We remember the days when it was “Cool” to “be cool” or say “cool”. OK, perhaps we are dating ourselves, but for some things, being cool is still COOL! Let’s look at how having a cool roof will keep make you “more cool”. (All puns intended!) This information is from the Energy.gov website. (http://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/cool-roofs ).

It gets HOT, HOT, HOT here in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in the summer time. This summer, combine this with the added moisture from all of the rain, and it will seem even hotter! This can negatively affect Oklahoma roofs, along with your pocket book and health. Here’s how.

First, what IS a cool roof? Well, simply stated, a cool roof is one that has been designed, built, and manufactured to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a standard roof. How can you achieve this effect? There are a few way: reflective materials, reflective paint, and reflective coverings. You might even consider lighter color shingles, as darker colors absorb more heat. According to Energy.gov, a standard or dark roof can reach temperatures of 150 degrees or more in the hot summer sun! While, a cool roof can stay about 50 degrees cooler! In a moment, let’s look at how you can achieve that result.

Next, what are the benefits of cool roofs? It can benefit your Oklahoma home or building by improving the comfort inside your home or building, reducing your energy bills, and actually decrease the Oklahoma roof temperature!

But, cool roofs can even benefit your environment here in Oklahoma. They reduce local air temperatures (see our blog about Urban Heat Islands), reduce power plant emissions, and reduce peak energy drain/demand on power plants.

In the next blog, we’ll look at types of roofs and how they can keep your Oklahoma City home or building cooler.