To continue with our discussion of Cool Roofs you might ask how is a Cool Roof Coating measured and is there a standard?

Decades of exhaustive laboratory and field tests have proven that the single most important factor for establishing a Cool Roof is a measure known as Solar Reflectivity and that a 2nd element known as Thermal Emittance can contribute. Solar Reflection is the percent of solar heat energy reflected off the surface of the roof and never allowed to penetrate. Thermal Emittance is the relative ability of the roof surface to radiate absorbed heat, with greater importance for roofing with lower reflectance. The U.S. government’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established through their Energy Star® program the minimum standards required to achieve this.

What are the standards and how does Topps Seal® measure by comparison?

Standards exist for two roof slopes – low slope (2:10 or less) and steep slope. Energy Star® requires two measurements; new and after aging for 3 years. Low slope roofs account for most roofs. They gather more solar exposure and consequently require the greatest reflectivity. The initial (new) Solar Reflectance must measure 65% minimum. Solar Reflectance after aging is required to be a minimum of 50%.

So how does Topps stack up? We subscribe to meeting Energy Star® standards. When new, Topps Seal® produces in excess of 87% (remember Energy Star states 65% minimum) putting it at the top. After aging, Topps Seal® produces in excess of 74% (Energy Star states 50% minimum), bettering the requirements of competitors of new roof coatings. We point this out because a coating is only new for a very short period of time. Some can stake claim to Energy Star® compliance when actually they are subscribing to steep slope requirements. These can have as little as 15% solar reflectance to be compliant. One must be careful when choosing based upon a label. Topps Seal® Thermal Emittance exceeds the required initial standard and actually improves with time!

Topps® participates in regular on-going 3rd party tests conducted by independent testing laboratories certified by the EPA to verify Energy Star® compliance so that you can be assured that the product you ordered is as claimed.