Failure to work closely with the roofing manufacturer and a structural engineer may result in a replacement roof that is unsound or unsafe. If the roof's supporting structure can hold the weight of additional insulation, and the roof design is compatible, the cost of that upgrade is relatively small in comparison to the total cost of the roof replacement project. One of the most cost-effective ways to enhance a roof's ability to reduce a facility's energy use is to add a reflective coating. In addition to reducing the load on the building's air conditioning system, reflective coatings can extend the life of a roof. The latest generation of reflective coatings is thick, easy to apply, and provides an additional level of protection from water.
Coatings improve the energy efficiency of a roof by reflecting a major portion of the sunlight.
Most dark roof surfaces, such as asphalt and black rubber membranes, absorb between 70 to 90 percent of the solar energy that strikes them. On a windless day, this solar energy can raise roof temperatures as high as 150 F, increasing the building's air conditioning load as the heat is transferred through the roof into the conditioned space. The results are lower cooling loads and a lower peak electrical demand for the facility. Lower roof temperatures also extend the life of a roof. Ultraviolet rays in sunlight attack rubber roof materials, causing them to dry out.