The effectiveness of a cool roof is measured by solar reflectance and thermal emittance.
Roofs with a solar reflectanace of 4 or greater.
Usually the visible reflectance is correlated with the solar reflectance but the two quantities are not equal.
As such it plays an equal if not greater role in defining what s a truly energy efficient roof.
This is the reflectance in the visual part of the solar spectrum wavelengths of 400 to 700 nanometers.
Ul testing and certifications.
Solar reflective shingles are designed specifically to reduce the absorption of the suns infrared radiation by reflecting ir rays off the surface of the roof thus not allowing the heat to be transferred to the interior of the structure i e.
For example a good white coating with a solar reflectance of 0 8 typically has a visible reflectance of about 0 9.
These shingles are engineered to have higher solar reflectance and thermal emittance properties that can.
It helps protect it from the elements and impacts its overall exterior look and curb appeal further an asphalt shingle roof can potentially deliver energy saving benefits when cool asphalt shingles are installed.
Ul evaluates solar reflectance roof covering materials using requirements developed by many sources.
The attic under the roof.
As temperatures warm around the brazos valley many home owners take the opportunity to reroof their old roof for a roofing system that is more energy efficient.
A roof plays a critical role for your home.
Just like reflectance the emittance of the roof is measured on a scale of 0 to 1 with 1 being the highest.
Both properties are measured individually from 0 to 1 0 with 1 0 being the material with the best performance.
This is also tied to thermal resistance of a roof as well.