In residential neighborhoods across the United States, asphalt roofs are typically the most widely used. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) estimates that “four out of five homes are covered with asphalt shingles” in the country.
Why is asphalt so popular? Asphalt is a versatile roofing material that can be utilized on roofs of various sizes and complexities. Further, asphalt shingles come in many different colors, textures and styles, giving homeowners control over the curb appeal and aesthetic of their home, all while maintaining an affordable price point. And last but not least, asphalt is relatively easy to install, as the shingles do not require any structural changes or reinforcement when installed.
However, asphalt is not infallible. One of the biggest issues traditional asphalt products face is heat. In an article for the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC), Raymond L. Corbin highlighted some of the struggles of asphalt in the heat, sharing, “Black shingles in the summer can reach as much as 160ºF peak with a sustained temperature of 140ºF for more than five hours... This heat is then transferred to the attic space – 90% by infrared radiation and 10% by conduction. This heats the ceiling of the occupied space, which then tends to radiate into the rooms below.”
The result of elevated rooftop and interior temperatures go beyond a high air conditioning bill and some discomfort. Heat can actually cause premature shingle aging. As Raymond explained, “Keeping the shingle hotter will cause accelerated weathering or hardening of the filled-coating asphalt, which is the waterproofing component of the shingle. Severe hardening of the filled-coating asphalt generally causes premature shingle failure.”
For those who work in areas that experience high heat, there are unique products developed specifically to handle hot and high-UV applications. Take PABCO Roofing Products’ Premier Radiance® shingles as an example!
These shingles are manufactured with solar-reflective granules that “reflect heat-producing ultraviolet rays from the sun back into the atmosphere.” The result? A cooler roof and a cooler home. And you don’t have to give up the benefits of asphalt to get this result. Premiere Radiance shingles come in four rich colors, offering that design versatility that attracts so many to asphalt, as well as comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty to give peace of mind.
The best part? Shingles like the Premier Radiance line not only help individual homes and roofs withstand heat better, but they can also play a role in keeping communities healthier. As our summers grow longer and hotter, urban heat islands (UHIs) have emerged as large health concerns. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Heat islands increase electricity demand for air conditioning and peak energy demand; elevate the emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gasses; contribute to heat-related deaths and heat-related illnesses; and impair water quality.”
How do roofing products help address these issues? The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) explains:
Cool roofs and walls have an important role in combating UHIs. Due to their ability to reflect heat back into the atmosphere, installing reflective materials on buildings decreases the building’s surface temperature, as well as temperatures inside the building. This means that, compared to buildings with conventional roofs and walls, less air conditioning is needed to keep occupants comfortable and buildings without air conditioning stay cooler. Cool roofs and walls also contribute to increased solar reflectance (albedo) of a community, which can help decrease outdoor air temperatures.
This cooling effect means that when you install cool asphalt shingles, like Premier Radiance, you’re not only protecting your homeowner’s investment and helping them be more comfortable, but you’re also keeping the community around them healthier.
Want to learn more about cool asphalt roofing? See how contractors and professional use PABCO’s Premier Radiance to make stunning, cool homes!