pretty expensive (as many would say) it can give a lot of benefits in a long run; a solar roof system can last around 20 to 25 years – sustainability-wise, solar roof is on top of the leaderboard.
- Indirect benefits: for those who use solar roof in the US, the government has sponsored rebate / incentives program for solar projects, which includes solar roofing.
