Air It Out

Ventilation and airflow also have their place in effective roof systems. For example, cool roof systems incorporate a combination of tile products designed to increase air flow and ventilation under tile with materials that reflect UV heat from the roof to reduce the amount of heat transferred into the structure. This translates into fewer on/off air conditioning cycles to maintain interior temperatures. Comparative testing has shown a heat transference differential of as much as 45 degrees on the underside of roof decking when simulated solar energy is directed at the tile installations compared to like-colored asphalt shingles using the same roofing materials. Research conducted by Oak Ridge Laboratories determined that this heat transference differential can equate to a savings in energy consumption for cooling and heating costs of up to 22% a year for a typical home. Pictured above is Castaway III, a LEED Platinum, zero net energy home in Florida. The vision of Marc Rutenberg Homes, a custom home builder in Florida and founder of Zero Energy America, is to inspire Americans to break from fossil fuel dependence. The home features Boral Roofing’s Clay Cool Roof.