Armstrong Foam Roofing was one of the first roofing companies to introduce cool roofs to the San Francisco Bay Area over 40 years ago. At Armstrong, we have always believed in providing our clients with the best and latest material. Consequently, when a new roofing system was developed for flat and low-sloped roofs, we offered homeowners the option of replacing their old inefficient built-up roofing (BUR) systems with foam roofing. Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) roofing has now become one of the most popular forms of cool roofs for San Francisco and Bay Area homeowners and business owners alike.
The Proven Effectiveness of Cool Roofs
The research conducted by the Energy Department into energy-efficient cool roofs has proven that we can all make our flat or low-sloped roofs more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. We can easily achieve this by replacing our BUR roofing systems with SPF roofing. The Energy Department has reported that when foam roofing is covered with a special coating, like that applied by Armstrong Roofing, which is designed to reflect sunlight and absorb less heat, cool roofs “can stay more than 50°F cooler and save energy and money by using less air conditioning.”
Why Cool Roofs Are White
Basic Science
You may have noticed that homes located on Mediterranean islands, where the summers can be quite hot, almost all buildings tend to be whitewashed. This is done because, as you may remember from your Junior High School Science class, the color white reflects sunlight more than any other color. As a result, the islanders are able to keep buildings cooler during the hot summer months.
The Urban Heat Island Effect
In addition, when towns or neighborhoods are dominated by white cool roofs, it is possible to reduce the effects of the phenomenon called “the urban heat island effect.” This means that white buildings and cool roofs can reduce local air temperatures. Consequently, peak electricity demand is lowered during hot summer months, which may also aid in preventing local power outages and reducing power plant emissions.
Scientific Research
Over ten years ago, Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Steven Chu, conducted research that showed white roofs and buildings, as well as light-colored roads, are a low-cost and an effective way of reducing global warming and saving energy. According to Dr. Chu, “If a (white) building is air-conditioned, it’s going to stay cooler and use 10 to 15 percent less electricity.”
Recap of The Advantages of Replacing BUR Roofs with Armstrong’s Cool Roofing Systems
The main benefit of replacing conventional BUR roofs with cool roofs is a noticeable reduction in your heating and cooling costs during summer and winter since in winter you will be able to prevent heat from escaping through the roof and in summer your air conditioning needs will decrease. Likewise, you will be able to improve indoor comfort for spaces that are not air conditioned, such as garages or covered patios.
Another advantage which we haven’t discussed, but which is significant, is the fact that by decreasing roof temperatures we may extend our roof’s service life.
Aside from the benefits, we can expect for our buildings, cool roofs can also have significant benefits for the environment. This is especially true when many buildings in a community have cool roofs and we are able to reduce the urban heat island effect and lower peak electricity demand, which may assist in preventing local power outages. Of course, the less energy we use the less greenhouse gases we will produce which benefits not only our local area but the entire planet.
Schedule Your Foam Roofing Consultation Today
If you would like to learn more about cool roofs, contact Armstrong Roofing, your San Francisco Bay Area Foam Roofing experts. During the past 40 years, Armstrong Roofing has installed more residential foam roofing than any other company in America!
We offer you the best, longest-lasting warranties available. Before you consider any other roof for your flat or low-sloped roof, let Armstrong show you why our Bay Area Foam roofing is the best investment for your home.
Contact us today to book your Free Satellite Roof Estimate!