Feb. 2, 2022

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that cities account for about 75% of global carbon dioxide emissions, with buildings being one of the biggest emitters. This is due to the urban heat effect which occurs when roads and buildings absorb the sun’s heat and release this heat into the environment thereby resulting in a constant rise in temperatures.

This effect is especially common in cities with high structure concentration and little or no vegetation or landscapes, dangerously increasing in areas with dense populations and humid climates.

Because buildings come with roofs and roofs shield you from the sun and absorb its heat, it is important to choose roofs that have the potential to keep your home cool and comfortable because using the wrong roof material will cause it to heat up and the heat will be transferred to the rest of your home.

For that reason, some roof materials have been developed by design to withstand extreme temperatures. Here are 4 roof types that can help you curb the urban heat effect.

Green roofs

Green roofs are roofs that are covered in plants and moss and suspended over a protective, waterproof layer – usually EPDM. The layer is filled with soil and different plant species.

This prevents heat absorption as the soil’s naturally cool temperature and the plant’s growing process keep the home cool. The plants naturally act as a radiant barrier for the roof foundation while water runoffs from the plants also help in cooling buildings. During cold seasons, green roofs also act as insulation to prevent heat loss.

Green roofs can be installed on traditional roofs and beyond reducing the urban heat effect, they are also energy-efficient, and the best part is that they add oxygen back into the air.

Metal roofs

Metal roofs, due to their versatility, durability, and sustainable nature, are currently the go-to roof material in most warmer climates. Most copper, aluminum, and steel, roofings are made from recycled materials and compared to other roofing materials, metal roofs hold less heat, cool faster, and take longer to heat up.

Also, most of them have a prominent bit of space between the decking and the actual metal panels that act as buffers and prevent heat from traveling from the roof to your home.

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)

EPDM is a synthetic rubber-like material that is commonly used for commercial roofing. It consists of strong weather, UV radiation, and wear-resistant thermoplastic.

Because EPDM is generally unseamed, it can serve as a barrier against air and water leaks. It is also easily installable because it is thin and pliant.

Concrete tile

Because concrete tiles are built thick, it takes longer for the sun to heat through them before getting to your home, making them the perfect choice for you when considering the urban heat effect.

You can paint them with lighter colors since light-colored roofs reflect sunlight away compared to darker colors that are more prone to absorbing heat from UV radiation.

Courtesy: Climateaction.africa