White Roofs and Surfaces Overlooked Key to Reducing Global Warming

Daox · 05-22-14, 11:46 AM

Here we have a good article that quantifies some of the savings that can be had by switching to a lighter colored roof.

White Roofs and Surfaces Overlooked Key to Reducing Global Warming

Quote:

The moral of the science is simple. One can make a bigger contribution to reduced global warming by increasing all your structures' albedo. "If all human structures improved reflectivity by 50%, it would have an effect equal to everyone on earth using no fuels for energy for a year. A year. There is no bigger, more straightforward, or economical contribution each of us can make."

stevehull · 05-22-14, 04:19 PM

I agree that we all need more albedo; especially an increase in 50%. Does that increase require any special pills?

Steve

jeff88 · 05-24-14, 01:06 AM

I like the idea of having a white roof, however, there have been studies about the increase in global temperatures even though there is a localized cooling effect (the interior of the structure).

White Roofs May Actually Add to Global Warming
The Easy Fix That Isn’t: White Roofs May Increase Global Warming

Don't get me wrong, I like the idea, but maybe (just maybe) it's not the best answer. Installing solar (thermal or PV) can also have a similar localized cooling effect (from the shade it provides and the air flow underneath). A "green" roof comprised of plants would also work extremely well, not to mention provide a nice garden, maybe even some veggies!

Servicetech · 11-25-14, 11:38 AM

How about White shingles and White metal roofs? No special coatings, just color.

Daox · 11-25-14, 03:20 PM

I'd say it has a similar effect. However, some metal roofing has special reflective paint which can further reduce the solar heat gain on the roof.

buffalobillpatrick · 11-29-14, 12:06 PM

Only effective in climate zones where people want/need A/C

We don't all live there, I don't.

I'm in climate zone 5, close to 6, at HIGH altitude (8,500') & dry.

My dark green steel roof is a good balance here.

05-22-14, 04:19 PM	#2
stevehull Steve Hull Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: hilly, tree covered Arcadia, OK USA Posts: 826 Thanks: 241 Thanked 165 Times in 123 Posts	I agree that we all need more albedo; especially an increase in 50%. Does that increase require any special pills? Steve __________________ consulting on geothermal heating/cooling & rational energy use since 1990

11-25-14, 03:20 PM	#5
Daox Administrator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Germantown, WI Posts: 5,525 Thanks: 1,162 Thanked 374 Times in 305 Posts	I'd say it has a similar effect. However, some metal roofing has special reflective paint which can further reduce the solar heat gain on the roof. __________________ Current project - To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. & To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

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05-24-14, 01:06 AM	#3
jeff88 Lots of questions Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 73 Thanks: 27 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	I like the idea of having a white roof, however, there have been studies about the increase in global temperatures even though there is a localized cooling effect (the interior of the structure). White Roofs May Actually Add to Global Warming The Easy Fix That Isn’t: White Roofs May Increase Global Warming Don't get me wrong, I like the idea, but maybe (just maybe) it's not the best answer. Installing solar (thermal or PV) can also have a similar localized cooling effect (from the shade it provides and the air flow underneath). A "green" roof comprised of plants would also work extremely well, not to mention provide a nice garden, maybe even some veggies!

11-25-14, 11:38 AM	#4
Servicetech Apprentice EcoRenovator Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Moore Oklahoma Posts: 267 Thanks: 108 Thanked 23 Times in 21 Posts	How about White shingles and White metal roofs? No special coatings, just color.

11-29-14, 12:06 PM	#6
buffalobillpatrick Master EcoRenovator Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Florissant, Colorado Posts: 599 Thanks: 814 Thanked 59 Times in 55 Posts	Only effective in climate zones where people want/need A/C We don't all live there, I don't. I'm in climate zone 5, close to 6, at HIGH altitude (8,500') & dry. My dark green steel roof is a good balance here.