By The Coffee Shops™. 

See how a proven coating system can elevate your restoration projects without the upfront risk. 

General Coatings Manufacturing Corp is bringing back its popular giveaway to give contractors a risk-free way to put one of its top-performing EVERROOF® coatings to the test. Enter by May 1, 2026, for your chance to win five 5-gallon buckets of Ever-Silic HS and see how it performs on your own projects. 

A smarter way to evaluate your next coating system 

Switching or adding a new coating to your offerings can feel like a gamble. Application quirks, cure times and long-term performance all matter, and those details only really show up on the roof. 

Instead of relying solely on datasheets or secondhand recommendations, contractors get the opportunity to work directly with Ever-Silic HS in real-world conditions. Whether you use it for repairs, detailing or a full restoration, it’s a chance to evaluate performance directly on your jobsite. 

Built for the realities of today’s roofs 

Ever-Silic HS is designed to be both versatile and durable, making it a strong fit for the wide range of substrates contractors are seeing today, from aging single-ply systems to metal, SPF, BUR and modified bitumen. 

Its high-solids, single-component silicone formulation creates a seamless, flexible membrane that holds up under extreme conditions, from freezing cold to intense heat. The hydrophobic surface resists ponding water, while UV stability helps maintain long-term performance and reflectivity. 

For crews, it’s just as practical as it is durable. With strong adhesion, straightforward application and a quick recoat window of seven to ten days, it supports efficient project timelines without sacrificing quality. 

Ever-Silic HS also offers a balance of protection, energy efficiency and long-term reliability. It meets Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) guidelines and Title 24 requirements, making it a solid option for projects where performance and compliance go hand in hand. 

Don’t miss your chance 

If you’ve been considering expanding your coating offerings or simply want to put a proven system to the test, this is an opportunity worth taking. 

Enter the EVERROOF giveaway by May 1, 2026, for your chance to win five 5-gallon buckets of Ever-Silic HS and experience firsthand how it performs in the field.

By Dani Sheehan. 

FM approvals are helping shape the future of our industry by defining durability, accountability and risk management for commercial roofing systems. 

At its core, Factory Mutual (FM) is a unique organization with a dual mission. On one side, it operates as a global insurance provider. On the other, it functions as one of the most rigorous building materials testing and research facilities in the world. 

Roughly one in three commercial buildings is FM-insured, particularly larger and more complex facilities. When a building owner chooses FM insurance, the organization largely dictates how the building system, including the roof assembly, is designed. To earn that approval, the entire roofing assembly is evaluated, including materials, thicknesses, deck types, slopes and installation methods rather than individual products in isolation. The organization has tested more than one million roof assemblies, each designed to simulate worst-case scenarios for fire, weather and structural performance. 

FM approvals represent the highest level of fire performance and safety for occupants inside the building. The goal is simple: ensure the roof protects the building, the people inside and the business operations beneath it. 

What FM is actually testing 

FM approvals verify that a roof assembly meets stringent performance benchmarks, including: 

• Fire resistance 
• Wind uplift 
• Foot traffic durability 
• Hail resistance: Moderate hail, severe hail, very severe hail 

Unlike many baseline code requirements, FM places significant emphasis on weather-driven loss prevention, which is why these approvals carry so much weight with consultants, architects and large property owners. 

Approvals are issued through what are known as NAV numbers, which correspond to specific tested assemblies, not just materials. A spray foam system installed over a steel deck, for example, is tested separately from that same system over concrete, or at a different slope. Each variation must independently prove performance under FM’s testing protocols. 

For spray polyurethane foam roofing systems, this testing process creates multiple approved assemblies depending on the coating technology used. Through its Ultra-Thane systems, General Coatings Manufacturing Corp has developed four primary FM-approved spray foam system types, including: 

• Spray foam with standard acrylic coatings 
• Spray foam with high-tensile acrylic coatings 
• Spray foam with silicone coatings 
• Hybrid systems using a polyurea base coat with a silicone topcoat 

These systems have achieved severe hail ratings, one of the FM’s highest currently attainable performance levels for spray foam. Because each system can be installed across different deck types and slopes, they generate numerous approved assemblies that contractors can reference when bidding FM-specified projects. 

How FM approval shapes projects 

Owners and insurers trust FM’s evaluation process because it focuses on the most common causes of building failure, including wind, fire and hail damage. By validating systems against these risks, FM approvals help ensure that buildings, their contents and the people inside are protected at the highest levels while also allowing more competitive insurance coverage. 

FM approvals often determine who gets to bid on a project at all. Many schools, universities, government buildings and large commercial owners will not consider roofing systems without FM approval. If a contractor doesn’t have access to FM-approved assemblies or manufacturer partners that have invested in them, that contractor may be excluded from these opportunities entirely. 

By investing heavily in FM testing across multiple spray foam and coating assemblies, General Coatings has helped position spray polyurethane foam as a viable, performance-driven alternative on FM-insured buildings. The company’s assemblies with severe hail ratings allow spray foam systems to compete in regions where hail resistance is a critical design factor.  

Insurance, risk and the bigger picture 

FM approvals ultimately exist to reduce risk across the built environment. Insurance carriers want fewer catastrophic claims caused by extreme weather. Building owners want roofs that survive storms without requiring costly replacements. Contractors want systems that perform long after installation.  

FM addresses these concerns by testing assemblies to its own performance standards in addition to meeting building code requirements. Traditional building codes are consensus-based and designed to establish minimum acceptable performance levels. FM standards, by contrast, are developed by engineers and researchers who study building failures and determine what durability should look like under real-world conditions. This additional layer of testing is especially important in regions where hail, high winds or severe weather events are common. 

High-performing roofing systems are often backed by a broader portfolio of third-party credentials, including Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and reflectivity certifications through the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC). Together with FM, these approvals demonstrate that a system exceeds minimum code requirements and aligns with the expectations of insurers, owners and regulators nationwide. 

A partnership approach to performance 

Through its Ultra-Thane spray polyurethane foam roofing systems and extensive FM-approved assemblies, General Coatings continues to expand the role spray foam can play on FM-insured and FM-performance buildings. These systems give you additional options when pursuing projects that require proven performance under demanding conditions. 

By continuously investing in testing, certifications and assembly-level approvals, General Coatings helps you offer roofing systems that meet the highest performance standards demanded by today’s commercial market using a collaborative approach: manufacturers providing proven systems, contractors delivering skilled installation and building owners receiving roof systems designed to last.  

By Jenny Yu.  

An interactive training course and a new brief provide guidance on cool roof technologies and their role in sustainable building design. 

As extreme heat events become more frequent and energy efficiency remains a top priority for building professionals, new educational resources are helping architects, contractors and building owners better understand strategies for resilient building design. The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) recently released two new educational resources aimed to expand industry knowledge about cool roof technologies and their role in improving overall building performance.  

These resources — an interactive online course and a useful informative document — provide practical guidance on how reflective roofing materials can help improve energy efficiency, reduce urban heat impacts and be used in tandem with rooftop solar systems to support sustainable building practices. 

Course: “Designing Buildings for Heat Resilience & Energy Efficiency” 

Titled “Designing Buildings for Heat Resilience & Energy Efficiency,” the free, online and self-paced course is an updated, interactive tool based on the CRRC’s previously published text-based resource. With urban warming impacting health, energy efficiency, air quality and the economy, this course provides essential information about the growth of cool roofs initiatives and third-party product ratings. It describes how solar reflective cool roof and exterior wall materials help protect individuals and communities from the impacts of extreme heat and discusses the factors that influence energy savings and performance. 

Now with instructional videos, downloads and clickable links, the multimedia format allows for deeper engagement with the material. Furthermore, professionals can take their learning on-the-go with the mobile-friendly feature, as the course is designed to adapt to any screen size and takes about an hour to complete. Participants can earn continuing education credits for AIA, GBCI and over 25 other organizations. 

Document: “Harnessing the Mutual Benefits of Cool Roofs + Rooftop PV” 

Another key resource the CRRC has recently published is the brief, “Harnessing the Mutual Benefits of Cool Roofs + Rooftop PV.” A collaboration between the CRRC, the National Laboratory of the Rockies (formerly National Renewable Energy Laboratory), and the Philadelphia Solar Energy Association (PSEA), this four-page document lays out the basics of cool roofs, rooftop solar photovoltaic systems (PV) and how these technologies can work together to increase solar panel efficiency and energy production. The resource also provides additional resources for more learning about cool roofs and solar energy, as well as answers to frequently asked questions. 

In developing these resources, the Cool Roof Rating Council provides building professionals with accessible, researched-backed information that supports smarter design decisions in a warming climate. 

Explore the interactive course or download the full brief from the CRRC to learn more about cool roof strategies! 

By Emma Peterson. 

Everything you need to know about the reimagined 2026 CRRC Annual Conference. 

Don't forget your boots and your hat as you plan your trip down to San Antonio, Texas for this year’s Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) conference! This three-day conference (June 16-18, 2026) is a new event taking the place of the CRRC Annual Meeting. With the rebrand, CRRC is aiming to continue to grow the event to include more professionals, participation and presentations all about cool surfaces.  

The schedule at a glance 

This year’s event, which is sponsored by industry-leading companies such as Duro-Last, GAF, Certainteed and the team here at RoofersCoffeeShop®, follows the theme of “Cool Connections.” As part of this theming, the CRRC team has introduced a new interactive breakout session during the conference that will “foster deeper conversations around the CRRC’s activities.” 

Everything will kick off on Tuesday, June 16 with the CRRC member meeting. As in past years, this meeting will “feature organizational updates, the Board election [and the] presentation of the Marty Hastings Award.”  

That evening, there will be a cocktail reception, complimentary to all ticket-holders, that is a great chance to network and have fun with your peers in the industry. The following day (June 17), the CRRC technical and education committees will meet. Closing the conference, Thursday (June 18), will host the CRRC Board of Directors meeting.  

Additionally, this year’s conference will feature three incredible guest speakers, Dr. Larry Kalkstein (president of Applied Climatologists), Jake Medley (executive director of the Louisville, Kentucky mayor’s office of sustainability) and Tim Hebrink (a corporate scientist for 3M Corporate Research Process Lab).  

Registration and other logistics 

The show will be hosted at the Thompson San Antonio Riverwalk! This hotel is located just over a mile from San Antonio’s La Villita Historic Arts Village and just 12 miles from the San Antonio International airport.  

Registration for this year’s conference is currently open for both CRRC members and nonmembers. Rates through May 18, 2026 for members are $449 and for nonmembers $599 (plus service fees). From May 19 until registration closes on June 8, a late registration fee will apply. 

There are also still options to sponsor the event (open until March 31, 2026). This is a great opportunity to show support for CRRC’s mission and help the entire construction industry move towards a more sustainable, cooler future!  

Learn more and get your tickets today!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

CertainTeed turns heads with its solar-ready shingles, FORTIFIED-compliant systems and a booth design that kept the crowd buzzing. 

CertainTeed brought more than just sharp displays and soft carpet to booth 225 at the Western Roofing Expo 2025; it brought solutions designed for where the roofing industry is headed. “This show’s been great,” said Brian Stanford on the RoofersCoffeeShop® sound stage. “We’ve had a lot of people coming through the booth.” 

Contractors attending the show zeroed in on innovation, showing marked interest in new product launches and advanced systems. At the top of that list: solar and cool roofing. CertainTeed Solaris shingles, engineered to reflect solar heat, drew particular interest from West Coast professionals looking to reduce heat gain in sunny climates like Las Vegas. 

The company also emphasized its collaboration with the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC), ensuring its products meet stringent reflectivity standards. But solar and energy efficiency weren’t the only talking points. CertainTeed is also pushing forward with its FORTIFIED-compliant products, designed to give homeowners and contractors a stronger edge against extreme weather. The company recently added roof tape and a new starter product to the system. 

To support contractors in the field, CertainTeed offers more than just materials. “One of the things we really emphasize is our marketing materials and our contractor programs,” Brian said. “So, they have all that information, and they are able to talk to the homeowners.” He added that having literature and samples helps contractors show they are knowledgeable and capable of delivering a roof that makes a homeowner the talk of the neighborhood. 

When contractors face tough questions, CertainTeed provides direct access to its in-house experts for support. “We have a great sales team who is super knowledgeable across the country,” Brian said. “Whether it's the territory manager, our folks in R&D who can answer some of those very scientific type questions, or even our contractor team that goes out and helps with installs.” He emphasized the company’s longevity and dependability, saying, “CertainTeed has been around for over 120 years. We’re reliable. We've been around. We're going to be here and that's why we stand behind our products.” 

Watch the full interview to learn more about CertainTeed’s latest roofing systems and contractor support tools!

By Emma Peterson. 

Discover why metal roofing is leading the market when it comes to cool roofing solutions.  

Finding success in a competitive industry like roofing is all about differentiating yourself and knowing what your customers want. And right now, some of the primary concerns for home and business owners are rising temperatures and energy costs. To learn how you can help solve this issue for your clients, we hosted Melissa Dunson, director of marketing at Central States Manufacturing, and Audrey McGarrell, communications manager for Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC), for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

Cool roofs are the solution 

So, what can you do to address rising energy costs and increasing environmental temperatures? The answer is simple: Cool roofing. At its core, cool roofing is all about reflectance. A cool roof is one that reflects more sunlight, and therefore absorbs less thermal energy than your typical roof.  

The result of higher reflectance? Audrey explained, “By fundamentally keeping the building cooler, you are reducing demand for air conditioning, which can lead to a chain reaction that goes as far as reducing your carbon footprint and your energy bill.” Melissa added to Audrey’s point, sharing, “There are estimates that a cool roof can lead to as much as 20% of savings on the energy bill, which is huge, especially if you live in a part of the country where it is significantly hot during a significant part of the day, like Texas, Arizona, California, Florida.” 

Sourcing cool roofing 

When it comes to finding the right cool roofing products for specific projects, a great place to start is with CRRC’s Rated Roof Products Directory. Audrey shared a bit about it:  

We are a completely independent third party and work with accredited independent testing laboratories to test roofing and exterior wall materials for solar reflectance and thermal emittance. Once we’ve done our testing, we review the data and publish an initial rating. It’s called that because we also send product specimens to three different test farms across the United States where they are mounted and exposed to the natural elements and left untouched for three years. After those three years, we test them again and give them an aged rating. 

This aged rating truly takes the Rated Roof Products Directory to another level. Melissa spoke about why having both the initial and aged is so important, explaining, “The age testing is key because people don't get a roof for just three years. Roofs are an investment and how it performs on year ten is equally as important as its performance on day one.”  

Cool metal roofs are the future 

Based on data from this aged testing, metal roofing has emerged as a great option for a cool roof. Melissa explained:  

One of the things that we found about metal is it performs year after year in very strong way. That’s one of the reasons that metal has such long warranties...It also has innate properties that give it higher reflectance and emittance rates than tile, asphalt or other materials. So, add special cool roofing paints to it and it's even more reflective. So metal is really a natural fit if people are looking for a long-lasting, durable, cool roof. 

Listen to the whole episode to learn more about getting high-performance, cool metal roofs.

By The Cool Roof Rating Council.

Stacey Weister's reflection on volunteering with the SMART Girls Program.

In July 2025, Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) Senior Technical Manager Stacey Weister had the opportunity to serve as a mentor for the SMART Girls program at the Boys and Girls Club of Massillon, Ohio. She shared about her career journey and led the girls in completing the CRRC Cool Surfaces Lesson Plan. Below, Stacey shares her reflections on the experience.

Sharing my career journey — a path from the factory floor to a senior technical role — taught me that the best lessons in life are the ones you both teach and learn. This past July, I had the opportunity to mentor for the SMART Girls Program at the Boys and Girls Club of Massillon, Ohio. This social-emotional learning initiative is designed to boost confidence and encourage healthy lifestyles among young women. I felt privileged to serve as a female role model for them for the day.

My main goal was to inspire these young women by sharing my unconventional career journey: From factory worker to mother, college graduate and ultimately the senior technical manager at the CRRC. I highlighted the importance of passion and perseverance, encouraging them to aim high and never give up, even in male-dominated fields.

To help the girls better understand the CRRC's work, I presented our Cool Surfaces Lesson Plan. We conducted an experiment to learn how a building’s surface properties can impact indoor temperatures, and we discussed how cool surfaces, such as cool roofs and cool exterior walls, can help combat the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Seven groups of girls ranging in age from first graders to high school seniors were genuinely engaged. Their insightful questions and contagious enthusiasm showed me just how ready the next generation is to tackle important issues and create a more sustainable future.

I went in hoping to inspire them, but I left with something even more meaningful. After a day of connection, learning and sharing, I was overwhelmed by their heartfelt thanks and hugs. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship. These bright, passionate, and determined young women inspired me just as much as I hoped to inspire them. This experience strengthened my belief in the value of mentorship and the importance of demonstrating to young girls what they can achieve. It's a day I will always treasure.

Inspiring leadership stories, meaningful education, hands-on training and a powerful sense of community made NWIR Days 2026 an event to remember. 

Editor’s note: The following is a transcript of a conversation between the Coffee Shop crew about NWIR Days 2026. 

Karen Edwards: National Women in Roofing 2026 just ended, and it was an amazing day. It was a great event. I think one of my favorite parts about the day was the opening session where the four co-founders, Jennifer Ford Smith, Jenny Stone, Shari Carlozzi and Heidi J. Ellsworth shared the story of how the organization started and what they had to do to get things off the ground. And I would say probably 20% of the room were first timers, and so these are folks who've never heard that before, because they haven't been here the whole time. And the reason that that was the morning session was because National Women in Roofing is celebrating their 10-year anniversary since becoming incorporated as a 501 c6 in 2016, so it was amazing to see where it started and where it is now. And they really, really made the event great.  

You know it was interesting and exciting because it went by real fast. Another thing that I really enjoyed was Megan led a panel on building loyalty with your employees, and it was about how to help working parents and how you can support them and how you can make it easier for them. And that was a panel that had Jenny Stone, Cool Roof Rating Council’s Jeff Steuben and Kyra Coker from National Roofing Partners. And you know, we have a lot of young folks here that are becoming parents for the first time. And so understanding what are some things that we can do to support it was really valuable.  

And then, of course, the Skills Lab. You get to see the products, you get to try stuff out, you get to try welding. It was just a really, really well-rounded day. And you know, thank you to Christee Roberson for her leadership. And we're looking forward to Christine Mockenhaupt taking the reins for 2026. 

Lauren White: I agree, the day went by really quick. As for the breakout sessions, there were fewer of them, but they were longer, which was really nice because people could really get into having a conversation, asking questions, getting good advice and feedback from everybody else in the room. Last year it sometimes felt like we were rushed to get to the next session, but not this year.  

We had the awards during lunch. It was really fun to celebrate the Rising Stars and the WORLD Award winners. They did Council Awards again this year, and the councils are doing some really incredible things. And the WORLD Award winner for this year is Michelle Ly with Hallmark Roofing in Austin, Texas, and the Rising Star Award is Liz Garza with SRS Distribution, which was really fun to celebrate them.  

We had a really fun time at the Skills Lab. Dani and I did some heat welding and some pull tests. We write about all these companies and materials and products, and it was really fun to just feel them and touch them and work with them.  

Dani Sheehan: I agree. It was really well planned out. I really appreciated having the awards during lunch and being able to network through that and then also having the break in between sessions, just getting us up and moving was really great.  

I also think the Skills Lab was my favorite part. Just having so many hands-on demonstrations, the QXO challenge during the networking break was really fun to watch, and I think we were able to capture some great videoto see who could put down the ISO board the fastest. So that was really cool to see.  

And just again, being in this room where women are building each other up, and there's not competition, and we're just all here together, learning about roofing, being in this industry, creating this community. I lovedgetting to meet Kim with Division 7 Roofing and hang out with her. Mandy's session at the end was a great way to close everything out. Her session, Speaking Up, To Show Up: Building Confidence in Work and Life, was so great and it was great to feel the energy in that room. And I think she just helped us all get rid of that imposter syndrome that we all feel in the workplace.  

Camden Bennett: This is my first NWIR Day, and going into IRE it was really fun to see how much energy all the women exuded here, and how, even though some of our companies might be competitors, everyone was very friendly, and clearly wanted to know what others had to say.  

My first session was, Roofing is Like a Sandwich, Understanding the Basics with Lynn Picone and Kimberly Santiago-Vega with GAF and I got to see some of the technical errors that people make, and how to remedy those, and how even little mistakes can cause huge problems with roofing and can be quite costly, and then how to avoid those in the future. The Skills Lab was also my favorite. It's fun to be able to use the things that we are writing about, posting or promoting. As for the Speak Up session, it was interesting to see what other people had to say and have some good discussion. It was eye opening. 

Jessica Bravo: I attended Roofing 101, Covering the Basics with GAF. It was really informative, and Kimberly and Lynn are very knowledgeable. And like everyone said, Skills Lab was my favorite, watching Camden use the nail gun was really fun. And we ended the breakout sessions with Speak Up and Show Up with Mandy. Connecting with the NWIR Latina Council, Conexión Hispana, was also great. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how cool roofs and solar panels can work together to meet rising energy demands.  

The Energy Information Administration reports that “the projected power demand of the U.S. will rise to 4,199 billion kilowatt-hours in 2025 and 4,267 billion kWh in 2026.” These are record highs, with 2024’s 4,110 billion kWh being the latest record. As we look for ways to meet these rising energy demands, many experts have started looking to the rooftops. To learn more about this, we hosted Audrey McGarrell of the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) for an episode of Roofing Road Trips® all about mitigating rising energy needs with cool roofs and solar systems.  

Starting with the basics, “A cool roof is one that strongly reflects sunlight (solar energy) and also cools itself by efficiently emitting any heat that was absorbed. The roof literally stays cooler and reduces the amount of heat conducted into the building below.” By itself, a cool roof lowers energy bills, extends roof service life, mitigates urban heat islands and addresses air pollution concerns. As for solar systems, more specifically photovoltaic systems or PV systems, they lower the energy demands on the local electrical grid by providing the building they are installed on with an independent, renewable energy source.  

Alone, both of these technologies are powerful ways to build a more energy-friendly and sustainable future. But what is often overlooked is the symbiotic relationship between the two. Audrey explained, “There was a broad range of studies looking at different climates, different solar panel types and orientations and all of these things. And what they found was a linear relationship between solar and reflective roofs.” 

There are generally two types of solar panels on the market, monofacial and bifacial. The big difference between these two is where they can absorb solar energy from; monofacial panels can only absorb on one side where bifacial panels can absorb from both sides.  

As you might deduce, the bifacial panels have the most drastic performance increase when paired with a reflective roof. Audrey gave an example, sharing, “If you were to raise a roof's solar reflectance from a baseline of 0.15 up to a solar reflectance of 0.6, you could actually see an increase in solar panel power output of about 20%. And if you went all the way up to 0.8 solar reflectance, the increase is almost 30%.” 

And just because it’s not as dramatic of a performance increase doesn’t mean that monofacial solar panels don’t also benefit from being installed in combination with reflective roofing! Audrey gave some numbers on that, sharing, “If you were to increase the solar reflectance of a roof from 0.15 to 0.25, which there are plenty of products on the market that would fit that value, you could see a 1% increase in monofacial panel output.” 

To make it easier for contractors and building owners to explore the possibilities of a reflective roof with solar, the CRRC has created a new educational resource on the synergy between the two. Audrey shared a bit about it, saying, “What we came up with and put in this document are some examples of how raising your roof solar reflectance from X to Y could impact your solar panel output.” You can explore the resource yourself on the CRRC’s website. 

Check out the whole podcast to learn more about this incredible resource and the relationship between cool roofing and solar panels!

By Emma Peterson. 

How CertainTeed’s CoolStar line is helping combat rising urban temperatures.  

Rising temperatures around the world are causing issues for both individuals’ health and our communities as a whole. According the to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2011 and 2023, 423 people had died due to workplace heat exposure and “an average of 2,700 cases involving heat illnesses lead to days lost at work.” Beyond the tragedy of loss of life and injury, it is estimated by that the U.S. loses $100 billion annually due to “heat-induced declines in labor productivity.” 

So, what can we do about that? One solution is to design cooler cities. 

Building a cooler city 

 A key to creating a more thermally resistant built environment is incorporating cool roofing. “Cool roofs” are roofing systems that reflect solar energy that comes from the sun and emit any remaining heat that is absorbed, leading to more energy efficient buildings and significantly cooler interiors. The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) explains, “Cool roofs literally stay cooler and reduce the amount of heat conducted into the building below. If a building does not have air conditioning, this keeps the building cooler and a more constant temperature. If a building has air conditioning, the equipment does not have to work as hard.” 

How does one design a roof that reflects solar energy? To answer that question, we sat down with John Schultz, the commercial roofing district sales manager for CertainTeed.  

Designing a cool roof 

In his role at CertainTeed, John has worked a lot on the launch of a product line called CoolStar. He explained, “We’re building a family of products. Our first product is the Flintlastic® GTA CoolStar® and now we have our CoolStar® Ultra, both of which are torch-down products.” 

These products have existed in the CertainTeed portfolio for decades and have become contractor favorites. When released as a part of the CoolStar line, the products were improved to boost performance. John explained, “It's the exact same technology. We just changed the granules. So, if you’re a contractor using it, it is the same product you know and love. Your crews already know where to have their torch and how to apply it.”  

So, what changed with the granules? The CertainTeed team designed the CoolStar family of products with “Naturally occurring aggregate processed to bright white granules that are 100% opaque to UV radiation, protecting the asphaltic membrane from UV degradation while maintaining granule adhesion with superior solar reflectance.” 

By the numbers 

The results of this engineering and design feat are powerful coatings that not only deliver durable performance but also sustainability. When looking at cool roofing products, the CRRC highlights two characteristics that determine the roof’s sustainability – solar reflectance and thermal emittance. Solar reflectance is how much sunlight is reflected away from the roof, and thermal emittance is how much heat a roof can release. These properties are measured on a “scale from 0 to 1, where 1 is 100% reflective or emissive.” 

On this scale, CertainTeed’s CoolStar products perform very well. Their CoolStar Ultra is considered highly reflective with a score of 0.73 when installed (maintaining it to 0.68 over three years of on the roof aging) and highly emissive with a score above 0.90.  

The big picture 

Ultimately, CertainTeed’s CoolStar family of products is a huge step towards a more sustainable and healthier built environment. By building upon their existing quality products, they have created an efficient and sustainable way to reduce urban heat without sacrificing durability. The drive to do this all comes back to CertainTeed and their parent company Saint Gobain’s dedication to being a good steward of the environment. John explained, “One of our goals is to have a net 0 carbon target by 2050. How are we going to get there? By making our products more efficient with releases like the CoolStar line.” 

Learn more about CertainTeed’s Flintlastic® GTA CoolStar® and now we have our CoolStar® Ultra online.