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 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
- 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
- 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
Cool Roof Product Range
* Contact a Sika expert near you to enquire about our Sarnafil® solutions.
