Tag Archive for: Torch Down Flat Roof

SYNTHETIC VS. FELT ROOFING UNDERLAYMENT: PROS & CONS

SYNTHETIC VS. FELT ROOFING UNDERLAYMENT: PROS & CONS

When most people think of roofs, they typically think of shingles or metal roofing. But what some may not know is there’s another layer of protection directly on top of the roof deck and under the roof covering that performs a critical role in protecting your home from moisture damage. It’s called roofing underlayment.

Find out more about this critical component of your roof’s structure.

What Is Roofing Underlayment?

Roofing underlayment is what lies between the shingles and the roof sheathing, or roof deck, which is typically either plywood or OSB. It’s installed directly on the roof deck and provides a secondary layer of protection from the elements, including rain, snow, and wind.

Types of Roofing Underlayment

There are two main types of roofing underlayment:

  • Felt
  • Synthetic

Each product has its pros and cons, and the type you choose may depend on your geographical area, roofing materials used, roof design, budget, and what your roofing contractor may suggest.

Felt Roofing Underlayment

Felt roofing underlayment is one of the oldest types of roofing underlayment. It’s created by saturating paper or fiberglass mats with asphalt.

Felt roofing underlayment is typically available in two types: No.15 felt and No. 30 felt. Compared to No. 15 felt, No. 30 felt is typically thicker, stronger, and may be less prone to tearing or ripping off during installation or weather events.

Pros

The main advantage of using felt roofing underlayment is cost. Felt underlayment tends to cost less compared to the synthetic underlayment, which is why it’s often the go-to for budget-conscious homeowners.

Cons

There are several disadvantages to using felt underlayment on a roof. One disadvantage of traditional felt roofing underlayment is it generally can’t be left exposed for more than a few hours. The material may dry out or leach oils in the heat.  This would impact the felt’s ability to protect against moisture.

Other drawbacks of felt underlayment include:

  • Prone to tearing in high winds and during the strain of installation.
  • If exposed to moisture, the mat can absorb water and wrinkle the felt, making it harder for the shingles to lay flat.  Therefore, shingles should be installed immediately after felt roofing underlayment is installed if possible to ensure optimal protection.
  • Felt underlayment also weighs more, which can make it harder for roofing contractors to drag rolls of it up a ladder and onto a roof.
  • It also has a slippery surface, which can sometimes make it more difficult to install.
  • The weight also leads to less material per roll.  This means more potential seams instead of a single course with no laps.

Felt Roofing Underlayment and Warranties

If felt underlayment is installed it may also prevent you from being protected under the manufacturer’s warranty, which may require synthetic underlayment.

Synthetic Roofing Underlayment

For enhanced water resistance and protection from the elements, many roofers are choosing to go the route of synthetic roofing underlayment. These products are usually made from long-lasting polymers, which provide added strength and longevity. This type of underlayment is typically moisture-resistant, and when it’s installed correctly, it offers better protection from the weather compared to felt.

Synthetic roofing underlayment materials are not standardized, so different manufacturers may make their products differently, and therefore may have different levels of performance. Be sure to do your research and talk with a trusted contractor who can help guide you in selecting the right roofing materials to protect your home.

Pros

There are four main advantages to installing synthetic roof underlayment rather than felt. Compared to felt, synthetic roofing underlayment is:

  • Tough
  • Fast to install
  • Safe
  • Repels water
Synthetic underlayment has a tough and durable construction with an extremely high tear strength compared to felt.

Synthetic roof underlayment is extremely durable. It typically doesn’t tear and is suitable for extended UV and moisture exposure in some cases, which is especially helpful if there’s a bit of lead time before your roof covering is installed.

Synthetic underlayment also stands up to boot traffic, which is important when your roofing contractor is walking around on its surface as it’s being installed. At Owens Corning Roofing, we call this “use after abuse” — the product can still perform as designed even after the abuse it takes during installation.

Synthetic roofing underlayment also tends to be:

  • Lighter* – Up to four times lighter in some cases
  • Fast to install – Because there is more material per roll compared to felt (synthetic roofing underlayment comes in wider and longer rolls), it results in fewer trips up the ladder for your roofers, saving them time and perhaps helping the job move along faster. For instance, a typical 2700-square-foot home might require three rolls of synthetic underlayment compared to 14 rolls of No.30 felt to cover the same area.
  • Safe – Synthetic underlayment is also advantageous for worker safety — the surface of many synthetic roofing underlayments, including those offered by Owens Corning, features a variety of slip-resistant surfaces for enhanced walkability. It’s also usually well-marked with overlap guides and indicators of where fasteners should be placed, helping to improve consistency and accuracy during installation.
  • Moisture-resistant – Where felt products tend to absorb water, synthetic roofing underlayments are built to repel water. This is important for homeowners concerned about moisture infiltration, especially if they plan to leave the underlayment exposed for a prolonged period.

Because it’s made of plastic, synthetic underlayment is typically resistant to mold growth, a definite advantage over felt.

Cons

Many synthetics are competitively priced, but when compared to felt, the main drawback of synthetic roofing underlayment is the cost. The upfront investment in higher-quality roofing materials, however, could save you money down the road. You can’t put a price on the peace of mind of knowing that your roof is sufficiently protected from moisture.

The Right Underlayment for Your Roof

Whether you’re embarking on a reroofing project or new home construction, there are many factors to consider about the type of underlayment to use. Synthetic roofing underlayment has many advantages over felt and may be a worthwhile investment to protect your roof and home from the risks of water and moisture infiltration.

Learn more about our selection of roofing underlayment products and find an independent roofing contractor in the Owens Corning Roofing Contractor Network near you.

*9 (2 sq.) rolls of standard #30 felt compared to 2 (10 sq.) rolls of Owens Corning® Deck Defense® High-Performance Synthetic Underlayment. Individual product weights may vary.

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Roofing Ventilation 101

1

Why Ventilate?

There are four main reasons to ventilate your
home’s attic space.

• Reduce Heat Gain and Reduce Energy Bills in the Summer
Radiant heat from the sun warms the roof and radiates into
the attic. If not properly vented out, it could radiate into the
living space affecting the comfort level inside the house
and contributing to higher utility bills (because appliances
such as fans/refrigerators/air conditioners may have to work
harder to keep your home cooler).
• Reduce Moisture and Condensation in the Winter
In northern climates, heated air from the home escapes into
the attic through openings in the walls or ceilings (such as
recessed lights, electrical chases, the attic access door, etc.).
Some of this moisture vapor rises to the colder/dryer attic
where it can potentially condense if not properly vented. If it
condenses, it could dampen the attic insulation (which could
weaken the R-value of the insulation), contributing to wood
rot, mold, mildew and poor indoor air quality.
• Fight Ice Dams
Ice Dams are formed when in winter conditions, heated air
from the home migrates into the unheated attic through
the ceiling, under insulated areas and through bypasses,
such as light fixtures or exhaust systems found in kitchens
and bathrooms. This creates warm areas on the roof
and unevenly melts the underside of the snow that has
accumulated on the roof. The melted snow flows down the
roof until it reaches a colder spot, such as the eaves, where it
refreezes, forming a back up of ice commonly called an ice
dam. The ice dam is a result of energy loss from inside the
house, which could cost a homeowner hundreds of dollars
or more. It could also lead to rotted roofs and rafters, ruined
insulation, moisture inside the walls, mold and peeling
paint. Proper attic ventilation can help prevent the conditions
that contribute to ice dams.
• Prolongs the Service Life of the Building Materials
Finally, the shingles and decking of your roofing system may
deteriorate prematurely due to heat and excessive moisture
buildup. By reducing the surface temperature of the shingles
and the existence of moisture on the underside of the
decking by properly ventilating the attic space, a homeowner
may be able to extend the life of both of these materials.

2

How to Ventilate

Effective Ventilation is achieved by providing
intake ventilation at the lower edge of your roof
and exhaust ventilation at the upper portion of
your roof. The flow of air from the lower portion
of the roof to the upper portion the upper portion

through these vents is often called the “stack effect,”

which is similar to how a chimney works.

3

How to
Ventilate
Common
Mistakes
to avoid

Contractors and homeowners are urged to check
the following:
• Make sure two different types of exhaust vents are not on
the same roof of a common attic, so as to avoid possible
short-circuiting of the system (see Section 2 above).
• Make sure the intake vents are not covered with insulation.
To avoid this possibility be sure to insert attic insulation
baffles keeping the insulation away from the intake vents.
• Check that the intake vents have not been painted shut.
If they’ve been painted over that could restrict or reduce intake airflow.

4

Sealed
Versus
Ventilated

If you’re considering sealing your attic instead
of ventilating your attic be sure to ask your
contractor these important questions:
• Where will all the internal moisture go?
• How can I visually inspect for a roof leak if the underside
of the deck is sealed with insulation?
• Will I have more of a threat with mold and mildew?
• How does this impact my shingle warranty?
• Will this cause more ice damming?

5

Attic
Ventilation
IS Green
Effective ventilation is achieved by providing
intake ventilation at the lower edge of your roof
and exhaust ventilation at the upper portion of
your roof. The flow of air from the lower portion
of the roof to the upper portion through these
vents is often called the “stack effect,” which is
similar to how a chimney operates.
Contractors and homeowners are urged to check
the following:
• Make sure two different types of exhaust vents are not on
the same roof of a common attic, so as to avoid possible
short-circuiting of the system (see Section 2 above).
• Make sure the intake vents are not covered with insulation.
To avoid this possibility be sure to insert attic insulation
baffles keeping the insulation away from the intake vents.
• Check that the intake vents have not been painted shut.
If they’ve been painted over that could restrict or reduce
intake airflow.
• If using vented soffit panels for intake ventilation (typically
made by siding manufacturers) check the net-free area
rating of the panels to ensure they allow proper intake
airflow.
• Make sure bathroom, kitchen and dryer exhaust fans are
properly vented to the exterior of the house and not into
the attic cavity as this practice will add excess moisture
inside the attic.
If you’re considering sealing your attic instead
of ventilating your attic be sure to ask your
contractor these important questions:
• Where will all the internal moisture go?
• How can I visually inspect for a roof leak if the underside
of the deck is sealed with insulation?
• Will I have more of a threat with mold and mildew?
• How does this impact my shingle warranty?
• Will this cause more ice damming?
…and it’s contractor tested and trusted. A balanced
ventilation system allows fresh, dry air to flow into
your attic structure through your intake vents. As
this occurs, warm moist air is drawn through your
exhaust vents to the outside. This is what is known
as a passive ventilation system and is one of the
most energy-efficient systems in the industry, as it
requires no energy to run and can help reduce your
cooling bills in the summer time.

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A Whole-System Approach to Low-Slope Roofing

When installing a new roof, commercial property owners must consider the employees,
equipment and inventory they are protecting. With many different asphalt roofing products and
installation methods available on the market, it is important to understand how to choose the
right system and get the most from an investment.
What Types of Roofing Systems Are Available?
A whole-system approach to low-slope roofing utilizes
long-term durability and redundant layers to provide
some of the best protection and reliability available.
Options include the following:
• Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
• Atactic Polypropylene (APP)
• Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) modified systems
How Do These Roofing Systems Protect a
Building and its Assets?
Base sheets, interplies and cap sheets work
with asphalt and adhesives to create a longlasting, durable and redundant installation
comprised of multiple layers that provide a
water-resistant barrier.
What Are the Different Installation Options?
Different roofing systems can be applied in a variety of ways, including:
• cold-adhesive technology
• heat-welding
• hot asphalt
• self-adhering
How Do I Ensure My Roof is Installed Properly?
Prior to work beginning, ask your installer for the manufacturers’ system specifications to make
sure products are compatible. You can also request documentation of conformance to the
industry testing requirements from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), FM Approvals and ASTM
International. This documentation will demonstrate that the various components used in the
construction of your roofing system have been properly evaluated.

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Asphaltic Low-Slope Roofing

For commercial buildings, asphaltic low-slope roofing provides the highest
level of quality, affordability and reliability on the market. Most commercial
facilities use low-slope roofing because it is cost-efficient, maximizes usable
space and can be designed to feature value-adding amenities such as HVAC
equipment or a roof garden.
Though a flat roof may appear
level, it actually must have a
slight slope so that water can
run off the surface. Asphaltic
low-slope roofing is the
strongest option for
waterproofing because its
redundancies and reliability
provide added support and
protection for a building
which water cannot
penetrate.
There are two types of asphaltic low slope roofing. Built-up Roofing (BUR) and Modified
Bitumen (MB).
BUR is “built-up” of alternating layers of heavy roofing felt and hot mopped or coldapplied asphalt. The surface is finished with a mineral or gravel covering and a special
coating, which safeguards it from the sun and adds fire resistance. Recent installation
advances have included peel-and-stick self-adhesive products and low-fuming asphalt
formulations.
The redundancy of
BUR systems make
them ideal for
hosting overburdens
such as solar panel
installations.
MB systems are referred to as being ‘modified’ because the asphalt has been blended with
polymers—usually either atactic polypropylene (APP) or styrene butadiene styrene
(SBS)—to improve the product’s strength, flexibility and resistance to solar radiation. MB
provides the features of a built-up roof with the added tensile strength and elongation of a
modified bitumen cap sheet, as well as the quality assurance of in-plant membrane
fabrication uniformity and control, and reduced labor requirements for installation.
MB systems
provide added
strength and are
affordable &
reliable to install.
Asphalt low-slope roofing has a number of beneficial attributes which make it
an asset to building owners and facility managers.
Performance:
• Multi-layer protection, redundancy reduces chance of leaks
• Thermal performance
• Fire and uplift performance
• Seals concrete decks
• Versatile; suited to all types of roof decks
• Today’s formulas resist weathering
• Adaptable to meet any penetration or flashing detail
• Most cost-effective choice for commercial structures
Maintenance:
• Withstands high-foot traffic
• Existing systems can be easily repaired by a roofing professional
Availability:
• Easy to find contractors to install
• Versatile systems and products
Price:
• Inexpensive over entire life cycle
• “Best bang for the buck”
• Versatile options – choose the right system for your budget
Enviro-Friendly:
• Existing systems can be modified to become “cool” and energy efficient
• Existing structures can be modified to accommodate “green” vegetative roofing
• New industry advances embracing sustainability of product
• Materials may be recycled
Attributes Continued…
Asphalt roofing is a system above the rest…
Low-slope roofs on industrial and institutional buildings share many common
challenges:
• The low-slope of the roof affects its ability to shed water
• High-foot traffic when servicing equipment can cause wear and tear
• Multiple penetrations could affect the waterproofing system
In all of these cases, asphalt roofing offers the solution!

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Roofing and Reflectivity

It’s About Saving Energy.
There are many options available to help assure that your roof, whether low-slope or steep-slope,
reduces energy use and saves you money.
• In fact, many states are instituting building codes that require roof systems to be energy
efficient.
• There are many rebate programs available in the marketplace to learn about potential rebates.
For more information on energy efficiency rebates in your state please
visit: http://www.dsireusa.org/
Why is Reflectivity Important?
Reflective roofs are one option
Reflectivity can help reduce the heating and cooling costs associated with commercial buildings or
residences by reflecting the heat generated by the sun back into the environment.
There are several ways to accomplish energy savings and still maintain the look and performance you
have come to expect with asphaltic roofing.
The “Whole Building Envelope” approach encourages the use of insulation to reduce heating and
cooling costs.
• Most states with energy requirements for roofing
allow an “insulation trade-off.” Adding additional
insulation to a roofing system in Northern Climates is
another effective way to save energy in addition to a
highly reflective roof surface. Additionally, in these
climates where heating days exceed the cooling days,
the building owner may achieve a better energy
efficiency and avoid a heating penalty.
• Many energy calculators are available and can tell you
how much insulation you need to use if you like the look
of a non-reflective roof covering.
How Do Reflective Roofing Systems Work?
A reflective roof system absorbs less of the sun’s energy by reflecting back into the environment
the heat that could be absorbed by dark roofing. Roofs that don’t absorb heat lessen the load on
AC units, helping equipment last longer and lowering energy bills.
What Options Are Available?
Choose the asphalt roofing system you like then consider the following:
• Factory surfacing with reflective performance
• The “Insulation Trade-Off”
• Reflective coatings over some non-reflective low-slope membranes
• Vegetative over-burdens (garden roofs) may also help meet energy efficient building codes
Key Terms to Look For…
• SRI
• Reflectivity
• Emissivity
• ENERGY STAR
• LEED
• CRCC
Bottom Line.
There are plenty of energy efficient reflective options with asphaltic roofing technology, the performance you
can count on.

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Advances in Asphalt Shingle Technology

Over its 125-year-history, asphalt shingles have been reinforced by cotton rag,
wood pulp and paper.
• In the 1970’s, fiberglass was introduced as a stronger, more durable and more fireresistant reinforcement material.
• Early shingles were coated with crushed slate or oyster shells, and have progressed
over time to the brightly colored ceramic-coated granules that we see today.
• Modern asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors to match the unique design of
any home.
• The first asphalt shingles were pre-fabricated,
single-cut pieces of material.
• Today’s shingles come in many
formats, from single-layer shingles with no
cutouts to those with multiple cutouts, and
from standard laminated shingles of multiple
thicknesses to the newer, open tab designer
shingles.
• Modern shingle design innovations have been
developed to include decorative architectural
styles that transform a roof with a high-end
dimensional look.
• Through advances in manufacturing technology,
asphalt shingle products are now more
environmentally friendly than ever.
• Computerized equipment has improved roofing
production efficiencies, resulting in less material
waste.
• Shingles from roof tear-offs can also be recycled and
used to pave roads across America.
• Solar reflective shingles are now available and can help
reduce energy use.
• Advances in asphalt shingle technology have led to products that are more durable
and protective than ever.
• Modern roofing systems include multiple components like leak barriers and
ventilation to help avoid moisture penetration from rain and ice damming from
snow.
• Research and development have led to shingles that meet the highest
performance standards for fire, wind and impact resistance.
• Through the industry’s deep commitment to research, development and customer
satisfaction, asphalt roofing shingles continue to improve to meet the needs of
today’s homeowners.
• The asphalt roofing industry is dedicated to maintaining the beauty, affordability
and reliability of North America’s most popular roofing material.

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Sealants: The Magic Touch

Shingle Sealants Bond Your Roof Together
With ever increasing performance expectations for asphalt shingles designed to
withstand high winds and heavy rains, manufacturers have responded by producing
increasingly higher-performing shingles. When properly installed, asphalt shingles are
manufactured to bond securely to each other, forming an integrated roof-covering
system designed to protect your home from the elements.
What is the secret ingredient? Asphalt-based bonding
sealants create the tie that binds!
How Are Shingles Attached to the Roof Deck?
Asphalt shingles are manufactured as individual units and are installed in courses
along the roof. When properly installed, the shingles adhere to each other to form a
cohesive roof-covering. Initially, make sure that the wood deck is in good condition,
then, assure that the right underlayment material is properly attached to the roof
deck. The underlayment provides extra protection for roof decking materials, and
keeps the shingle materials from adhering directly to the deck over time.
Nails and the Roof Deck
The best way to ensure that asphalt shingles are properly attached is to follow the
manufacturer’s installation instructions. As each asphalt shingle course is laid out, roofing
nails secure the shingles to the roof deck. Here are a few nailing practices recommended by
many shingle manufacturers.
It is important to make sure shingles are attached to the deck by using the proper type, size
and quantity of nails. Make sure the nails are in the right place by driving them in the
indicated “nailing zone.” Always ensure that nails in laminated shingles are driven through
the double thickness overlap area as indicated in this diagram.
How Does the Sealant Work?
Once each course of asphalt shingles is attached to the roof deck, every subsequent
shingle course will bond with the previously installed course, with the asphalt-based
sealant fusing the shingles together. The bonding sealant is factory-applied on the
shingle (front or backside), so following the manufacturer’s instructions regarding
spacing and alignment are critical for a proper sealant bond. Heat and UV rays from the
sun activates and softens the sealant to create the necessary bond needed to provide
good wind resistance for the finished asphalt roof covering system. Once sealed, the
bond is designed to hold the asphalt shingles together as a complete system.
What Are Sealants?
An asphalt based, heat activated, viscous
bonding material formulated to retain
bonding strength in all weather conditions,
once initial bonding has occurred. Sealants
are used on asphalt shingles to bond the
individual unit shingles together.
The Importance of Proper Installation
Recent research conducted by the University of
Florida’s College of Engineering1 has concluded
that proper installation is an important and very
critical factor to ensure that the shingle sealant
bonds the shingles together as designed.
Industry performance standards for asphalt
shingles include testing of the sealant bond
under laboratory conditions. These tests are
intended to simulate the resistance of the shingle
to uplift forces created during wind events.
Selecting a shingle that meets or exceeds local
wind-speed requirements in the building code
will help your roof covering withstand
windstorms and protect your home. Asphalt
shingle design has to ensure compliance to everchanging building code requirements. Shingles
have always worked as an effective windresistant roof covering, and now, thanks to the
use of bonding sealants, they work even better to
keep out the elements.
1Masters, Forrest J. Ph.D., P.E. (FL) (2013). Phase II Report: Investigation of the Wind Resistance of
Asphalt Shingle Roof Coverings (SERRI Report 90100- 02). Florida: University of Florida.
How Can I Make Sure the Sealant Does its Job?
Be aware of these key elements…
• Local code requirements matter. Manufacturers test asphalt shingles to the
requirements of local building codes. Check with the manufacturer to verify the
shingle you select is appropriate for use in your area.
• Schedule your roofing project to consider weather conditions. Asphalt shingles
can be vulnerable to wind forces until the sealant bonds, so it may be best to
install your roof when the temperatures are well above freezing. Heat and UV rays
from the sun activate the sealant to bond the shingles together. Check to make
sure that severe weather, including heavy rain, dust storms, snow and high winds,
are not in the forecast.
• The manufacturer’s installation instructions are your guide to a properly-attached
asphalt shingle roofing system.
How Can I Make Sure the Sealant Does its Job?
• Proper sealing starts with proper nailing. Always follow the manufacturer’s
instructions and use the right fasteners for the job, and make sure the shingles are
properly placed. Be sure that the nails are placed within the prescribed nailing
zone and are driven flush with the top surface of the shingles as required by the
manufacturer.
• For more information about Florida Building Code Requirements for asphalt
shingles, click here to read the ARMA Technical Bulletin.
What about that mysterious little cellophane strip?
Asphalt shingles are packaged for shipping in bundles, so most
manufacturers apply a strip of material between the shingles to
keep them from adhering into one big shingle brick! Once the
shingles are separated, the strip is in an area that will have no
effect on the performance of the shingle.
It is not necessary or desirable to peel off those strips.

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Ventilation

Why is ventilation important?
Proper ventilation reduces moisture build-up in your home
• The average family of four generates approximately 2 to 4 gallons of water vapor
each day through activities such as breathing, perspiration, showering, cooking and
dishwashing.
• When moisture vapor remains in a colder/dryer attic, it can potentially condense
damaging your roof deck and insulation.
• In cold weather climates, ice dams can form along your eave edge increasing
the chance of a roof leak and damage to your gutters.
• Excess moisture may also lead to moisture build-up in your insulation, which
can lessen the insulating value over time, and even lead to mold build-up in
your attic
Proper ventilated spaces reduce the Stack Effect by pushing warm, moist air out of the
attic space. In addition to moisture build-up, proper ventilation also reduces heat
build-up in your attic.
• Improper ventilation can lead to premature deterioration of your shingles and roof
deck.
• Proper ventilation means your attic stays cooler, reducing load on your air
conditioning units. The less your AC unit works, the longer it will last, likely
resulting in lower cooling bills.
How much ventilation do I need?
• A balanced ventilation system is best. A balanced system is where intake
ventilation at the eave areas is equaled at or near the ridge area.
• Minimum ventilation requirements are 1 sq. ft. unobstructed or net free area of
ventilation for every 300 sq. ft. of attic space.
• The preferred ration is 1 sq. ft. of net free area of ventilation to every 150 feet of
attic space. In order to qualify for a FHA loan, ventilation must meet the 1/150
rule. Many calculators to help you plan the right amount of ventilation for your
home and the ventilation system you select are available.
• There are different styles of ventilation systems available; many are 100% green,
utilizing no electrical power.
Can I over ventilate?
If the system is not balanced at the top or ridge area, or if there were gable end vents
with ridge vents, without adequate soffit ventilation you may actually pull moisture
into the home during a heavy rain or snow storm.
The exception to the balance rule is at the soffit in passive systems. Since the air that
enters at the soffit acts to push out moisture and warm air, having extra soffit
ventilation will not create an off-balance system.

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RESIDENTIAL COOL ROOFING

In the United States, four out of five homes are covered with asphalt shingles. These shingles are
beautiful, affordable and reliable, and are constantly raising the bar in protecting your most
valuable asset.
What is Cool Roofing?
“Coolness” is measured by two properties, solar reflectance (SR, or reflectivity) and thermal
emittance (emissivity), or a combination of the two, called the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI). Cool
roofs can also be referred to as “highly reflective roofs” and “high albedo roofs.” A cool roof
reflects and emits the sun’s heat back to the sky rather than transferring it to the building below.
What are the benefits of Cool Roofing?
There is a great deal of information regarding cool roofing as an environmentally friendly choice.
Cool roofs are an energy efficient choice that can simultaneously reduce the impact of the “Heat
Island Effect,” which refers to a metropolitan area that is significantly warmer than its rural
surroundings.
Benefits include:
• Increased energy efficiency
• Improved comfort
• Reduced energy bill
• Reduced capital cost
• Longer roof life
• Reduced “Heat Island Effect”
The Energy Efficiency Discussion: Warmer climates, such as Southern California, New Mexico,
Texas, Arizona, and the South East Gulf States, where the heating days exceed the cooling days,
a cool roof will reduce the transfer of heat from the sun’s rays into your home or building by
reflecting the heat rays back into the atmosphere, thus causing your air conditioning system to
run less frequently.
The Heat Island Discussion: Cooler climates, such as Chicago, New York, Baltimore, and San
Francisco, the benefits of reflective roofing as a sound energy-efficient choice are specific to
the particular region and its climate.
• Many states are instituting building code changes to require roof systems to be energy
efficient.
• There are many rebate programs available in the market place. To learn about potential
energy efficiency rebates in your state please visit: http://www.dsireusa.org
What does ARMA believe about Cool Roofs?
ARMA views roof surface reflectance as only one component of the approach as an appropriate
regulatory policy and design principle for energy conservation, mitigation of urban heat islands,
and improved air quality. The “Whole Building Envelope” approach is the best option for
designing and optimizing performance-based, proven and cost effective commercial and
residential buildings. It allows flexibility and consumer choice in the selection of roof systems.
What options are available to make my steep-sloped asphaltic roof more
energy-efficient?
• Asphalt Shingle with Cool Granule Technology
With the new roofing granule technology, these shingles reflect solar energy and radiate heat far
better than traditional roofing shingles. Visit CRRC and Energy Star for more information.
• Proper Attic Ventilation
Attic ventilation is green. A balanced ventilation system requires no energy to run and can help
reduce bills and damage to your home. Be sure to ask your contractor about proper ventilation
before sealing your attic structure.
• Added Insulation
By adding roof insulation to your home, you will be able to save money because your furnace
will no longer have to run as often, keeping your energy bills low. Although you may already
have installed attic insulation, it doesn’t hurt to occasionally inspect this area. Or, try a
combination of them. However, ARMA highly discourages the uses of a field-applied coating over
an asphalt shingle roof.
What options are available to make my low-slope residential asphalt roof more
energy efficient?
Choose the asphalt roofing system you like and consider the following:
• Factory surfacing with reflective performance (e.g., adding granulated cap sheets)
• The insulation factor:
o Increased insulation
o Ballasted system affording extra protection
• Reflective coatings over some non-reflective low-slope membranes, such as a built-up roof or fieldapplied bitumen rolled product
• Vegetative or garden roofs may also help meet energy-efficient building codes; however, it is rare to
find these in residential re-roofing due to the cost and potential maintenance aspects of the system
o These systems often have special considerations so be sure to contact the manufacturer

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Shingle Deterioration in Chicago

Stages of Asphalt Shingle Deterioration

Introduction

The lifespan of asphalt shingles depends on the type you choose, the manufacturer, and where you live. Some shingles last longer than others; for example, those made with a higher percentage of granules tend to last longer than those made with fewer granules. The first thing to do when trying to determine whether your roof has reached its end-of-life is take a look at it yourself or hire someone who knows how to inspect roofs professionally. If you’re not sure what signs of wear and tear mean that it’s time for replacement—or if your roofer isn’t telling you—then read on!

Aging

As asphalt shingles age, the effects of weather can become more pronounced. The shingles will become discolored and may develop cracks or ripples. The granules that comprise your roof’s surface may also begin to separate from the asphalt backing as they come apart over time.

The lifespan of a typical residential asphalt shingle is about 20 years, but this is dependent on many factors: where you live, how heavily it rains in your area and what kind of environment you have around your house (e.g., trees, other buildings). Shingles typically deteriorate faster in areas with heavy rainfall due to their exposure to moisture and sunlight—especially if they’re not covered by other structures like roofs or eaves.

Loss of mineral granules

Asphalt shingles are covered with a layer of mineral granules that give them their color. These tiny rocks are made of natural resources like quartz or feldspar, and can be washed away by rainwater or sun rays. When this happens, the shingles lose their appearance and color, leaving only the asphalt underneath.

Cracking and cupping

When asphalt shingles crack and cup, it’s an indication of their age. Cracking is normal, but if the cracks are too large or have spidered out to cover a large portion of the roof, it needs to be fixed before water can get in. Cupping is caused by uneven exposure to weather, which can result in problems like mold growth or algae growth.

Some roofers believe that cracking and cupping are not an immediate threat to your roof; others believe that they are causes for concern because they allow moisture into the attic space where it could damage other components of your home (such as insulation).

Blistering and splitting

Asphalt shingles are prone to splitting and blistering, both caused by different factors. Blistering occurs when water gets trapped under the shingle during installation or precipitation events. Splitting is caused by temperature changes that cause the asphalt in your roof to expand and contract, which causes it to crack.

The best way to prevent these issues is by making sure you apply enough granular material at the time of installation and by choosing a high-quality brand of asphalt shingle that has been properly designed for your climate zone. If you’ve already discovered this problem on one section of your roof, then calling a professional contractor can help fix it before it spreads across other areas as well

Curling and buckling

Buckling shingles can occur when the shingle is exposed to heat. This can be caused by improper ventilation, improper installation or poor quality asphalt.

Incorrect ventilation causes buckling by locking moisture in between the shingles and preventing it from drying out properly. If your roof does not have proper ventilation, this may cause buckling to occur sooner than expected.

Algae growth

Algae growth is also a common problem, especially in coastal areas. While algae can be removed by scrubbing the shingles with a stiff brush and bleach, preventing algae growth will save you time and money in the long run. One way to prevent algae from growing is by keeping your roof clean. You should clean your roof every three months with a pressure washer.

Older shingles are more susceptible to damage than newer ones.

The age of your roof is a factor in whether or not you will experience damage. Shingles are made from asphalt and mineral granules, which are bound together by resins. Asphalt gets brittle with age, while the minerals break down. This aging process is accelerated in high heat and humidity, so if your house has been sitting in the sun for years on end, it’s likely that its shingles need to be replaced before they become dangerous to walk on.

Conclusion

Asphalt shingles are a popular choice for residential roofs, and they can last a long time if they’re properly installed and maintained. But as weather conditions change, so do the needs of your roof. If you have older asphalt shingles that need replacing or repairing, don’t hesitate to call us at 773-251-9422 for an estimate.

Quincy Sizemore

Third Coast Exteriors

Owner
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