How to Keep Your Commercial Roof Cool This Summer with Energy Efficient Roofing
On a hot, sunny day, the surface of a black low-slope roof can become scorching—reaching temperatures between 150 and 190 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s hotter than the hood of a car baking in the summer sun. According to data from the Chemical Fabrics and Film Association (CFFA) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), these extreme temperatures result from black roofing absorbing intense solar heat, rising as much as 90 degrees above the surrounding air temperature. In contrast, a white reflective roof stays significantly cooler, increasing by only 10 to 15 degrees under the same conditions—offering a powerful case for cool roofing solutions in energy-conscious construction.
Choosing a white PVC roofing system from LaFerney is a smart, sustainable investment—especially during the heat of summer—for several key reasons:
1.) Lower Energy Costs and Resource Conservation
Cool, high-performance PVC roofing systems offer excellent reflectivity and thermal emittance, which means they bounce back a significant portion of the sun’s heat instead of absorbing it. This helps reduce cooling loads on the building, lowering energy bills and HVAC strain—ultimately cutting down on the total life-cycle cost of the roof while conserving valuable natural resources.
This heat map image clearly illustrates the dramatic impact a white PVC roofing system can have on building temperatures. On one side, gravel ballast roofing materials absorb intense heat, showing surface temperatures soaring well above 130°F. In contrast, the area with the white PVC roof remains significantly cooler—often by 40+ degrees—thanks to its high reflectivity.
2.) Proven Durability for Long-Term Value
PVC roofing systems are built to last, with some installations boasting over 20 years of reliable, leak-free performance. This extended lifespan not only reduces the frequency and cost of roof replacements but also lowers the total life-cycle cost—making PVC a smart, sustainable investment for the long haul.
3. Boosted Energy Efficiency
Our white PVC membrane is an ideal solution for meeting the requirements of energy efficiency programs, thanks to its exceptional reflectivity. The Defender membrane complies with California Title 24 and other energy efficiency programs that require the use of highly reflective roofing membranes. By reflecting sunlight instead of absorbing it, this high-performance roofing material helps reduce cooling demands—making it a smart choice for sustainable building design.
As the summer heat sets in, proactive commercial roofing maintenance becomes more important than ever. From reducing energy costs to extending your roof’s lifespan, investing in a cool, reflective PVC roofing system—like LaFerney’s Defender—can make a significant difference in both performance and sustainability. Don’t wait until problems arise. Give us a call to inspect, maintain, and upgrade your roofing system now, so your building stays protected, efficient, and cool.
