What is a cool roof?
A white acrylic reroof system, (more than a paint) applied by Vietnam Vet and Civic Works field manager. The photos below answer many questions.
What does it mean?
Energy savings and a contribution to lowering Baltimore's heat island effect.
Can be applied over common row house roofing surfaces, including stone covered.
Ten year warranty against leakage
And....easily maintained with a recoating due between years 10-15.
If you have questions, or wish to request a "menuindex" visit and estimate for your roof, call John Ciekot at 410-366-8533 ext 203, Miriam Cunningham at 610-941-1051, or Calvin, the Cool Roof man, at 410-366-8533
Applying a White Roof
Calvin, the Cool Roof man, brings his years of experience working with Civic Works and the US military to each project--organized and attentive to details
The base of an energy-saving white roof consists of a grey acrylic and mesh applied over the entire surface area. At this stage, Calvin is correcting any details and beginning the first of two top coatings
Not only does the roof appear "cool", it is cool to the touch. On this warm afternoon, one can lounge comfortably on the white surface whereas the neighbor's black asphalt roof is too warm to place one's hand. Studies confirm that a white surface will be 70 degrees cooler compared to a black or dark surface, yet a hand-touch test is more dramatic.
Flashings are sealed and acrylic is poured onto the roof to cover the surface
Acrymax, the company that supplies its acrylic to NASA to coat their shuttles' interior engine parts for protection against the extremes of temperature in outer space, is a leading manufacturer of energy-saving acrylic, encouraging Baltimore, Philadelphia and other cities to adopt white roofs.
More information
Philadelphia Cool Roof Street, a glimpse of the future of row house roofing
Click here to see the Cool Roof street
"It's not just another cosmetic fad in the making. The new roofing is designed to make homes cooler and to lower utility bills."
Baltimore Sun article on cool roofs
"On a hot, sunny, summer day, traditional roofing materials may reach summertime peak temperatures of up to 190°F (88°C). By comparison, cool roofs only reach peak temperatures of 120°F(49°C)."