TOMKAT Roofing, Inc. - Duro-Last Cool Zone Roofing System

Duro-Last Cool Zone® Roofing System

When it comes to purchasing a roofing system many factors need to be reviewed. Some building owners want a system that is aesthetically pleasing; others look for durability. Some want a system that not only prevents leaks, but also provides excellent warranty coverage. Still others prefer the roofing system that will offer the most energy-efficient benefits to them and the environment around them - a very important attribute to consider.

Roofs make up much of the heat-retaining surface in populated areas. In some highly concentrated areas, as much as 27% of the land cover is roof surface. This can cause an "urban heat island" - a region where the temperature can be several degrees warmer than the surrounding countryside.

Buildings with dark roof surfaces get hotter and stay hot longer. Air conditioners must work harder to maintain comfort for occupants, and demands are made not only on building owners for the cost of electricity, but also on power companies that supply the energy rise. A reflective roofing system can keep a building cooler and save money on air conditioning costs.

Buildings that are not air conditioned also benefit because a reflective roof will keep a building cooler and more comfortable for occupants. Moreover, there is an environmental benefit by reducing the surface area that creates heat islands. Cities such as Sacramento, Atlanta, Baton Rouge, Chicago, and Salt Lake City have already made significant strides in reducing their heat islands through the planting of trees, replacing dark pavements with lighter surfaces, and most importantly, providing incentives for building owners to utilize cool roof technology.

Studies also suggest that reflective roof surfaces reduce the damage that a roof sustains from the effects of the sun. This can also make a roof last longer.

The ENERGY STAR ® Roof Products Program (sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency) provides guidance for consumers in selecting a roofing product that suits their needs, as well as a list of products that meet the qualifications established for cool roofing products. This qualifying products list identifies low-slope roof products that have an initial reflectance of at least 65% and a reflectance of at least 50% after three years of weathering. In addition, the list supplies warranty information and company contacts.

Several types of cool roofing products are on the market. Some provide a short-term means to help keep a building cool, while others keep buildings cool AND provide a long-term waterproofing solution. The Duro-Last Cool Zone® roofing system is the only single-ply membrane recognized by the ENERGY STAR Roof Products Program as retaining over 86% reflectivity after three years of weathering. Additionally, because 80-85% of every Duro-Last roof is pre-manufactured in our controlled factory environment, rooftop seaming is minimized, making every installation virtually leak-proof. Prefabrication also means that very little waste is involved during installation, which means less material going to landfills and congesting our environment with waste. Furthermore, some roofing manufacturers, including Duro-Last, support environmentally-friendly efforts by recycling scrap and trim.

To determine the most cost-effective solution to your roofing problems, look at the alternatives in terms of how they will fit your building's needs. Do you have high energy costs that you need to get under control? Do you have a roofing system that is failing and needs repair or replacement? How have previous roofing systems performed? What is the track record of the products chosen as potential roofing alternatives? When it comes to technology and experience in the cool roofing arena, has the supplier done its homework? Is the product proven? Can the supplier provide real world examples of energy savings and performance? All of these questions need to be answered to properly identify which roofing system will work best for your building needs.

Energy Savings. Long-term watertight protection. Environmental responsibility. Not every roofing system will deliver all these benefits. The Duro-Last Cool Zone® roofing system does. Before you invest in a roofing solution, research every type of system --- weigh the benefits and COMPARE! It will pay off in the long-run.

Text and images provided by Duro-Last, http://duro-last.com/DLWeb/CoolZone/productadvantages.htm.