Reflective roofs are definitely en vogue nowadays, but do you know why? Lighter color roofs, typically white, are often called reflective roofs and offer more than just squinty eyes when walking across the roof on a sunny day. In the Mid-Atlantic, we typically see more cooling days than heating days, and a reflective roof will actually keep the roof cooler which helps the HVAC units to run more efficiently. But why is the roof cooler with a reflective roof? It all comes down to the sun and solar radiation. Lighter colors reflect the radiation, whereas darker colors absorb the radiation. During hot summer months, it is not uncommon to see a 20-degree difference between white and black roofs. Something to keep in mind is darker roofs contribute to urban heat island effects, which, simply put, means a warmer roof contributes to hotter temperatures within the city. So, next time you have a roofing project, consider a reflective roof!

Contact Cole Roofing today to assist you with designing your next roofing project, and if we install a reflective roof on your building, don’t forget the sunglasses!

You probably know where this topic is heading if you have any ladders going up to the roof or connecting roof areas. Many times in my career, I’ve had to refuse to use a fixed ladder because they are “questionable”. Safety is the highest priority, but it’s difficult to be safe when the ladder is too short, rungs are broken, and bolts are pulling out of the wall. Consider replacing those old ladders, cages, hatches, and railings with new, OSHA-compliant components.

Cole Roofing is 100% OSHA-compliant, and we are serious about safety. Cole Roofing partners with many different suppliers, so a new replacement ladder may not be as much as you think!

Roof replacements can be messy. Disruption of the facility and the people inside the building is a legitimate concern and can delay a roofing project until the “right” time. Roof replacement budgets can also delay a project. What to do?

Consider a roof coating restoration instead of tearing off that old roof. The roof coatings available today are not just painted. They are waterproofing membranes (acrylic, urethane, or silicone) applied directly to the existing roof system and come with standard warranties of up to 20 years. Coatings will also lessen the impact on the wallet. Most importantly, if a roof is required sooner rather than later, most coatings are readily available; other materials still have extremely long lead times.

Your roof is most notably impacted by direct sunlight. During the summer, the temperature of the air is warmer, and your roof’s total sun exposure is extended. The daily sequence of temperature variation can create stress points where roof components connect to each other. Routine roof system inspections should include checking on these areas of concern and advising when repairs are necessary.

Any type of major storm is a concern for your roof.  Following a large storm, it is highly recommended that you have your roof inspected for potential damage. While you might not observe any immediate physical damage, your roof may still be compromised and develop problems over time.

If you have a significant downpour in a short period of time, your roof is also at risk of ponding. If large amounts of water remain on your roof for more than 48 hours after a storm, it’s a cause for concern. Catastrophic consequences such as collapsed roofs have been observed due to major ponding.