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TOPIC: General Discussion

Energy Savings

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I see from your website that a "cool roof" will decrease energy costs in the summer by up to 40%. I was wondering if they create a similar level of savings in the winter? If so, what do you estimate the annual energy savings for a home would be if they installed a "cool roof"
Guest User

9/11/2008
The reflective paint on a cool roof reflects the sun's energy back into the atmosphere instead of absorbing it and radiating it into the building. Therefore, you would not expect to see energy savings in the winter. In fact, if you live in a heat load environment, such as Wisconsin, you may want to consider a dark colored roof that does not have reflective pigments.
Ken Buchinger
NCI Building Systems, Inc.

9/11/2008
I live in New Hampshire and am considering installing a metal roof for the energy savings. What reflective value would you recommend to maximize cooling in the summer but not reduce warmth or increase heating needs in the winter? Is a metal roof a wise investment in a colder climate?
Guest User

10/6/2008
One thing that is required by code in northern climates is a vented attic. A well vented attic in the winter helps avoid ice damming on the roof. For that reason, because you're trying to keep the attic the same as outside temperature, I feel that the heating penalty of a relfective pigment metal roof is nullified. There is no heating penalty provided the building is constructed per code. However, there is still summer savings by reducing the amount of heat which gets into the attic and heats up the structure in several ways. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

10/7/2008