Colorful, cool roofs

It was clear at the International Builders’ Show that color is a big trend this year – even in the roofing category. As the industry experiences stricter energy efficiency guidelines and a higher demand from homeowners for “green” products, it’s no surprise that homeowners want both. Residential Design + Build magazine spoke with roofing manufacturers about their color and cool roof product options and where trends are headed. Continue reading as they share their thoughts.

Boral Roofing

Industry: “For the past five years or so, several national organizations such as U.S. Green Building Council and Energy Star have pushed to lower the surface temperature of roof decks to increase energy efficiency in America’s buildings. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by starting on the exterior building envelope with cool roofs,” says Mike Vogel, product manager, Boral Roofing. Vogel is also on the technical committee of the Cool Roof Rating Council.

Product Offering: “Boral Roofing has an extensive range of vibrant colors and styles of clay and concrete tile listed by the CRRC and Energy Star.  We have a vast selection with a Solar Reflectance Index value of 29 or higher.  These colors help reduce the urban heat island effect and can contribute to points for USGBC LEED projects.”

Where is it going:  “The concrete and clay industry is being driven by USGBC, Energy Star and CRRC working with leaders in the roofing industry to continually develop and write building code for cool roofing tile products, along with the pursuit of innovations such as smog-eating tile technology,” Vogel adds.

CertainTeed Roofing

Industry: “With growing concerns about rising energy costs and increased demand for environmentally friendly products, building professionals need to meet the requests of homeowners who gravitate toward more efficient options such as cool roofing, but don’t want to sacrifice curb appeal by integrating cool roofing technology,” says Maria McDonough-Forde, director of marketing communications, CertainTeed Roofing.

Product offering: “CertainTeed’s newest cool roofing shingles, an expansion of the Solaris collection, Landmark Solaris Platinum is offered in fresh earth-toned color blends and has an industry-leading 40 percent solar reflectivity.  The all-new Energy Star-rated Presidential Shake^{Solaris line-up features 25 percent solar reflectivity and is offered in rich, dark hues (burnt sienna and weathered wood) to replicate the look of authentic, traditional asphalt or wood shake shingles,” McDonough-Forde says.}

Where is it going: “Since the original introduction of Landmark Solaris, the demand for cool roofing shingles that boost the curb appeal and improve the energy efficiency of a home has skyrocketed. Now, it’s about more than just a robust color palette,” McDonough-Forde says. “Newer shingles, such as Presidential Solaris, replicate the look of authentic, hand-split wood shakes. While aesthetics continue to drive the selection process, performance will always be of critical importance.”

Custom Bilt-Metals

Industry: “I have been noticing lately that people are starting to catch on. We have been promoting designing with darker colors for years. People thought to have a cool roof, you had to have a light color. It really amazes people when you can have dark colors and it can also be a cool roof,” says Joe Chiovare, director of sales and marketing, Custom-Bilt Metals.

Product offering: “Cool pigment is put into the paint [of the products]. Every color has this cool pigment in the paint. We offer black on up -- about 30 colors. And all are listed with Energy Star,” Chiovare says.

Where is it going: The difficult thing with designing the cool pigments and putting them into colors is making sure these are colors  the market wants. The trick will be to have higher solar reflectant value with the same color tone [that the industry and consumers want],” Chiovare adds.

 DaVinci Roofscapes