SpecTopics: Preserving Membrane Reflectivity During Installation
Turning over a new roof that has gotten dirty during the installation process is not only an eyesore. Functionally, the membrane's reflectivity is immediately reduced.
Maintaining rooftop cleanliness during installation can be very difficult (especially on re-roofing projects), but it's particularly important when specifying a membrane for its reflective properties. The energy-saving benefits of reflective roof membranes are well-documented—particularly in areas where reducing cooling loads provides those benefits—so it's important to ensure the membrane starts out with the maximum amount of energy-saving reflectivity.
The industry standard for measuring and reporting reflectivity is managed by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC). CRRC develops accurate and credible methods for evaluating and labeling the radiative properties of roofing products.
Measured radiative property values of roofing products are listed on CRRC's Rated Products Directory, which can be found here. Included in these values are initial values (new membrane) and 3-year aged values to show how reflectivity changes over time. What is important to consider is that the 3-year aged values are based off a membrane starting out perfectly clean and new. If a membrane is dirty from installation, it is beginning its service life with diminished reflectivity and the expected benefits of a reflective roof won't be fully realized.
While membranes do naturally lose reflectivity over time (hence the 3-year aged ratings), starting a roof's life off as clean as possible will give it the best chances of meeting its published 3-year aged ratings and maximizing energy savings.
To ensure a new roof looks new prior to turnover, one viable solution is to include a clause in specifications that requires cleaning or reserving the right to require cleaning after installation. The other option, which is less expensive than pressure washing and requires no wastewater management, is utilizing/specifying APEEL™ Protective Film. APEEL is simply a thin film that is factory-applied to the membrane. Available on Sure-Weld® TPO and Sure-Flex™ PVC/KEE HP, APEEL Protective Film is easily removed following installation, preserving the new roof's cleanliness and starting out on the right foot when it comes to reflectivity.
For more information about APEEL for TPO, click here.
For more information about APEEL for PVC/KEE HP, click here.
Contact Taylor Gingerich with questions.
Maintaining rooftop cleanliness during installation can be very difficult (especially on re-roofing projects), but it's particularly important when specifying a membrane for its reflective properties. The energy-saving benefits of reflective roof membranes are well-documented—particularly in areas where reducing cooling loads provides those benefits—so it's important to ensure the membrane starts out with the maximum amount of energy-saving reflectivity.
The industry standard for measuring and reporting reflectivity is managed by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC). CRRC develops accurate and credible methods for evaluating and labeling the radiative properties of roofing products.
Measured radiative property values of roofing products are listed on CRRC's Rated Products Directory, which can be found here. Included in these values are initial values (new membrane) and 3-year aged values to show how reflectivity changes over time. What is important to consider is that the 3-year aged values are based off a membrane starting out perfectly clean and new. If a membrane is dirty from installation, it is beginning its service life with diminished reflectivity and the expected benefits of a reflective roof won't be fully realized.
While membranes do naturally lose reflectivity over time (hence the 3-year aged ratings), starting a roof's life off as clean as possible will give it the best chances of meeting its published 3-year aged ratings and maximizing energy savings.
To ensure a new roof looks new prior to turnover, one viable solution is to include a clause in specifications that requires cleaning or reserving the right to require cleaning after installation. The other option, which is less expensive than pressure washing and requires no wastewater management, is utilizing/specifying APEEL™ Protective Film. APEEL is simply a thin film that is factory-applied to the membrane. Available on Sure-Weld® TPO and Sure-Flex™ PVC/KEE HP, APEEL Protective Film is easily removed following installation, preserving the new roof's cleanliness and starting out on the right foot when it comes to reflectivity.
For more information about APEEL for TPO, click here.
For more information about APEEL for PVC/KEE HP, click here.
Contact Taylor Gingerich with questions.
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