Published: 08/26/2021

Between the near-constant sunshine and thick humidity, saying Florida is hot is an understatement. The oppressive heat can make it tough to keep buildings cool and comfortable without cranking up the A/C. Fortunately, a simple roof treatment can transform your normal rooftop into a “cool roof” – the type that reflects sunlight and absorbs less heat.

A variety of materials and methods can be used to create a cool roof, including TPO, modified bitumen, and EPDM rubber roofing. The main principle is to finish the roof with a white or reflective coating that can easily bounce the sun’s UV rays away from the building.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, standard roofs can reach a scorching 150°F or more during the peak of summer. Cool roofs, on the other hand, stay more than 50°F cooler in the same conditions. Their effectiveness has been proven, and the benefits are numerous. Let’s take a look at some of the largest of these perks, and explore what you have to look forward to when you install a cool roof of your own.

Lower Energy Bills

By stopping heat from radiating in through your roof, you’ll be able to dramatically cut down your energy costs. The EPA reports that cool roofs produce an average net savings of 50 cents per square foot every year. Other findings from Energy Star show that cool roofs usually save building owners 7-15% in cooling costs, and reduce peak cooling demand by as much as 10-15%.

These savings can significantly cut down on your month-to-month utility costs, making a cool roof a high-ROI investment. In steamy Florida especially, an installation can be the key to living more comfortably both in terms of temperature and budget.

Avoid Damages and Losses

In the case of commercial and industrial facilities, keeping the interior temperature under control is often a necessity for preserving products and materials. Warehouses and storage rooms that need to house temperature-sensitive goods are prone to overheating here in southern Florida. If they’re exposed to excessive warmth, they may have to be disposed of entirely.

Equipping your building with a cool roof prevents this sort of mishap from ever occurring. The interior can naturally be kept much cooler, which will save not only your non-air-conditioned spaces from roasting, but also spare HVAC equipment from overloading to maintain a safe temperature in A/C zones.

Extend Lifespan of Your Roof

Roofing is exposed to very harsh conditions here, with the sun playing a heavy role in degradation. Accumulation of heat can damage roofing materials, causing them to warp and crack. Exposure to UV rays can also contribute to this type of structural damage.

Because cool roofs absorb almost no heat and reflect UV rays back toward the sky, they are naturally resilient against these forces. Many cool roof systems are also highly waterproof, further enhancing their durability. Such fortitude allows cool roofs to endure for far longer than their traditional counterparts, saving you money on future repairs and replacements.

Get Rebates for Installation

Because of the sustainability benefits of cool roofing, local governments offer different incentives for installation. Building owners in Sarasota, Bradenton, and the wider Tampa area can take part in a variety of programs. For example, Sarasota County offers the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program, which will help cover the costs of installing cool roofing as well as other energy-saving improvements.

My Florida Home Energy and the Florida Green Building Coalition offer more information about obtaining clean energy incentives. It is also possible to find federal tax incentives for cool roofs as well. One of the current offerings covers 10% of the cost, up to $500.

Pro Cool Roofing Contractors are Ready to Help

If you’re located in Sarasota, Manatee, or Hillsborough County and you’d like to take advantage of cool roofing, AKVM can make it happen. Our expert team has installed energy-saving roofing throughout the region, helping building owners like you save money and beat the heat. We’re ready to discuss the best options for your particular roof and come up with an affordable financing plan.

To schedule a free inspection and a cost estimate, call us today at (941) 727-3996.