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A-TAYLOR CONTRACTING AND ROOFING Rob Behn and John Kuehl, Partners John: (817) 344-0229 Rob: (817) 305-6582 |
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What is an ENERGY STAR qualified roof
product?
It is a reflective roof product that lowers roof surface temperature by up
to 100°F, thereby decreasing the amount of heat transferred into a building's
interior. ENERGY STAR qualified roof products save money and energy by reducing
the amount of air conditioning needed to keep a building comfortable.
What does the ENERGY STAR label signify?
Products bearing the ENERGY STAR labels are more energy efficient than standard
products, thereby saving energy and money. In general, ENERGY STAR qualified
products including: appliances, HVAC equipment, office equipment, residential
lighting, and even homes, reduce energy costs by at least 30 percent.
How does a roof product qualify for
the ENERGY STAR label?
Roof products that meet or exceed solar reflectance, without compromising
product quality and performance, qualify for the ENERGY STAR label. Manufacturers
voluntarily sign an agreement with ENERGY STAR called a Partnership Agreement
(PA) allowing them to place the ENERGY STAR label on the packaging of qualifying
roof products. They can also use the label in product promotions and advertising
for qualified products.
What types of roof products will carry
the ENERGY STAR label?
ENERGY STAR roof specifications are not restricted to any particular type
of roof product. However, ENERGY STAR expects that, at least initially, metal,
single-ply membrane, and roof coating products will be most widely represented.
Why is ENERGY STAR interested in increasing
the reflective roofing market?
Ninety percent of the energy in the United States is generated by burning
fossil fuels, which creates the air pollution associated with smog, acid rain,
and global climate change. By reducing the amount of energy needed to cool
buildings, ENERGY STAR qualified roof products help to reduce the production
of these air pollutants. Additionally, reflective roof products can help reduce
the “heat island effect,”a phenomenon in which cities can be 2
to 8°F warmer than the surrounding countryside. Such heat islands occur,
in large part, because many buildings and paved surfaces are designed with
dark materials that absorb heat from the sun. This heat is released at night,
causing the air temperature to remain high. The resulting elevated temperature
leads to an increased demand for air conditioning in buildings, increased
fuel use for vehicle air conditioning, increased levels of smog, and associated
increased levels of heat-related and smog-related health problems. Installing
reflective roofs helps reduce the heat island effect, decreasing the amount
of smog in the air and benefiting the entire community.
What are the benefits of ENERGY STAR
qualified roof products?
Benefits of ENERGY STAR qualified roof products include:
Saves Money and Energy. According
to EPA, about $40 billion is spent annually in the US to air condition buildings
— one-sixth of all electricity generated in a year! ENERGY STAR qualified
roof products reduce the amount of air conditioning needed in buildings, and
can reduce energy bills by up to 50 percent.
Downsizes Cooling Equipment. A reflective roof can reduce peak cooling demand
by 10-15%. As a result, the home or building owner may be able to purchase
a smaller, more efficient, and less expensive cooling system.
Decreases Pollution in Urban Areas. Reduced energy demand means less burning
of fossil fuels, which results in less pollution from power plants. Also,
ENERGY STAR qualified roof products help to reduce the “heat island
effect,” in which dark, heat-absorbing buildings and paved areas make
the air in urban areas hotter, and more smoggy.
Increases Roof Product Life. ENERGY STAR qualified roof products maintain
a more constant temperature and reduce thermal shock, which occurs when cool
rain hits a hot roof, causing a sharp drop in temperature. During temperature
changes, a roof expands and contracts, causing stress and degrading the roof.
How much can businesses expect to save by installing ENERGY STAR qualified
roof products?
Energy savings from installing ENERGY STAR qualified roof products will depend
on the geographic location and climate where it is installed, existing insulation
levels in the building, the type of roof it replaces, the type of roof installed,
and how well it is kept clean and maintained. In general, cooling energy savings
can be as high as 50 percent. Additionally, a reflective roof can reduce peak
cooling demand by 10 to 15 percent. As a result, building owners may be able
to purchase smaller, less expensive HVAC systems.
Will installing an ENERGY STAR qualified
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 qualified roof products generate the greatest savings?
In general, building owners will save the most money on energy bills by installing
an ENERGY STAR qualified 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 qualified 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?
An energy-efficient home or building has both reflective roof surfaces and
adequate insulation. But, you will notice greater savings on your cooling
bills if you install ENERGY STAR qualified 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 qualified roof
products compare with standard roof products in terms of durability?
ENERGY STAR 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.
How can I find ENERGY STAR qualified
roof products?
The ENERGY STAR label will appear on roof product packaging and advertisements.
If you are installing or replacing a roof on a commercial or residential building,
be sure to ask your roofing contractor or manufacturer about ENERGY STAR.
Find a list of ENERGY STAR qualified roof product manufacturers.
