Green Solutions Consulting Services 

“Integrated Systems Design Approach to Managing Your Roof Asset”

High-Performance Roofing or HPR is part of a larger trend toward High-Performance Buildings, which is especially strong among builders and managers involved in the construction and renovation of school systems and government facilities. The Department of Energy (DOE) has established a High-Performance Building initiative that focuses on promoting energy-efficiency nationwide.   Cool roofing with high reflectivity and high emissivity contributes to energy efficiency through insulation and reflective (cool) surfaces.  The DOE defines the benefits and objectives of High-Performance Buildings and “whole-building design” as:

• Energy consumption reductions of 50 percent or more
• Reduced maintenance and capital costs
• Reduced environmental impact
• Increased occupant comfort and health
• Increased employee productivity

High-Performance Roofing systems can contribute significantly toward  High-Performance Building objectives.  As part of a High-Performance Building, an HPR system acts as a vital, performance - enhancing umbrella that protects the facility from the elements, enhances the performance of other building components, enables uninterrupted operations, and contributes to the health and productivity of occupants. 

And, contrary to some popular myths, High Performance Roofing systems that are cool and sustainable do not necessarily involve additional costs over traditional low slope applications.  In fact, an essential criterion of High-Performance Roofing systems is that they reduce life-cycle costs (LCC) significantly.

Cool roofing with the associated energy savings combined with the utility company rebates in some locations of the country, as well as federal, state, and local legislation and additional incentives, such as Californis’a Title 24 “green” construction standards and the Chicago Energy Code will assist in providing up to 23 LEED credits.

Roof reflectivity values:

  • 7%, built-up roof with dark gravel
  • 10%, dark composite asphalt shingle
  • 15%, modified bitumen with mineral-surface cap sheet
  • 40%, built-up roof with white gravel
  • 68%, white painted metal roof
  • 70%, unpainted metal roof
  • 75%, white single-ply membrane 
  • 87% Duro-Last white PVC High Performance membrane jr-highschool-cool

Click here to request additional information on High Performace Roofing.