How It Works

There are two properties of cool roof coatings which keep roof surfaces cool in the sun:

• High reflectivity to reflect away the sun's energy instead of absorbing it.
• High emissivity to radiate away any energy they do absorb.

Cool coatings have solar reflectivity of 60-75%, while conventional roofing materials are only 5-25%.

Most roofing materials have emissivities which are a healthy 90% or higher. Metals are one unfortunate exception with low emissivities that range between 20-60% depending on their surface finish and condition. Even though they are generally very reflective, metal roofing and metallic roof coatings (such as aluminum coatings) tend to get hot since they are unable to emit away even the modest amount of solar energy they do absorb.

The effect of these two properties on roof surface temperatures is striking. Conventional roof surfaces with low reflectivity and high emissivity heat to 160-190 degrees Fahrenheit at midday during the summer. Metal or aluminum coated roofs with high reflectivity and low emissivity still warm to 170-170 degrees. Cool coated roofs, with BOTH high reflectivity and emissivity, only reach 100-120 degrees in the hear of summer.

So, call today to get your roof coated!

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Lucas Elastomeric Roof Coatings

RDM Roof Coatings • (817) 559-5354
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