What are Cool Roofs?

Also called high-albedo roof or white roof, a cool roof has the ability to reflect over 65% of the sun’s rays, compared to conventional roofs which repel less than 15%. Cool roofs are able to repel heat because the outermost layer contains special reflective material.

Cool Roofs Offer Many Long-term Benefits to Your Project

  • Reduce the need for mechanical air conditioning and save energy costs
  • Reduce urban heat island effect in cities and suburbs, minimizing thermal impact on the microclimate and on the local environment
  • Minimize heat gain inside buildings, improving occupant comfort
  • Enhance the durability and the appearance of roofs by significantly lowering material temperatures and extending the roof life

Sika Cool Roof Systems – What Makes a Good Product?

Our large product portfolio of waterproofing membranes for flat roofs includes suitable solutions for virtually any application.

Requirements Are Sika Cool Roof Systems Available?
High initial Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) values
High reflectance value after exposure (slight reduction of reflectance during first years until constant colour is reached)
→ The benefits of cool roods (significantly reduced energy consumption) is maintained throughout the service life
Good cleaning properties allow regaining SRI values close to 100% of the initial value    
→ Suitability of all technologies for the specific climate must be respected
LEED requirements for LEED Credit 5, Option 1
LEED requirements for other LEED credit options
Single-ply membranes (FPO and PVC)
Liquid-applied membranes and coatings (several technologies)
Compatibility with the entire roof system, including accessories
Proven performance and reliability, high durability
→ Lower surface temperatures increase life expectancy
Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) available

Examples of Sika Cool Roof Buildups

Mechanically Fastened Membrane Systems
FPO memrane Sarnafil®
  • FPO membrane Sarnafil® TS 77 mechanically fixed to the substrate with Sarnafast® SBF 6.0 mm and Sarnafast® Washer KTL
  • New thermal insulation
  • Existing or new build-up on concrete deck
Adhered Membrane Systems
Cool roof system buildup 3D rendering with Sika roof membrane
  • PVC membrane Sarnafil® G 410 EL Felt fully adhered to the insulation with Sarnacol® 2142 S
  • PIR, EPS/XPS insulation bonded to the vapor control layer with Sika® RoofBond or mechanically fastened to the substrate
  • Self-adhesive vapor control layer Sarnavap® 5000 E SA or bitumen
  • Primer 600 or Primer 610 Spray, where required
  • Concrete (or timber/steel) deck
Liquid Applied Membrane (LAM) / Coating Systems
Cool roof system buildup 3D rendering with Sika roof membrane
  • 1-3 top coats of Sikalastic®-560
  • Reinforcement with Sikalastic® Fleece-120 / Sika Reemat Premium
  • Base coat Sikalastic®-560
  • Sikalastic®-560 diluted with 10% water
  • Concrete deck

Get Inspired By Our Projects

Sika's Expert Roof Knowhow