Cool Blue Roofs Could Save Energy and Money
March 11th, 2013 by 
A national “cool” roof campaign could save some 5.7 quad of net primary energy valued at $33 billion over the 20-year lifespan of an average roof, according to researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Heat Island Group.
The Case for Cool Roofs recommends a no-cost cool roof upgrade program and claims that upgrading commercial and residential roofs at end of service life could, over 20 years, save $15.5 billion in energy costs.The cool-colored clay tile, concrete tile and metal roofs cost the same or less than their conventional black asphalt or rubber counterparts.
The Heat Island Group claims they look like traditional dark roofs but they reflect near-infrared light better.On a summer afternoon, a cool-colored roof that reflects 35 percent of sunlight will stay about 12°C (22°F) cooler than a traditional roof that looks the same but reflects only 10 percent of sunlight.
A brilliant blue that has been invented by Oregon State University researcher Mas Subramanian could reflect the sunlight and provide a good roof color, Co.Exist reports. The article says car and building companies are coating their products with the brilliant blue to save money on energy costs.
Additionally, US Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds are available to finance basic research for new reflective pigments that could keep roofs cool.
Article appearing courtesy Celsias.
photo: Llima.
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