What is a cool roof? A cool roof is a roof made from materials that reflect the sunlight rather than absorb it. The Department of Energy even suggests painting your roof white as one way to create a cool roof, however this could be an issue for your neighbors if it is not aesthetically pleasing or is reflecting into their home. Not to mention, part of the philosophy behind green building involves minimizing pollution including noise and light pollution so I don't think this is the best idea. However, depending on your roof pitch and other factors this could be a viable alternative to other options such as a new roof.
If you are in the market for a new roof then I would seriously recommend considering a cool roof. We have installed cool roofs right her in Alameda and you would not be able to tell just by looking at the roof. Roofing companies have shingles that look to the naked eye to be just like every other shingle but are a lighter color and actually work to reflect the sunlight away from the home. They are available right here locally. Feel free to contact me for local resources.
In addition to the savings on your utility bill, the Department of Energy says that a "cool roof" is one of the biggest single changes a home owner can make in order to combat global pollution. U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu also said that making roads and roofs a paler color could have the equivalent effect of taking every car in the world off the road for 11 years! White or light colored cars are another example of how we can make a simple choice that will effect global pollution.
This is another example of how spending a little more time and learning a bit more about green alternatives can pay off big time. Many green building options involve simple, small changes that result in big pay offs. It just takes some time to learn what your alternatives are.
Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have about green alternatives in the building industry. I have been studying green building for four years and have learned about and used many green products with great success.
For more information on cool roofs check out the following links:
http://www.mnn.com/the-home/building-renovating/stories/cool-roofs-basking-in-reflected-glory
http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/energy/stories/us-wants-to-paint-the-world-white-to-save-energy
Kate McCaffrey
Realtor | Certified Green Building Professional
Bayside Real Estate | McCaffrey Custom Construction, Inc.
510.522.5223 | Info@HomesOfAlameda.com
www.HomesOfAlameda.com | www.McCaffreyCustom.com
