Black vs. White Membranes: What Is the Sustainable Energy Efficient Choice?
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The idea that white roof membranes are the most effective way for building owners to save energy and lower costs is widely accepted; however, cool roofs may actually increase energy consumption in cold climates. This course challenges the assumption that white membranes always offer the most energy conserving roofing system and discusses why it is essential to consider a building’s geographic location when specifying the color of a roofing membrane.
Upon completion of this course, the Learner should be able to:
- Recognize the industry trends that have contributed to the belief that reflective roofing is the best way to decrease energy use in all commercial buildings.
- Cite studies and discuss why a white roof will not function the same way in a cool climate as it does in a warm one, and identify the regions where cool roofing is most effective.
- Evaluate a variety of energy efficient roofing options based on material color, insulation levels, building location, and climatic conditions.
- Identify negative unintended consequences for white roofs in cold climates, and describe the issues condensation from wet insulation can create for roof decks.
- Review current energy calculators and software for evaluating the energy performance of roofing systems.
Approximately 1 hour. Delivered online, at your own pace.
Presented by Brian Chamberlain on behalf of Versico Roofing Systems. View the Privacy Policy .
Presenter Information
Name: Brian Chamberlain
Title: Senior Project Analyst, Versico Roofing Systems
Background: Brian Chamberlain graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he earned a Bachelor Degree in the Science of Architectural Design. Since 1987, Brian has been assisting architects, consultants, and specifiers on developing special engineered roofing, focusing on performance and sustainability assemblies. He is part of a team that is responsible for system configurations, details development, and code-testing. He has been involved in numerous technological presentations throughout the U.S., Canada, and overseas in South Korea and China, offering information on unique design issues, such as energy efficiency of insulation, geographic influence on roof membrane color, roof garden assemblies, photovoltaic interfacing, moisture vapor movement, and uplift performance of the roofing systems. Brian is a member of the RCI, Inc., CSI, and has 29 years of experience in the roofing industry.
