Building owners and managers face some tough decisions when it comes time to replace the roof on their commercial, industrial or institutional buildings. For decades now, one of the seemingly easiest parts of that decision has been to go green and specify a well-insulated, highly reflective roof system.
Cool roofing, primarily systems topped with a white-colored membrane, continues as the darling of the building envelope. When a building owner or manager chooses a white roof, the person often thinks that his or her job is done for 15-20 years. With the exception of routine maintenance to keep the drains clear and the penetrations and edges watertight, they may be right.