Cool Roofing: Hot-Button Issues

Part 1: Cool Roofs Reject Heat, Lower Cooling Loads

Part 2: Lower Your Energy Bills with Cool Roofs

Part 3: Cool Roofs Generate Lower Surface Temperatures

Part 4: Cool Roofs: Develop a Maintenance Plan

Part 5: Cool Roofs: Title 24, LEED Provide Standards and Guidelines

Cool Roofs: Develop a Maintenance Plan

April 2009

The maintenance considerations related to cool roofs are similar to those promoted for years by organizations such as the National Roofing Contractor’s Association and the Roof Consultant’s Institute.

The first step is to develop and implement a preventive maintenance program. For example, any roof maintenance program should include keeping debris from clogging roof drains. Because this step keeps water from ponding — which collects and holds dirt — this step alone should help a cool roof stay whiter longer.

Cleaning a cool roof might not be practical if the cleaning costs outweigh the potential for energy savings. Before making a decision, managers should calculate if the cost of cleaning is worth putting it in the budget.

One effective strategy for reaping more energy savings is to coat or recoat a roof, considering the ever-escalating cost of energy. When considering coating or recoating, managers need to determine a roof’s remaining performance life. If a roof remains watertight and simply needs few repairs, applying a coating might be a cost-effective step.