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TOPIC: Standing Seam roof

Data on colors / energy cost

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We live in Central Texas and we are trying to decide between a galvalume and painted standing seam roof (Kynar 500 / Hylar 5000 colors). The house is shaded around 30% - 40% by oak trees, the rest receives full sun. The roof has soffit and gable venting. The contractor is suggesting to not vent the ridge since we are in a windy area and he feels we'll get rain leaks through the ridge (minimal, but still a small amount of rain getting in). He's suggesting a power vent instead of ridge venting. We will be installing decking and there is plenty of attic space (more then 1 inch). I know light colors will reflect more heat then dark colors but I'm not sure how much difference to expect in energy cost for different colored roofs; is there any information on this? I'm not sure if we are talking about a 0.10% difference in energy cost, or 10% difference. I'm interested in data for the following: - Galvalume roof that is not painted - Painted white roof (we would not do, but to compare) - Medium gray / bronze color - Dark gray / bronze color Thanks, -- ralph
Guest User

6/13/2005
First the building codes call for ventilation on all sloped roofs. Heat passes through the roofing and will heat the attic and require more cooling load in the summmer. Look for an energy star rated roof. This means that it reflects the visible rays of the sun and is rated by the percentage that it reflects. Energy Star is minimum 25%. A coated steel withh emit more of the infared rays of the sun and a Kynar is excellant at this. An uncoated Galvalume roof is energy star rated however it has a low emittance. All paint companies but not all roof manufacturers offer reflective paints in the dark colours that have energy star. Investigate and you meet all your needs.
Allan Reid
Dura-Loc Roofing Systems, Inc.

6/14/2005