Choosing a roofing type specifically for a flat roof is not an easy task for the uninformed. Over the past several years, there has been a push for lighter colored (cool) roofing. Cool roofing is a hot topic when it comes to designing or replacing your home’s or commercial building’s roofing. It is often considered because:
designers and owners like the many color options beyond dark colored asphalt roofs
many quality cool roofing products are offered
ease of installation
easily repaired
long term material warranties
relief of heat island effect above roofs
So, what is not so cool about cool roofing? Through testing, field observations and published articles, roofing consultants and manufacturers are aware of a higher probability of condensation as a result of greater air temperature differences between joist cavities and the surface of the roofing. Under these conditions there is an increased and prolonged ability for moisture to form under the roofing and in joist cavities.
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