Surface temperatures can be as much as 100 degrees Fahrenheit lower on roofs with qualified shingles. These shingles are considered COOL products in the asphalt shingle industry. SPRI always recommends carefully selecting a roofing system based on performance attributes and considering the buildings design, intended use, location, and climatic conditions. The hotter the roof, the more energy it takes to cool the building beneath it. Price quotes for products were acquired from a major nationwide supplier, as of the writing of this case study. Energy Star-qualified shingles come in a variety of colors, including dark colors, even dark browns and grays. Your roof is not an exception to this rule. The UNSPSCs for cool roof products are listed in Table 2. }. And a cooler attic means less heat gets transferred to your home. When choosing products based on high or low thermal emittance, keep in mind your climate. (See Reference 2). However, they are hard to maintain in wet environments due to factors like mildew and wood rot. However, the term cool roof is often associated with flat roofs or commercial installations. In general, dark colors tend to absorb more heat, and on roofs, that heat is transferred to the building. Asphalt shingles are low maintenance and energy efficient, but they can be easily damaged in high wind and stormy areas. Purchasing a new roof is one of the biggest decisions youll ever make for your home, so its important that its done right and that you have someone standing behind the work for years to come. Cool Climates: Timberline Cool Series Lifetime Without Tax Credit, Cool Climates: Timberline Cool Series Lifetime With Tax Credit, Warm Climates: Timberline Cool Series Lifetime Without Tax Credit, Warm Climates: Timberline Cool Series Lifetime With Tax Credit. HC x 33% Cooling = $330 Avg. main things happen when the suns radiation hits the surface of an asphalt shingle Many of them have earned an Energy Star rating. Metal roofing is by far one of the best choices you can make for your roof in general. energy code. Heres what you need to know. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) provides some helpful advice in its guidelines for selecting a roofing contractor. Traditionally, theyre also one of the most non-reflective and heat-absorbent roofing options available. roofing shingles, even if not required, can have potential energy-saving Most of these are available at home stores and building supply houses. (See References 3). And if temperatures get too extreme, it wont just raise your electric bill it can actually damage your roof. Lets examine energy-efficient roofs and how your roof can help you lower your energy bill and keep you more comfortable in the process. What Kind of Roof Tile Goes With an American Colonial Home. They are designed with special granules that make them more reflective than standard asphalt, so they absorb less heat. Federal laws and requirements mandate that agencies purchase ENERGY STAR-qualified products or FEMP-designated products in all product categories covered by these programs and in any acquisition actions that are not specifically exempted by law. For example, a metal roof could lower your energy bill by as much as 40 percent in the summer. Federal agencies must purchase products that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR efficiency levels. 7 COMMON PROBLEMS CAUSED BY POOR ROOF VENTILATION. These mandatory requirements apply to all forms of procurement, including construction guide and project specifications; renovation, repair, energy service, and operation and maintenance (O&M) contracts; lease agreements; acquisitions made using purchase cards; and solicitations for offers. mIATPS _9 =@l g0 )+ UNSPSCs can help the federal acquisition community identify product categories covered by sustainable acquisition requirements, track purchases of products within those categories, and report on progress toward meeting sustainable acquisition goals. Americans spend about $40 billion annually to air condition buildings - sixth of all electricity generated in this country. Ready to take the next step towards building an 2010 Tax Incentives from Energy Star currently offer a $1,500 tax credit for choosing qualified Energy Star Cool Shingles. DIY Guide to Sealing & Insulating (PDF, 12.8MB). Click here to view the latest blog posts. hmo6 But did you know that an energy-efficient roof is one of your best resources for saving energy? 02452, 781-647-7026 benefits for your home. Those in southern states should see a minimum annual savings of $47. The lower the SRI value, the hotter the asphalt shingles are likely to be in sunlight. rounded up a few of our experts to help explain why choosing COOL asphalt Color & design inspiration for your home. However, if you are living in some of the more frigid environments in the Midwest, you are going to want a dark color roof that will absorb as much of that sunlight as possible. height: 70px !important; reroofingproject or adding the finishing touches on your newly In California, homeowners have access to darker asphalt shingles that meet various COOL roof energy codes that are specific to the state. AC, $330 Avg. These shingles can help make your home more comfortable and may even be required if you live in certain geographical areas. FEMP's acquisition guidance and associated ENERGY STAR efficiency requirements for cool roof products are technology neutral, meaning that one technology is not favored over another. Good ventilation keeps any heat thats transferred to the attic from building up. } You can even install a solar fan onto your roof; however, I would not recommend this in cloudy climates. the sun shines on your roof, it delivers visible and invisible (infrared and roof: If your attic is not properly ventilated and insulated, this absorbed heat may increase the temperature inside your home. 781-647-7222 Thermal emittance measurement ranges between 0.0 and 1.0 (sometimes referred to as a percentage between 0 and 100). Solar reflectance might not seem as important in colder climates, but even if you live where summers are short, the savings can add up. In addition to helping to keep your home more energy-efficient, COOL roofing shingles may also benefit the environment: For an asphalt roofing shingle to be classified as a COOL However, it can be easily damaged and can be harder to replace smaller sections of the roof. HC x 67% Cooling = $670 Avg. The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) provides acquisition guidance for cool roof products, a product category covered by ENERGY STAR efficiency requirements. The ENAC identifies items that have positive environmental characteristics and meet standards set by an approved third party, such as FEMP and ENERGY STAR. } ENERGY STAR certified roof products can help reduce the amount of air conditioning needed in buildings, and can reduce peak cooling demand by 1015 percent. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides cool roof product efficiency levels and product specification information on its ENERGY STAR website. 2022 Roofsimple Inc. All rights reserved. Is there a difference between an energy-efficient roof and a cool roof? *Calculations are based on Total Product Cost divided by the Life Expectancy of the each. The right color roof is important, but a light roof made from the wrong materials is not going to outperform a dark roof made with the right material (and vice versa.). In 2019 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced they are sunsetting the ENERGY STAR reflective roof program effective June 1, 2022. Although ENERGY STAR doesnt require a thermal emittance value for certified asphalt shingles, the measurement is often listed on specification sheets to better inform consumers. In my experience, having the proper color roof for the region you live in can get you up to five more years of life out of a 20-year shingle. It ranges from 0 to 100. Current Specification Effective Date: July 2017. Duration Premium COOL Shingles are available nationally in four colors. Fortunately, that has changed in recent years. The incentives change from year to year, so it is important to check with a tax accountant. With the $1,500 Energy Start Tax Credit on materials, this difference is reduced to only $408. For an average home, the savings can add up to $300 to $500 a year. Is there a difference between energy-efficient and cool roofs? .pane-bundle-generic-slider .flexslider .field-name-field-banner-link{ } In southern climate zones like Southern California and Texas, the opposite was estimated. Advances in roofing technology means asphalt shingles are more efficient than ever before. Even among the qualified Energy Star shingles, the lighter ones tend to carry a better Energy Star rating than the darker ones. However, savings may be offset entirely by added heating costs in the winter months. The SRI values for darker COOL asphalt shingles will usually be slightly lower than the lighter tones, but the darker COOL shingle values are still high enough to meet most of the California energy code requirements. With the tax credit, the Timberline Cool Series may be worth it to homeowners in sunny areas. FEMP has calculated that the required ENERGY STAR-qualified cool roof product saves money if priced no more than $0.64/ft2(in 2020 dollars) above the less efficient model (e.g., $640 for a building with a 1,000 ft2 roof). Roofs should be properly examined at regular intervals and maintained or cleaned when necessary and appropriate to assure the maximum solar reflectance. Creating an energy efficient roof will save you money and energy. Energy-efficient roofs (including cool roofs) are becoming the norm in roofing. AC x 7% Min. The most common types of Energy Star labeled roofs are made of asphalt shingles, shake shingles, metal roofing, slate roofing or tile roofing. In heating-dominated climates, a non-reflective roof covering is often ideal to reduce heating costs and the burning of fossil fuels, and may mitigate the risk of condensation-related issues within the roofing assembly. Some of this radiated heat is dispersed into the surrounding atmosphere. Home appliances, HVAC systems, energy-saving windows, and even LED light bulbs are all promising to save energy and cut costs. DLA offers products through the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia and online through FedMall (formerly DOD EMALL). A former science writer for the Smithsonian Institution, Kimbra Cutlip is a writer and children's book author whose articles have appeared in numerous national publications. When adjusted for energy savings in warm southern climate zones: Emissivity and how it relates to energy savings and cool roofs Not all roofs are created equal. COOL roofing shingles use solar-reflecting granules to help decrease the amount of heat transferred into your home. The Cool Series Lifetime shingle is well over double the cost of the 30-year shingle. A lot of roofing materials have been rated by Energy Star, but there are definite differences from one type of roof to another. The Solar Reflectance Index, or SRI, is a calculation using the aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance measurements of the asphalt shingles materials. Bear in mind, many asphalt shingles dont have these energy-efficient features. ultraviolet) light waves. Two factors impact a roofs ability to stop this transference of heat: solar reflectance and ventilation. The solar reflectance measurement ranges between 0.0 and 1.0, with 1.0 representing 100% reflectance with no absorption. While the ENERGY STAR roofing program has provided guidance to many building owners and designers over the years, this change will eliminate some likely confusion around energy-efficient roof design. Studies by the Heat Island Group and the Florida Solar Energy Center have shown that buildings with dark roofs required up to 40 percent more energy to cool than buildings with light-colored or reflective roofs (see References 4 and 5). Calculated based on the December 2021 ENERGY STAR List of Qualified Products; values shown are rounded to the nearest dollar. Energy-efficient roofs pay for themselves. Many states also offer grants, tax exemptions or credits and other incentives for using green products. }, Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights - Product page, This can lower roof surface temperature by up to 50F, Department of Energy's Cool Roof Calculator, Emissivity and how it relates to energy savings and cool roofs, Other types of roofing that can save energy. You can even earn a tax credit through the Energy Star rating program. According to GreenBuildingAlliance.org, 90% of roofs in the United States are poorly designed and built with dark, non-reflective materials that absorb rather than reflect heat. Our partners sponsor rebates Its website offers a comprehensive list of roof materials and manufacturers. Energy Star estimates that the average Heating & Air Conditioning Costs for Homeowners in the U.S. is $1,000 per year. Metal roofing is friendly to your wallet, lightweight and durable. The federal supply sources for energy-efficient products are the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Once you you have factored in these three aspects of energy efficient roofing, you are well on your way to saving money and energy. by Adam Burzynski | Jul 16, 2021 | SPRI News. Although there are inherent benefits in the use of reflective roofing, before selecting a roofing product based on expected energy savings consumers should explore the expected calculated results that can be found on the. The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) estimates that the average energy savings for reflective shingles to be between 7% and 15% of cooling costs. With the recent release of cool shingles like the Timberline Cool Series from GAF and the $1,500 Energy Star Tax Credit for cool roofing materials, many folks are asking whether the any energy savings are worth the additional cost. .light-gray_bkgd { We recommend our users to update the browser. Use the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder to see if your local utility offers these incentives. Reflectivity requirements differ for low-slope and steep-slope roofs. Energy-efficient roofs may be more expensive initially, but they usually pay for themselves over time. However, ENERGY STAR's product specification requirements are limited to cool roof products tested through the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) Product Rating Program, including Color Family Groups and Compound Product Ratings, or evaluated using the test methods for ENERGY STAR qualifications listed in the ENERGY STAR product specification information. In cities where most of the buildings and homes have flat roofs, cool roofs can make a big difference. While good insulation offers some relief, it doesnt stop the transference of heat from the roof top to the attic. Cool roofs typically go over an existing roof by adding a reflective coating. Calculated based on a typical black roof. *Calculations are made by multiplying the Average Cost of Air Conditioning (AC) with the 7% Minimum (Min) Savings estimated by the CRRC. An efficient product is cost-effective when the lifetime energy savings (from avoided energy costs over the life of the product, discounted to present value) exceed the additional up-front cost (if any) compared to a less efficient option. constructed house, Owens Corning Roofing can help. Slate roofing is a long lasting and energy efficient form of roofing; however, it is difficult to install, with many roofing contractors not qualified to install it. For residential homes, COOL roofing shingle use is most prevalent in California. For heating, calculated based on an assumed natural gas price of $0.56/therm, which is the average natural gas price at federal facilities, listed in $/ft2. Static vents, wind powered vents and eclectic vents are the three main types of roof vents used in residential roofing. body .l-row-6-fourth{ It lowers peak electricity demand, which can help prevent power outages. To create an energy efficient roof, I would recommend installing turbine fans on your roof to actively push the hot air out. Read more about how to meet cool roofing code requirements in California. Sign up for newsletters from ENERGY STAR to help you save money and energy at home. .flex-caption{display: none;} The Owens Corning Roofing Contractor Network rewards contractors for providing homeowners with a positive experience with our products. The ENERGY STAR roofing program will be phased out byJune 1, 2022. It is there to protect you from the elements and ensure that your home remains insulated and maintains a comfortable temperature. A white or light brown color will do a better job of reflecting the energy of the sun, keeping your house cooler during the hottest desert months. If installing a metal roof, make sure it is painted a light color (not with a clear coating). Energy efficiency in the home has been a popular topic for many years. x 4 Bdls Per SQ = $170.00 Per Square. Without the solar-reflecting granules, an asphalt shingle roof may be as much as 100 degrees hotter. Federal purchasers can assume ENERGY STAR-qualified products and products that meet FEMP-designated efficiency requirements are life cycle cost-effective. Three 0d'R%"iacY$M(q2mtw3K&. What type of roof is the most energy efficient? An energy-efficient roof can also save you money by extending the life of your roof. 465 Waverley Oaks Road Table 1 compares three types of product purchases and calculates the lifetime cost savings of purchasing efficient models. Tile roofs also allow air to flow under the tiles which adds to their ability to release any heat they do absorb. ENERGY STAR considers up-front costs and lifetime energy savings when setting required efficiency levels. Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material used on homes. The higher the number, the less heat transferred to the home. The Cool Series Lifetime shingle is 60% higher ($1,908) than the regular Prestique Lifetime shingles. Asphalt shingles with higher solar reflectance values can achieve ENERGY STAR certification. It contains more than 50,000 commodities, including many used in the federal sector, each with a unique eight-digit, four-level identification code. Dont forget to take advantage of the many state-specific incentive programs for home and business owners who use COOL roofing materials. +Excludes non-Owens Corning roofing products such as flashing, fasteners, pipe boots and wood decking. Solar Reflectance after 3 Years: The fraction of total solar energy that is reflected away by a surface 3 years after installation, based on typical values and ENERGY STAR values. Calculated based on December 2021 ENERGY STAR efficiency levels; values shown are rounded to the nearest dollar. x 3 Bdls Per SQ = $73.50 Per Square, $26.60 Per Bdl. Tile roofing is also an energy efficient roofing system; however, it is best for homeowners in warm desert climates due to tiles ability to withstand the heat and moisture and reflect sunlight. The DLA ENAC for cool roof product models is "EC". Much of the suns energy is coming right back off the roof. = $23 Saved Per Year, $1,000 Avg. Here are a few things you need to know to ensure your roof is energy efficient. Energy efficiency means different things in different regions, so what works in the Southwest could be the exact opposite of what works in the Northeast. Without the Energy Star tax credit, the Timberline Cool Series is not worth the additional expense. There are not many places that can get hotter than an attic. They can be made from slate, clay or concrete. The following are estimated material costs for the shingles only: This not only helps keep interior areas cooler, but it also reduces the strain on any home cooling devices. This measurement can be used as an indicator of how hot shingles are likely to become when theyre exposed to the sun. Materials with a high thermal emittance may be a better choice for hot, sunny regions while those with a low thermal emittance may help homes lower the heating load in severely cold climates. In prorating the Lifetime shingles, a 50-year life is assumed (as is done by most insurance companies). A homeowner in the desert southwest is going to want a lightly colored roof. AC, $670 Avg. And they can be covered with special coatings to give them an even higher efficiency rating. She holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in magazine journalism and anthropology. All references to ENERGY STAR must cease byJune 1, 2022. Do energy-efficient roofs really save you money? Shasta White shingles in Owens Cornings Supreme, Oakridge and TruDefinition Duration shingle lines are available in most markets. A roof plays a critical role for your home. Rooftop temperatures can get 90 to 100 degrees hotter than the outside air temperature. The color of your roof is one of the most important factors in maintaining energy efficiency. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer). What are the pros and cons? reflectance and thermal emittance properties that can help reduce a homes Total Protection is more than shingle deep. Unable to find an accurate breakdown of heating and air conditioning average expenses into their respective parts, weve made the estimation that in colder northern climate zones like Minnesota and Wisconsin, 33% of the average spent goes towards cooling and the other 67% to heating. The more waves that are bounced back into the Here are five things you should know before hiring a roofing contractor., Pat Overson is the owner of Overson Roofing in Mesa Arizona. Annual Energy Savings: A measure of the net energy savings from a reduction in cooling load and increase in heating load, listed in kWh/ft2. Whether youre embarking on a They even come in darker colors that are normally associated with low solar reflectance values. These shingles are engineered to have higher solar Annual Energy Cost Savings: For cooling, calculated based on an assumed electricity price of $0.09/kWh, which is the average electricity price at federal facilities, listed in $/ft2. This acquisition guidance was updated in December 2021. background: #f7f7f7 !important; What makes windows, doors & skylights ENERGY STAR? to save energy. Cool roofs achieve the greatest cooling savings in hot climates, but can increase energy costs in colder climates due to reduced beneficial wintertime heat gains. Waltham, MA And that heats going to transfer into your attic and then into your home. To ensure a high-emittance roof, avoid unpainted metal roofs and aluminum coatings. They can be treated with reflective coatings even after installation. In colder Northern climate zones of the United States, a cool roof may actually increase heating costs in the winter offsetting summer savings. cooling load on hot, sunny days. Metal roofs are very reflective, which is why they get so hot to the touch. = $47 Saved Per Year. Ask your roofer what the Energy Star rating is for the material youre choosing. It includes shingles with a reflectance value over 20. During the summer in states like Arizona, an attic can reach temperatures of up to 150 degrees. As your roof absorbs solar radiation, it begins to heat up. Read about the most breaking industry news, research, or highlighted member projects all in one spot. An energy-efficient roof can do more than just save you money on your energy bill. Contact Us. This process of radiating previously absorbed heat is thermal emittance. atmosphere, the higher the solar reflectance of the asphalt roofing shingle. width: 33.5% !important; body .l-row-6-first{ When adjusted for energy savings in cold northern climate zones: Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 23.206 requires agencies to insert the clause at FAR section 52.223-15 into contracts and solicitations that deliver, acquire, furnish, or specify energy-consuming products for use in federal government facilities. In addition to installing COOL roofing shingles, proper levels of attic insulation can also have a large impact on energy cost savings. Future electricity and natural gas price trends and a 3% discount rate are from Energy Price Indices and Discount Factors for Life-Cycle Cost Analysis2021: Annual Supplement to NIST Handbook 135(NISTIR 85-3273-36). Product submissions must include initial emissivity data for all existing and new products. That can translate into a 10 to 15 percent reduction in the amount of energy needed to cool the building during peak cooling periods. The list includes an Energy Star rating for each type of roof material. } What your roof does with reflecting the sunlight endstream endobj 109 0 obj <> endobj 110 0 obj <> endobj 111 0 obj <>stream ENERGY STAR certified roof products can help reduce the amount of air conditioning needed in buildings, and can reduce peak cooling demand by 10-15 percent. Some utilities offer rebates or other incentives for the purchase of ENERGY STAR-qualified products. For the purpose of this report, a 3,000 square foot roof (30 Squares) is used and the Timberline Prestique 30yr is included as a baseline for comparison. margin-top: 65px; ENERGY STAR certified roof products reflect more of the sun's rays. The three properties to look for when selecting a roof material to reduce building cooling load are: The ENERGY STAR program presently considers reflectance only, not emittance. margin-bottom: 11px !important; Find Owens Corning COOL roofing shingles available in your area, along with a trusted independent contractor in the Owens Corning Contractor Network. This means thatventilation is key to an energy efficient roof. Getting the color and shape of shingle you always wanted is a great way to express your individual personality and add real value. It also is very reflective, making it energy efficient in sunny environments. An energy-efficient roof can save you hundreds of dollars every year. However, for most applications, purchasers will find that energy-efficient products have the lowest life cycle cost. First things first, lets understand how a roof reacts to heat from the sun, and the impact this relationship has on the temperature inside your home and therefore on your energy bills. rating for thermal emittance and solar reflectance. The savings for each location depend on the magnitude of the heating and cooling loads. Suite 421 That means less heat gets transferred to the attic. Products meeting ENERGY STAR or FEMP-designated efficiency requirements may not be life cycle cost-effective in certain low-use applications or in locations with very low rates for electricity or natural gas. His company is the 2016 winner of the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics. And when your attic is overheated, that excess heat will transfer into your home and make the A/C work harder than it should. Further, an asphalt shingle roof can potentially deliver energy-saving benefits when COOL asphalt shingles are installed.