Are you searching for ways to reduce energy costs and boost sustainability in your manufacturing facility? Look no further! The advantages of cool roofs for manufacturing facilities offer an exceptional solution to help you achieve your goals. With increasing energy demands and environmental concerns, installing a cool roof system can provide numerous benefits, such as improved energy efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced indoor comfort.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn the ins and outs of cool roofs, how they can revolutionize your facility’s operations, and why Heidler Roofing is your best choice for commercial roof repairs and restoration in the Mid-Atlantic area. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a smart investment in your facility’s future. Schedule your roofing estimate with us today!

What Is a Cool Roof?

A cool roof is a roofing system designed with high solar reflectance—also known as albedo—and thermal emittance properties, reflecting more sunlight and emitting heat more efficiently than conventional roofs. Cool roofs help maintain lower temperatures on the roof surface by reducing heat transfer to the building below. The properties of cool roofs allow commercial buildings to stay up to 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than conventional materials during the hottest summer months.

These lower indoor temperatures from a new roof with cooling properties mean less strain on air conditioning units and a more comfortable work environment for manufacturing facilities. We specialize in installing cool roofs for manufacturing facilities in the Mid-Atlantic region. Our commitment to quality, service, and safety ensures you’ll receive the best roofing solution for your facility’s unique needs.

What Types of Roofs Are Considered Cool Roofs?

There are several types of cool roofs available for manufacturing facilities, including EPDM, TPO, PVC, and roof coatings. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a popular choice of commercial cool roofing materials due to its durability, energy efficiency, and resistance to weathering. TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) roofs offer similar benefits, with added advantages such as heat-welded seams for increased waterproofing and ease of maintenance.

Cool roof coatings, such as elastomeric and reflective coatings, can be applied to existing roofs to enhance their reflective properties and thermal emittance. These cool roof coatings not only improve the energy efficiency of your manufacturing facility but also extend the lifespan of your roof.

EPDM

EPDM is a highly durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane widely used in low-slope commercial and industrial buildings. It offers excellent resistance to weathering, ozone, and UV radiation, making it an ideal choice for long-term performance. EPDM roofs are available in both black and white colors, with the white version providing higher solar reflectance properties, thus contributing to a cooler roof. The installation methods for EPDM include fully adhered, mechanically fastened, or ballasted, allowing for flexibility in meeting specific project requirements.

TPO & PVC roofs

TPO and PVC are single-ply roofing membranes commonly used in many commercial buildings and industrial applications. They share several similarities, including their heat-welded seams, which create a strong, watertight bond for superior waterproofing. Both TPO and PVC are designed to be highly reflective, contributing to the energy efficiency of the building by reducing heat absorption. While TPO is known for its cost-effectiveness and flexibility, PVC stands out for its chemical resistance and durability, making it a popular choice for facilities exposed to harsh chemicals or extreme weather conditions.

Roof Coatings

Roof coatings are an excellent way to enhance the performance of existing roofs and extend their lifespan. There are several types of cool roof coatings available for commercial and industrial applications:

1. Elastomeric Coatings: These coatings are made from elastic materials like acrylic, silicone, or polyurethane, which create a seamless, waterproof membrane over the existing roof surface. Elastomeric coatings offer excellent solar reflectance and thermal emittance properties, helping to reduce roof temperatures and improve energy efficiency. They also provide added protection against leaks, ponding water, and damage from UV radiation.
2. Reflective Coatings: Reflective coatings are designed specifically to increase the solar reflectance of existing roofs. These coatings are available in various materials, including acrylic, silicone, and aluminum, and can be applied to a wide range of roofing substrates. By reflecting more sunlight and emitting heat more efficiently, reflective coatings help maintain lower roof temperatures, reducing the need for air conditioning and resulting in energy savings.

What Are the Benefits of Cool Roofs?

So, what are the advantages of cool roofs for manufacturing facilities? Let’s dive deeper into each benefit so you can better understand the importance of choosing a cool roof. Rest assured, a building owner like you is making an intelligent investment in energy efficiency and cost savings, contributing to a more sustainable future for the planet.

1. Energy Efficiency

One of the biggest advantages of cool roofs for manufacturing facilities is energy efficiency. Cool roofs contribute to energy efficiency by reflecting more sunlight and emitting heat more effectively than conventional roofing materials. These properties reduce the amount of heat the roof absorbs, leading to lower surface temperatures and less heat transfer into the building.

As a result, the demand for air conditioning decreases, lowering overall energy consumption. By implementing a cool roof system in a manufacturing facility, you can optimize energy usage, ultimately resulting in reduced operating costs and a smaller carbon footprint.

2. Cost Savings

The energy-efficient nature of cool roofs directly translates into cost savings for manufacturing facilities. By reducing the need for air conditioning, cool roofs help lower energy bills, especially during peak demand periods when electricity prices are highest. Furthermore, cool roofs can extend the lifespan of your roofing system by protecting it from the damaging effects of UV radiation and thermal cycling.

This protection means fewer repairs and replacements, leading to long-term savings on maintenance and replacement costs. Overall, investing in a cool roof system is a smart financial move that can yield significant returns over time.

3. Improved Indoor Comfort

Another advantage of cool roofs for manufacturing facilities is the improved indoor comfort. Since these roofs absorb less heat, they help maintain lower indoor air temperatures, creating a more comfortable working environment for employees.

A more comfortable indoor temperature is especially important in facilities without air conditioning or areas where high temperatures can affect productivity and worker safety. By improving indoor comfort, cool roofs can increase employee satisfaction, better productivity, and a safer work environment.

4. Environmental Sustainability

Cool roofs are crucial in promoting environmental sustainability by reducing energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions. By lowering the demand for air conditioning, cool roofs help decrease the burning of fossil fuels for electricity generation, resulting in fewer emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX).

Additionally, the widespread adoption of cool roofs in urban areas can mitigate the urban heat island effect, contributing to elevated temperatures and increased energy demands. This decrease leads to improved air quality, reduced smog formation, and a healthier environment for communities surrounding manufacturing facilities.

Let Us Help You Get These Advantages of Cool Roofs for Your Manufacturing Facility

The advantages of cool roofs for manufacturing facilities cannot be overstated. By investing in a cool roof system, you are making a smart, long-term decision that will not only improve energy efficiency and save on costs but also enhance indoor comfort and support environmental sustainability efforts.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! Partner with Heidler Roofing, the leading commercial roofing company in the Mid-Atlantic region and experience the benefits of cool roofs firsthand. Schedule your roofing estimate today and take the first step toward transforming your manufacturing facility for the better!

Resources:

• https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-05/documents/reducing_urban_heat_islands_ch_4.pdf
• https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/using-cool-roofs-reduce-heat-islands
• https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/cool-roofs

Keeping a warehouse operational and profitable takes hard work. From dealing with shipping, receiving your items, and hiring the right workers, warehouse owners have a lot on their shoulders. But if you haven’t recently given thought to what’s protecting the entirety of your operations—your roof—you might be missing an essential element of warehouse management.

With various warehouse roof types available, knowing the material on your roof can affect several factors of your business. For example, do you frequently have grease and oil exhaust on your roof that someone needs to check? If so, you need a roofing solution that can resist those emissions and withstand regular foot traffic. Are your energy bills through the roof? In that case, you’ll want to evaluate your commercial roof to see the issue and whether you need a new roofing material, additional insulation, or a coating.

Either way, you need an experienced roofing company to thoroughly assess your roof’s condition, including its age, weak spots, typical weather patterns, and special circumstances. The best commercial roofing contractor in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. is Heidler Roofing! For more than 63 years, we’ve helped warehouse owners and managers install, repair, and maintain the right roofing material for their operations. Learn more about the most popular types of warehouse roofs, and then contact us for your customized roofing estimate!

Built-Up Roofing

Built-up roofing (BUR) is one of the oldest commercial roofing materials. After the layers are “built-up” on the roof, it is topped with aggregates like stone. The number of layers used on your warehouse will vary, depending on whether your goal is to control costs or meet specific durability requirements. The layers give warehouses with a built-up roof good insulation, and the stone or gravel on top can withstand foot traffic. Surfaces can also be smooth or coated.

Modified Bitumen Roofing

Modified bitumen roofing (MB or Mod. Bit.) is a cousin of BUR systems. However, it’s held together with polymerized rubber or plastic instead of topped with aggregates. The product is reinforced with fiberglass or polyester for strength. We typically install MB roofs in two layers and adhere them to the insulation or directly to the roofing deck for stability and protection. If you want to decrease your energy bill, MB roofs are good at reflecting light.

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing

Single-ply membranes are a second warehouse roof type that may be right for your building. Single-ply membranes for commercial flat roofs are made from either thermoplastic or thermoset materials. Still, all offer superior leak protection and may even be able to help decrease your high energy bills.

EPDM Roofing

Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) roofing is a thermoset material used for over 50 years and provides excellent waterproofness. The synthetic rubber-like material provides weathering resistance, so it doesn’t wear out easily from seasonal temperature changes or frequent precipitation. Another option for introducing better UV reflectivity—especially for aging roof membranes that need repair—is restoration with an EPDM roof coating.

TPO Roofing

Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing is a thermoplastic roofing option that provides excellent energy efficiency. Because it reflects the sun, your cooling costs may lower in the summer. We heat-weld the seams to ensure a waterproof seal. TPO is one of the most common warehouse roof types. It’s also quite cost-effective when compared to other roof systems.

PVC Roofing

Polyvinyl chloride roofing (PVC) is also thermoplastic and resists oils and fats that may emit from your exhaust system onto your rooftop. As a thermoplastic material, it naturally expands and contracts with temperature shifts and is usually white or reflective in appearance. This appearance can decrease your cooling costs in the summer.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is a specialty roofing material that is sometimes appropriate for warehouses. It also has strong fire resistance, durability, and attractiveness. The added benefit of metal roofs is that some can last 100 years or longer. However, it is a more expensive option.

Warehouse Roof Coatings

Not all warehouse roof problems must be solved with a total replacement. Often, roof coatings, or liquid-applied roofing, are viable alternatives to getting an entirely new roof. A coating can fill in cracks, gaps, and other flaws, leading to a waterproof roof. There are four primary types of warehouse roof construction coatings we use here: acrylic, silicone, polyurethane, and butyl.

Acrylic Coating

Acrylic coatings may be right for your type of warehouse roof. They are ideal for low-slope roofs with minor ponding. They typically require a primer and fabric reinforcement onto the existing roof structure. We then apply the liquid material using a roller, sprayer, or brush.

Silicone Coating

Silicone coatings are like acrylic but may offer better water resistance for roofs prone to ponding. Silicone is made to stretch without breaking and is highly reflective. They also offer significant energy savings. They are typically applied in a single coat.

Polyurethane Coating

A polyurethane coating is a durable option. This coating is sometimes used as an original warehouse roof type. While it’s not as reflective as other coating options, it can stand up to ponding water quite well.

Butyl Coating

A butyl coating is a solvent-based synthetic rubber that can stretch without breaking and remains quite strong. It can also reflect UV rays to help with energy costs.

For Advice on the Right Warehouse Roof Type for You, Contact Heidler

With all these roof options, how can you decide on the best one for your warehouse? Should you choose something more cost-effective to install or something that will last an extremely long time? Is multi-ply roofing, single-ply membranes, or a roof coating your best option? And which of the materials in those categories is right for you?

There’s not a single answer that works well for every roof. Your warehouse roof type is unique based on the shape of the roof, weather conditions, the business you conduct inside your building, and the existing roof structure. The only way to tell for sure which type of warehouse roof is best for you is to contact a professional roofing contractor like Heidler Roofing.

We’ll come to your location and physically go on your roof to inspect it. You’ll receive a detailed report with problem areas, pictures, measurements, and recommendations. We’ll even include price estimates to help you choose. Our experienced team will advise you on the best material or coating for your roof. All you must do is contact us to schedule your estimate!

The roofing trade contains complicated terms and acronyms that may confuse commercial building owners unfamiliar with the industry. But you want to make the right choice regarding your building’s roof, so you decide to familiarize yourself with roofing terminology. Still, you’re not quite sure what the difference is between a roofing substrate and a roofing membrane and if you need both.

That’s where our experts at Heidler Roofing shine. We understand what it’s like to confuse some of the terminology associated with roofing because we were once there ourselves during the initial stages of learning the business. But after 63 years in the commercial roofing industry, we have learned plenty about several types of roofing elements.

Today, we’ll highlight some roof membranes and substrates comparisons so that you can better understand what we’re discussing with you during your roofing estimate.

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When your commercial roof experiences leaks, ponding water, or low energy efficiency, it can be troubling for business owners. Water leaking inside the building can create safety hazards for workers, and ponding water on the roof can lead to bugs or mold infestation. Plus, wasted energy means wasted dollars. You and your business deserve better.

These reasons are just some of why building owners in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States call a commercial roofing contractor to install a membrane roof. While there are many roof membrane types, the five varieties we primarily work with (and recommend) at Heidler Roofing include BUR, EPDM, TPO, PVC, and MB roofs.

If that sounds like a bowl of alphabet soup to you, let’s break down the definitions and benefits of these types of membranes. Then, contact Heidler Roofing, your trusted commercial roofing contractor, to schedule a roofing estimate to find out which type will work best for you.

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As we’ve often talked about in our commercial roofing-focused blog posts, it’s possible for your commercial building to have a roofing system that isn’t ideal for its use.

In buildings with flat-roof structures (as opposed to low-slope or steep-slope systems), builders can sometimes install an unsuitable roof. Inexperienced roofing contractors and novice building owners install commercial flat roofing systems that aren’t ideal because they aren’t aware of all the decision factors to choose the best roofing materials from the long list of possible options.

Perhaps more often, the type of business being conducted in a particular building changed throughout the history of the building. And while the original commercial roof may have been a perfect fit for the building’s earlier purpose, it could now be inappropriate—or maybe just too old and causing leaks inside the building.

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While thermoplastic single-ply membrane roofing like PVC and TPO, thermoset single-ply membrane roofing (EPDM), and modified bitumen “rubber roofing” are some of the most popular roofing systems for new commercial roof installations today, they’re not the only options available. In fact, if you have an aging roof on an existing commercial building, none of these materials may be quite the right—or most cost-effective—fit compared to elastomeric roof coatings.

Capable of stopping leaks, adding energy savings, and revitalizing your current roof without the need for a disruptive total tear-off and reinstallation project, elastomeric coatings are well worth your consideration.

Today’s post introduces coatings with a variety of material properties that can be applied to a wide range of existing commercial roofing systems, including asphalt, metal, and more.

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