Commercial building owners and managers are constantly looking for ways to reduce their energy usage and lower utility bills, and rightly so. However, many ignore how the color of the building’s roof impacts indoor air temperatures and energy consumption. Here, we’ll discuss how commercial roof color can play an integral role in improving your bottom line on utilities.
Heat Reflection
Today’s commercial roofing materials are available in a wide variety of colors, from traditional black and brown to lighter colors like white, beige, and light gray. Each of these colors can significantly impact your building’s energy consumption.
On a clear day at noon in the summer months, a flat surface receives an average of 1000 watts of solar energy per square meter. A dark roof will absorb more of that energy from the sun, heating the building and dramatically increasing indoor temperatures.
In contrast, a lighter-colored roof reflects a greater proportion of sunlight and absorbs less heat. In fact, a light-colored roof could stay 50° cooler during peak summer weather compared to a conventional roof. Because of this, these roofs are often referred to as “cool roofs.”
Energy Efficiency
A dark-colored roof can reach extreme temperatures of 150°F or more on sun-bathed days. This will increase the temperature inside your building, forcing your cooling system to work harder and translating into higher utility bills during hot weather.
On the other hand, a cool roof, with its reflective properties, can significantly reduce the need for air conditioning, particularly in warmer climates or during summer. Your air conditioner uses less energy and operates more efficiently, which translates into lower utility bills.
Utility Savings
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, buildings with light-colored or cool roofs typically see a decrease in cooling costs by as much as 10%–15% during hot months. This percentage, however, will also depend on other factors, such as the roof’s material, the building’s insulation quality, and the local climate.
Longevity of Roofing Materials
The color of a commercial roof can also affect its lifespan. Darker roofs tend to absorb more UV radiation and hold it for a long time, which can cause the material to experience extreme expansion and contraction. This can lead to accelerated breakdown and premature aging.
By reflecting sunlight and absorbing less heat, lighter-colored roofs are exposed to less thermal stress, which slows down wear and degradation. Enduring less heat-related damage helps extend the lifespan of the roofing materials.
Understanding Advantages of Roof Color in Lancaster’s Climate
Lancaster, Pennsylvania is usually a more humid continental climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and cold winters. During the summer months, average high temperatures can be in the 80s and low 90s °F, placing a heavy demand on air conditioning systems. And the winters can be quite cold, with average lows dipping into the 20s °F and lower. This seasonal variation creates unique challenges for maintaining comfortable indoor environments and managing energy costs.
Enhanced Cooling in Summer
With hot and humid summers, a reflective roof can be a game-changer for your energy consumption. Light-colored roofs reflect a significant amount of sunlight, which can keep the roof surface up to 50°F cooler compared to traditional dark roofs. This reduction in heat absorption leads to a decreased reliance on air conditioning, resulting in substantial savings on cooling costs during the peak summer months.
Increased Indoor Comfort
Maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures is important for employee productivity and customer satisfaction. A reflective roof helps to regulate indoor temperatures, ensuring a more pleasant environment throughout the summer. In Lancaster’s hot and often muggy summers, this comfort can lead to increased productivity among staff and a more welcoming space for clients and customers.
Incentives for Energy Efficiency
Don’t forget to explore local and state incentives for energy-efficient upgrades. Pennsylvania’s Act 129 encourages energy efficiency improvements through various programs. You may qualify for rebates or incentives for implementing energy-efficient technologies, including reflective roofing. This financial assistance from government programs can make the transition to a lighter-colored roof even more appealing.
Partnering with Moser Roofing Solutions
If you own or manage a commercial building in Lancaster, PA, trust the experts at Moser Roofing Solutions to help you lower your utility bills and maximize your roof’s lifespan. With our unparalleled commercial roofing services and lightweight, white, reflective coatings, we are your trusted partner to protect your property and your bottom line. Contact us today!
