• A reduction in building energy consumption  by up to 40% (found in yearly heating and cooling)
• Improved insulation performance to reduce winter heat loss and summer heat gain
• A Reduction of work load passed on to your HVAC units each year extending the life of those units
• Cooler temperatures for factories that do not provide air-conditioning in their manufacturing facilities
• Higher reflectivity and less heat absorption by the PVC material will extend the materials life
• Reduction of the amount of CO2 emissions that cause global warming

How much you will save depends on your location and current energy rates as well as other factors specific to your buildings.  For a detailed analysis of your potential energy savings,  CLICK HERE.

Conversely, cool roofs can reduce the heat island effect and save energy.  In a study funded by the U.S. EPA, the Heat Island Group carried out a detailed analysis of energy saving potentials of light colored roofs in 11 U.S. metropolitan areas.  About ten  residential and commercial building prototypes in each area were simulated.  They considered both the savings in cooling and penalties in heating. They estimated saving potentials of about $175 million per year for the 11 cities.

• Cost and energy savings. Reflective roofs can reduce roof surface temperature by up to 100oF preventing the sun's heat from transferring into the home or building. ENERGY STAR labeled roof products keep buildings cooler, reducing energy use, utility bills, and air pollution.

   

• Downsized A/C equipment. A reflective roof can reduce peak cooling demand by 15%. The home or building owner may be able to purchase a smaller, less-expensive cooling system.

   

• Extended roof life. Roofs undergo significant expansion and contraction as they heat and cool throughout the day. Heat absorbed by the roof can also accelerate degradation by ultraviolet rays and water. A reflective roof can reduce the amount of thermal shock that occurs on the roof surface and make the roof last longer.

   

• Decreased pollution. When widely used in a community, ENERGY STAR labeled roof products decrease air temperature and cooling demands, which reduces the amount of smog in the air and benefits the entire community.

   

• Reduced Heat Island Effect. Roofs made of non-reflective products cause the temperature of the air passing over them to rise, resulting in an increase in the overall temperature of the area, also known as a "heat island effect." The elevated temperature leads to increased building and vehicle air conditioning demand, increased levels of smog, and the associated increased incidence of heat- and smog-related health problems. Because ENERGY STAR labeled roof products lower surrounding air temperature and decrease necessary cooling demands, they reduce the amount of smog in the air. For more information on the heat island effect go to: http://yosemite.epa.gov/oar/globalwarming.nsf/content/actions.html and http://eetd.lbl.gov/HeatIsland

Will installing an ENERGY STAR compliant roof product save me money no matter where I live?
Homes and buildings located in hot and sunny climates will realize the greatest energy and cost savings. So, people living in southern geographic areas that use more air conditioning will see greater reductions in their energy bills than people living elsewhere in the country.

Under which circumstances will ENERGY STAR labeled roof products generate the greatest savings?
In general, building owners will save the most money on energy bills by installing an ENERGY STAR labeled roof product if their building has the following characteristics: high air-conditioning bills, a large roof surface as compared to the building's overall size, lower levels of insulation, and/or a location in a hot, sunny climate. The most cost-effective time to install an ENERGY STAR-labeled roof product is when re-roofing, constructing new buildings, or maintaining a roof by applying a coating.

Will I save money by using reflective roof products if my home or building already has a high level of insulation?
To be energy-efficient, a home or building should have adequate insulation. A map of suggested insulation levels is available from the Department of Energy. But, you will notice greater savings on your cooling bills if you install ENERGY STAR  labeled roof products on a building with a lower level of roof insulation. However, when installing a reflective roof while constructing a new building, doing a major renovation, or replacing your whole roof system, you should consult with your contractor to maximize savings by making sure an optimum level of insulation is installed.

Can I expect the same level of savings over the entire lifetime of my roof?
Due to normal wear and tear, some degradation of roof reflectivity can be expected, particularly within the first few years after installation. Flat roofs may accumulate more dirt and debris because their slope is not great enough to allow washing by rain. Following maintenance procedures minimizes degradation and maximizes energy savings. Consult your roofing contractor or product manufacturer to learn more about recommended maintenance procedures and schedules.

How do ENERGY STAR Roof Products compare with standard roof products in terms of durability?
EPA understands that the water tightness, durability, and longevity of a roof are the primary concerns of building and homeowners. These participating manufacturers must back their compliant roof products with warranties that are comparable to their other roof products.