Energy-Efficient Elastomeric Coatings: Cut Commercial Cooling Costs 30%

Cutting commercial cooling costs 30% with energy-efficient elastomeric coatings. These coatings reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption — an intelligent strategy for companies in hot climates. All types of roof coatings, from those applied to flat or low-slope roofs, create a continuous, watertight membrane on the roof to extend its lifespan.

By cooling indoor surfaces and indoor air, they cut air conditioning use, saving energy and money. This guide from Big Easy Roof Repairs digs into their advantages, implementation, and appropriateness for various roof types. Contact our professional roofers who can boost the efficiency of your roof.

Key Takeaways

• These elastomeric coatings are very reflective, returning up to 90% of solar heat, promoting lower energy use and cooling costs, allowing for cooling savings of up to 30% in commercial situations.
• As an energy-saving elastomeric coating, they reflect heat absorbed, allowing interior temperatures to stabilize and lowering the demand on HVAC systems.
• A waterproof and continuous membrane made from elastomeric coatings shields roofs against environmental stressors, leaks, and cracks while enabling repairs.
• Because of their ability to defend roofs against both weather and UV stressors, elastomeric coatings will extend the life of the roof while delaying expensive replacements and reducing costly repairs.

How Elastomeric Coatings Cut Costs

Learn how elastomeric coatings save commercial buildings money by reducing cooling costs and extending roof life. Coatings solve so many problems for building owners, from heat to roof repair.

Solar Reflectance

Elastomeric coatings, in particular, are capable of reflecting 80 – 90% of the sun’s energy, resulting in reductions to the roof surface temperatures of more than 10°C on sunny days. Heat absorption is reduced by reflecting solar radiation, thereby reducing the demand for indoor cooling.

For hot-climate building owners, this reduction in cooling demand can slash energy bills 15-30%. These reflective coatings fight the heat island effect, which in turn creates a cooler urban environment.

Thermal Emittance

Even more impressive than reflectivity is the thermal emittance of elastomeric coatings, which rapidly emit any heat that is absorbed. This stabilizes roof surface temperatures and provides better thermal regulation of interior spaces.

When heat retention is minimized, HVAC systems do not have to work as hard to maintain desired interior temperatures and lower energy use. Eventually, this results in lower operating costs and a higher level of HVAC system efficiency—excellent for owners in need of a reliable system with low initial purchase costs.

Seamless Membrane

Elastomeric coatings go across the roof without seams or gaps. This continuous membrane stops water from infiltrating your roof, which eliminates many of the typical leak problems. These coatings are flexible and can adapt to the shifting that a roof experiences from temperature fluctuations, minimizing the chances of cracking or damaging the roof structure.

Reduced HVAC Load

Elastomeric coatings are effective in reducing heat gain to a building and subsequently reducing the demand on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems during the summer months.

Extended Roof Life

These coatings protect from UV, weathering, and thermal strain, increasing the lifespan by an additional 5 – 10 years over traditional roofing membranes.

Some coatings can last even up to 25 years, resulting in significant delays to expensive roof replacements and preventing tear off. Over the coating’s lifetime, savings on a 30,000 square foot roof can run $9,000-$12,000.

The Financial Case

Here’s the financial case for energy-efficient elastomeric coatings on commercial buildings. With energy savings, maintenance costs, and deferred replacements, these coatings lower operating costs to maximize ROI.

Direct Energy Savings

Elastomeric can reduce cooling costs by as much as 30%, just by reflecting heat. These coatings absorb less heat, keeping roof surfaces 1.4 ˚C to 4.7 ˚C cooler. This reduces HVAC power consumption in hot months, which in turn reduces electric bills. In warmer climates, the savings impact can be as high as 15-35.7% based on a building’s location and design.

Lower Maintenance

Long-term elastomeric paint provides a shield against UV radiation, rain, and dirt. It minimizes the amount of repairs needed on the roof, thus saving on both labor (man-hours) and material expense. By not damaging the environment, it keeps maintenance and reduces the need for less frequent inspections.

Deferred Replacement

Coatings can prolong a roof’s life for 20+ years, postponing expensive replacements. They protect roofs from the elements, deferring complete replacements that can interrupt operations. For property managers, coatings provide a more cost-effective alternative to the traditional approaches, with durability that doesn’t compromise on quality.

Calculating ROI

Tools like the Cool Roof Savings Calculator can assist in putting figures on benefits related to energy savings, reduced maintenance costs, and extended roof life. Tax credits or rebates for energy improvement can enhance ROI, making elastomeric coatings an intelligent financial investment.

Boost the Efficiency of Your Commercial Roof

Elastomeric coatings provide a cost-effective solution to reduce cooling expenses as well as preserve your roof. That heat-reflecting coating reduces energy and keeps the inside cool.

For commercial buildings, the possible 30% savings on cooling costs make them a smart investment. Contact us at Big Easy Roof Repairs to protect your commercial roof while boosting efficiency.