Why Cool Roofs?

Perhaps, you have not really given much thought as to what color your current roof is (light or dark), or what material/composition it is made out of...

Why should you even care whether or not your roof is cool?

Here is one compelling reason: Your traditional roof is likely costing you way more money than you care to know to cool your home, or office building, especially if you live in a warmer climate. Think about it this way: in the summer time, we wear light color clothes because they keep us cooler. Lighter clothes reflect, rather than absorb the heat of the sun. Apply the same basic principle to your roof, and it will become easily apparent how having a cool roof can really benefit you.

What is a cool roof?

A cool roof is made of materials that have a high degree of solar reflectance, and thermal emissivity. That means it is able to reflect a lot of the sun's light that a conventional roof would absorb, heating up the building. "Coolness" is measured by two properties, solar reflectance and thermal emittance.  Both properties are measured from 0 to 1 and the higher the value, the "cooler" the roof. Cool roofs have been gaining popularity since they have first been pioneered in the early 70's, because of the energy savings, and long term environmental benefits they offer.

What are the problems with dark color roofs?

When the weather is warm, a conventional roof is the hottest place in the building and can be well over 50 degrees hotter than the temperature outside (it is not uncommon for the temperature on a conventional roof to get as high as 150 degrees F). So if you don't have air conditioning, a lot of the discomfort you may feel, is actually coming from the roof.

If a building with a standard darker roof is air conditioned, the cost for comfort is much higher, in order to counteract all that heat pouring inside the building from above. Insulation slows the transfer of heat from the inside, but does not eliminate it. Researchers have measured energy savings of up to 10-15 % for homes with cool roof coatings. If a standard dark roof reaches 150 degrees or more, a cool roof can actually reduce the temperature a lot. A cool roof may only be 5 to 10 degrees warmer than the temperature outside on a hot sunny day.

Benefits of Cool Roofs

Cool roofs are greatly beneficial to the environment in ways that we as consumers do not immediately think of. In fact, researchers who pioneered cool roof technology in the 1970's were motivated primarily by the the potential environmental benefits to the cities where they would be used, rather than the energy savings alone. Simply put, a cool roof helps mitigate the phenomenon known as the urban heat island.

 Image Source: http://heatisland.lbl.gov/coolscience

What is the Urban Heat Island Effect?

The temperature in developed urban areas tends to be 2-5 degrees warmer than surrounding areas. Roofs and pavements comprise over 60% of urban surfaces in some U.S. cities. Both pavements and rooftops of the buildings absorb a lot of heat from the sun, which creates significant problems for the building owners, energy producers, and city dwellers;

Unlike the rural areas, where naturally occuring vegetation reflects much of the solar radiant heat back into space, the rooftops and asphalt pavement in urban areas absorb much of the solar heat, and then radiate it back into the surrounding environment.

The rooftops allow solar heat penetrate inside the building, which not only increases the building's cooling energy requirements, but also creates enormous energy demands during peak hours.

Further, urban heat islands are associated with increased pollution and cooling costs, negative health effects, and even decreased workplace productivity because of the impact of poor air quality. As it turns out, ozone or smog is extremely temperature dependent.

For example, in Los Angeles, when the average daily temperature is 72 or below, there is ozone in the air, but there are no smog episodes. When it goes up to 92 degrees, you have 100 percent likelihood of smog episodes. When you have an urban heat island, you are artificially increasing that temperature through manmade means, and the negative results for the environment and for public health are significant. While the urban heat island effect is most severe in warmer climates, cities in the north of the country are also affected by this phenomenon, and therefore can greatly benefit from wide-spread installation of cool roofs in place of the existing ones.

What are some of the types of cool roofs that can be used on buildings in Urban Areas?

Cool flat roofs such as PVC roofing, can be used on any flat, or a low slope roof top, while metal roofs can be installed on top of steeper roofs.

Look for Official Cool Roof Ratings:

Cool Roof Rating Council is an official body that assigns ratings to cool roof systems.

Should I get a Home Energy Assessment done?

In any season, a leaky home costs money. How do you stop it? You can start by doing a comprehensive home energy assessment. This is a series of tests and inspections to find out where your house could be more efficient. In a home energy audit, you will be given specific, personalized feedback and advice on how to make your home more eco-friendly and efficient. Plus, this important evaluation often reveals problems that, when remedied, add up to great financial rewards over time. The end goal is to save energy, save money and make your house greener and comfortable. Upgrading your home to save energy, can put between 5-30% savings on energy bills back into your pocket. 

It is best to hire a certified professional to get a thorough energy check up of your home. Look for a home energy technician, called an auditor, in your area.  Everything from the size of your house to the number and size of windows comes into play, and your feedback is important in helping the energy consultant evaluate all of your home’s features. During the audit, make sure to mention any energy problems you’ve noticed, whether certain rooms feel drafty or condensation builds up on windows.

Assessing the outside of the house

In a cold weather evaluation, the auditor starts assessing the outside, looking for problems around the walls, joints, and under the eves. If there is not a tight fit, you are loosing energy, and money. Next, the technician will head up to your attic to check for leaks on the top of your home barrier. A trap door could be a culprit, letting cold air pass into the house. A big part of the check up is determining how well the insulation functions. Insulation should be correctly installed in between all areas of the house frame. That means it needs to be evenly applied and not just jammed into spaces. Of course, if the insulation has fallen down, it is not working. Your energy auditor will also inspect the holes where electrical lines pass through. If they are not sealed,  then they are leaking.

Assessing the basement

Next, its down to the basement. Your furnace and water heater could be wasting energy. The auditor will check to see how energy efficient the furnace is. Furnaces typically loose efficiency as they get older, and it could actually cost you more to keep yours running than to replace it with a new one. Maybe all you need is a new filter. Some people don't change their filter for months, even years. The gunk clogging the filter means that your furnace has to work harder to heat your home. If the water heater is several years old, it may not be efficient, and if its not insulated, it is also loosing energy.

Assessing the inside of the house

Now, it is on to the ducts work: the technician will inspect connections to make sure they make a tight fit. They have to be sealed to keep the warm air going where it is supposed to go. If a screw driver can go in the hole, it means one thing for sure: money is going out. Next: the blower door test. Your energy auditor will close all the windows, doors and anything else that lets outside air in. A special fan will then be turned out to depressurize the home. The idea is to suck air out of the house, allowing outside air to rush into the home through all those openings you didn't know about. So with the windows and doors closed and the air running, leaks are easy to spot with an infrared camera. In winter, the auditor will scan the interior of the home, looking for cold air rushing in. In some houses, the recess lighting fixtures can be big air leak problems as well. The auditor will also take a look at the kinds of light bulbs in those fixtures. If they are incandescent, they are wasting a lot of energy. Warm, compact fluorescent lights, and LED light bulbs are an energy saving alternative.

Tips for hiring a home energy auditor

Once you decide to go ahead and do a home energy assessment, make sure that you choose a reputable energy auditing company that specializes in energy audits. Do not take any shortcuts by going with a general home remodeler or a home insulation company that simply advertises energy auditing as an additional service and has a vested interest in selling you their products and services. This way, you will be assured of having an unbiased, independent, third-party evaluation of your home that will focus on helping you to make your home more energy efficient. Overall, a comprehensive home energy assessment is helpful in revealing ways in which energy escapes your home, costing you money. The good news is that you will have a comprehensive energy report, showing which efficiency upgrades are right for you.

No Nonsense Definition of Modular Building

The word Modular does not mean “temporary”.  The word Modular defines a process and not a “product”.

Modular building is simply a method of project delivery that differs in many ways from traditional stick built construction and offers certain advantages.   It is an alternative technique of constructing a building at an off-site location under controlled conditions.   In most cases, if an owner has a desire to expedite schedule without sacrificing design or quality, the  Modular building process may be the right choice.   Typically, the process  is 30% - 60% faster than traditional site built construction.  

Consider Triumph Modular Building company out of Boston, Massachusetts. Triumph specializes in permanent modular building additions, and low rise commercial modular buildings with a particular focus in modular school buildings under Ten Million dollars. - It has been shown that for buildings of this size,  the process  has produced significant efficiencies, and cost savings.

Take a look at the video showcasing company's latest North Andover Early Childhood center building:



This is a picture perfect example of a permanent modular school project, which reduces on-site disruption, and provides fewer disturbances to its surrounding communities.   When speed to occupancy and definiteness to occupancy is a concern, as in many school projects this method of construction is worth taking a very hard look at.  

Modular Construction - State of the Industry

Many Owners and Architects are not as comfortable designing a permanent building, one that is built in a factory and assembled at site – their reluctance unfortunately has historically been based on lack of education, preconceived notions and stigma attached to the word “modular”.  When most people hear the word, they immediately think of temporary buildings. Research further into those in the AEC community that have used modular and you will find that, while not right for every project, off site construction with module set up on site, has unleashed incredible efficiencies for many large complex modular building projects around the world.

Pros and Cons of Sash Windows

Vertical sliding box sash windows are based on a very simple practical design of a 1no top and 1no bottom sash, counter balanced with sash weights that run over a pulley system.  Sash windows have formed a large part of England’s architectural heritage for more than three century’s, in urban and rural areas alike. The sash window originates from 17th century England, where the first prototype, the single hung sash window, was created by Robert Hooke, an inventor specialised, among others, in mechanics and architecture. The first type was more basic than those created nowadays and can still be seen in some historic buildings, predominantly of aristocratic ownership.

Types

Throughout the centuries, three distinct archetypes have been developed, all being common throughout the UK and implicitly in London.

Single hung sash windows. The earliest type of sash window, which originates in Edwardian times, comprises two sashes, of which one is stationary and the other mobile. This type can be seen nowadays in a multitude of epochal buildings yet newer constructions as well, as due to its simplicity, it is much cheaper to produce than other variations.

Double hung sash windows. A more complex type and very widely used across the UK, double hung sash windows also encompass two overlying sashes, the difference being that they are both mobile. There are a few variations in existence, both traditional and modern, the latter making use of new mechanical techniques which make their operation less complicated than that of traditional models.

Horizontal sliding sash windows. These windows, which are also known as Yorkshire sash windows due to their prevalence in the region, are very similar to double hung sash windows, with the distinction of sliding horizontally instead of vertically. They are frequently used in other European countries as well, particularly in Spain.

Advantages of sash windows

Stable when open. Whether they are traditional or modern, sash windows are known to be very practical. Compared to casement windows, which are easily moved by draught when open, sash windows remain stable, which gives owners a higher level of control over the opening angle. That allows the windows to be opened even when weather conditions are unfavourable, without the risk of them being broken due to strong wind or of water entering the building. That also prevents animals from entering,  especially in rural areas, as sash windows can only be manoeuvred by humans, as opposed to casement windows, which pose little impediment when open.

Long lasting. Although many people associate old timber windows with decay and frailness, they have lasted for centuries, some dating as far back as the period of their invention. They have always been made from resilient hardwood, primarily oak, and can prove more resistant than modern plastic windows, which are usually guaranteed to last a decade and are then taken to landfill.

Energy efficient. Although issues have been raised over the years over draught problems and warmth loss, draught proofing, combined with a number of complementary methods of prevention such as fitting drapes or blinds, have proved very successful in eliminating both.

Adding character. They are also highly aesthetic and evocative of traditional architectonical styles, which is a plus for any construction. Experts within the real estate market have confirmed that sash windows substantially increase the value of a property.



Common problems
   Akin to other types of windows, sash windows can develop various imperfections in time, some which are common to windows in general and others particular to them.
Operational problems. It is not uncommon, especially when regular maintenance has not been carries out or when repairs have been done without expert supervision, for sash windows to have certain mobility malfunctions such as sticking. That can occur when sediments build up inside certain parts and make the window difficult to open or close properly.
Aesthetical problems. Partly due to the British climate, which leaves the outer side of sash windows almost constantly exposed to natural elements  such as fog, rain, or snow, and thus to humidity, the paintwork often shows signs of deterioration, such as flaking or cracking.
Material deterioration. Wooden sash windows are likely to suffer from lumber decay to a certain extent, due to the above-mentioned natural factors. However, that should not determine owners to replace them, as the wood sash windows are usually made from is very durable and with appropriate treatment, should outlast any plastic replacement.
Broken parts. Whether it’s the sashes themselves that are damaged (cracked or broken) or other elements such as the cords, replacement parts can easily be found, with the mention that they should always be fitted by a specialist, as it is safer and guarantees an optimal result.
Solutions
Replacing traditional sash windows should not be the first option, with new improved repair materials such as epoxy resins alongside traditional joinery method restoration and repair should always be the first option.

Repairing. The restoration process is ideally to be carried out by specialised companies and is always adapted to the specific type of sash windows and its particular deficiencies. The process is likely to include repainting, replacing certain parts if necessary, applying fillers, ensuring that the windows are properly fitted etc. This process does not alter their original appearance but instead, mends the alterations brought to it by time and natural phenomena.

Draught proofing. This is also very effective when applied, as it maximises the heat retention and minimises heat and energy loss. It is less known perhaps, yet with the proper adjustments; even old sash windows can equal modern ones in terms of energy efficiency after a specialist has carried out a sash window draught proofing service.

Conservation

   The need to preserve sash windows has become a concern for building conservation authorities in the context of increasing preferences for strictly pragmatic architecture, its benefits being overstated by retailers. Sash windows are a part of London’s heritage and a priced element of historical buildings, which would be unauthentic and incomplete without them. In a bid to increase energy efficiency, there is a tendency of thinking sash windows should be replaced, when in fact their performance can be optimised to meet the required standards. Authorities in the field such as the Georgian Institute have stated that restoration should always be considered instead of replacement.

Stainless Steel Roofing

Definition

Stainless steel refers to a metal alloy made up of a mixture of steel and chromium. This particular metal alloy was first created at the end of the 19th century. Stainless steel offers far more benefits when compared with other metal alloys like regular steel. Actually, it can resist corrosion and rust unlike the regular steel. The chromium part of stainless steel offers the beneficial corrosion resistance, which makes it more long lasting and durable compared to carbon steel. The non-corrosive feature of stainless steel also offers a shiny luster that many people are familiar with from their pans and pots.

Installation

Similar to all metal materials that are used for roofing, stainless steel roof installation normally requires a certain level of skill and training. Hence, if you opt to use stainless steel roofs for your home or building, make sure you hire a well trained contractor. This guarantees great results and prevents accidents from occurring during installation. It is undeniable that stainless steel does not offer the same pliability as other kinds of metals. Additionally, it is also very hard to curve and bend. To deal with all these issues, stainless steel normally passes through a larger machine that shapes it into the desired form. If this process is not performed properly, it is likely that the final product will come out uneven and wavy. In effect, a high level of accuracy is required when operating the machine responsible for shaping stainless steel. Once the shape has been formed, your experienced contractor will place the various stainless steel components together and then fix them onto your home.

Benefits

Even though it is very expensive to buy stainless steel, the benefits that it offers far outweigh its high cost. It is therefore recommended to avoid the cheaper asphalt tile and metal options and stick to stainless steel roofs. Actually, installing stainless steel roofs offers you a beautiful look and durability. Many famous buildings such as the Chrysler Building in New York are fitted with stainless steel roofs. Stainless steel also offers the benefit of being environmentally friendly as it is recyclable. This means that these roofs can be replaced after some time by recycling them. This is a huge advantage, particularly in the roofing industry that normally has loads of waste from unwanted asphalt shingles. Moreover, recycling stainless steel removes the need of having to buy roofing materials, thus saving money.

Conclusion

In short, a recyclable roof is not only great for the outward appearance of your house since it also benefits your immediate environment and saves a lot in maintenance costs. That is why many homes nowadays are being built with stainless steel roofs as it is very advantageous. These roofs normally last for a very long time and offer a distinctive and appealing appearance for your building or home. Do not allow images of shiny kitchen cutlery and appliances to deter you from using this attractive metal, since it is guaranteed to be an important addition to either your building or home.



About the Author: Charlie Johnson started C and K Roofing in 1999. Our Nashville roofing office
provides both commercial roofing services and residential services for
homeowners in the Middle TN area.

How To Install Energy Efficient Replacement Windows

Introduction:

Most modern replacement window products are designed for energy efficiency. Look for triple pane replacement windows if you are looking for a maximum energy efficiency from your window replacement project.

Preparations:

Before you learn about how to install replacement windows, you must first know what the correct and much necessary preparations for this job are. Doing the necessary preparations will make the installation process smoother. The things you can do to prepare for the installation are as follows:

1. Remove all window treatments such as blinds and shades to allow easy access to the windows. Decorations or glass ornaments should be removed from the windows as well.

2. Clear the way so that there is enough space for the actual operation. Certain furnishings may have to be moved away and breakable items need to be taken off of wall shelves.

3. Secure a ladder if you cannot reach the height of the window. If you think that the window replacement project is going to generate a fair amount of dust and debris, then it is best to cover the nearest furnishings with protective covers that can be obtained at your local home improvement store for a few dollars.

Remember to only take out one window at a time. This will prevent birds or other animals, plus more dust, from entering the house during the process. To make the installation safer and easier, it should be done from inside your home.


Remove The Window Sashes

Knowing how to remove the sashes is the second step on how to install replacement windows. Replacement windows will usually fit perfectly inside the window frame so all you will need to do is remove the sashes.

1. First, remove the inside stop pieces. Be careful when removing these pieces. You will be reusing them when installing the replacement windows.

2. Next, remove the inside sash. Cut the sash chains or cords if your old window uses weights. Let them fall to the bottom of their wells and just leave them there.

3. The outside sash should then be slid to the bottom of the window. The parting beads should be removed and discarded and the outside sash must be removed in the same way as the inside sash. Make sure not to remove the exterior stops from the window jambs, given that they will be used to retain the replacement windows once you install them.

4. Clean the window sill and jambs thoroughly. If your old window had weights, you can either remove them completely or just drive the pulleys into the frame. Any holes in the sill or jambs should be filled with caulk.

Install The Windows

It is important that you know how to install energy efficient replacement windows properly. Windows that have been installed or adjusted poorly do not only waste energy, but are difficult to operate as well. You should always take your time when installing and adjusting your replacement windows.

1. Place a dab of caulk on the jambs, specifically, on the inside portion of the outside stops. Make an indication on the sill for the sill angle, and then caulk the sill angle and install it.

2. The bottom and top sashes should be vertically centered in the new window frame. The bumper stops should be slid towards the center of the frame until the mounting holes in the side jambs become visible.

3. Place the expander, also known as the header, on top of the window. Caulk its top next.

4. Put the window in the opening and check it to make sure that it is square. If it isn’t, then you have to shim it as needed. The installation of mounting screws at the bottom and top of each side jamb will follow. Try not to install the screws too tightly. They might deform the side jambs.

5. Seal any gap between the old frame and the top of the replacement window by sliding the header up.

6. Check for gaps by sliding the bottom and top sashes up. If they do not operate smoothly, adjust the window frame using the built-in adjustment screws in the side jambs.

7. Lastly, caulk the inside of the new window and then reinstall the inside stops. Now that you know how to install replacement windows, you will no longer have to hire a professional if any of the windows in your house needs to be replaced.

Solar Hot Water System Installation on a Metal Roof

A solar hot water system may be installed on any type of roof, even a metal roof. This article will discuss the installation of the solar panels, and the feed and return lines as they pertain to a solar hot water system installation on a metal roof.

Typically, metal roofs are made of aluminum, but many metal roofing companies also offer steel and copper metal roofs. There are many types of metal roofs available, but the most common are interlocking metal shingles roofing tiles, and standing seam metal panels.

A standing seam metal roof is comprised of side by side interlocking metal panels, usually 16 inches wide, that are installed vertically from the top of the roof to the eave. The interlocking seam joining the panels is raised, perpendicular to the roof surface, forming the standing seam and creating a beam like structure.

When installing the solar panels of the solar hot water system on a standing seam metal roof, no penetration of the metal roof surface is necessary. Specialized mounting clips are clamped to the standing seam. The solar panels of the solar hot water system are then attached to the mounting clips.

When installing solar panels of the solar hot water system on a metal roof consisting of interlocking metal tiles, penetration into the metal roof surface is necessary. To install each mounting clip, the metal tile must be raised. A mounting support plate with sealant is placed under the tile. The mounting clip is then attached to the roof with a lag bolt, penetrating the metal shingle and mounting support plate and into the supporting beam. The solar panels of the solar hot water system are then attached to the mounting clips.

Galvanic corrosion may occur in the solar hot water system, specifically between the metal roof and the mounting clips. Galvanic corrosion takes place when two dissimilar metals and an electrolyte come in contact with each other. This creates an electrical pathway whereby ions migrate from one metal to the other. This can be minimized through the use of like materials in the design of the solar hot water system. Aluminum mounting hardware should be used with aluminum roofing; brass hardware should be used with copper roofing, and so forth. Since corrosion can still occur to some degree even when using like materials, plating of the mounting hardware and painting the metal roofing can also helpful.

Two additional roof penetrations in the metal roof are also necessary in order to install the feed and return lines of the solar hot water system. A hole is drilled through the metal roof and roof sheathing for each line. In the case of metal interlocking tiles, the hole should be drilled in the center of the tile. In the case of a standing seam metal roof, the hole should be drilled at least six inches from a standing seam. The metal roof should be carefully raised up. Metal flashing, with sealant applied to the bottom side, should be placed under the metal roof with the flashing’s collar inserted through the hole in the roofing. Additional sealant should be applied to the flashing. After the metal roof is pressed down onto the flashing, a cap is added to the flashing’s collar. Piping should be fed through the flashing collar and cap. Piping should then be soldered to the cap, but not to the flashing due to possible expansion and contraction of the piping. For additional waterproofing assurance of the solar hot water system, a second flashing may be installed over the metal roof.

As in the case of the mounting clips, both metal flashing and metal roofing of the solar hot water system should be made from similar materials.

For more information regarding metal roofs for commercial and residential buildings, please visit New England Metal Roof at http://www.newenglandmetalroof.com.