In the final installment of the Why Cool Roofs Are Hot series, we’ll take a look at the different reasons why a house with a cool roof is a hot commodity.
Every roofing project is centered around a specific goal—one of achieving or increasing a particular good, be it energy efficiency, functionality, even “mere” aesthetics. The fact that cool roofing products are now available in a broad range of colors, textures, and profiles has made it easy for property owners to find the right material to complement the architectural design of their homes and buildings.
A cool roof ticks all the boxes.
Because the benefits cover everything from curb appeal to performance and energy savings, a cool roof automatically places a higher price tag on your property. And with green building becoming more and more important for homeowners, your chances of generating buyer interest will also increase should you decide to sell.
Quick Facts
- Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, Los Angeles found that “green” properties sold for at least $8,400 more than their more traditional counterparts.
- Federal tax credits are awarded to properties that implement energy-saving building practices and technologies. This is a plus for commercial property buyers who want to save on their long-term operational expenses.
- The Sensible Accounting to Value Energy (SAVE) Act, which was reintroduced in a bipartisan energy bill pending in the Senate, will require lenders to factor in energy savings when granting mortgages. This means that you won’t have to lower your asking price just to sell your property, because buyers themselves will have access to more flexible payment options.
What’s the Catch?
Cool roofs certainly sound good, but are they too good to be true?
The biggest issue surrounding cool roofs is their performance in colder climates. When it snows, their capacity for absorbing less heat might be a negative. So are they still worth it?
Experts advise homeowners to examine their energy savings during summer and see whether or not it can compensate for the added heating load during winter. Most estimates show greater year-round energy cost benefits for properties with cool roofs. For added efficiency, consider improving your insulation and increasing your building envelope’s thermal performance. Remember that no matter how awesome your cool roof may be, it is, after all, just part of a whole.