2023-09-05 10:18:30
An innovative solution to mitigate the effects of high temperatures in buildings and homes is to bet on the placement of so-called cold or reflective (or thermoreflective) roofs/covers, which manage to reflect the sun’s rays.
Especially due to climate change, summers are getting hotter and we are constantly searching for mechanisms and tools to avoid suffering the consequences of high temperatures inside our homes.
In addition to the best-known solutions, more and more intelligent systems are being developed -and so-called passive- that are committed to protecting homes and buildings from heat, such as ecological roofs or green roofs, of which we have spoken before. Another example in the fight against the heating of buildings and homes are the so-called reflective roofs, or cold roofs.
What are reflective covers?
Basically, it is about a type of roofing or covering system that helps maintain cooler temperatures inside a building, compared to the ceilings considered traditional. Thanks to the technique and the type of materials, they are capable of reflecting the sun’s rays towards the sky, preventing that heat from being transmitted to the interior. Basically, with this it is possible to improve thermal comfort, as well as limit electrical energy consumption, which has a direct impact on our economy.
Its main characteristics
They are built of a type of material designed to reflect light, rather than absorb it. They’re made of highly reflective materials, such as aluminum foil or plastic film coated with layers of reflective pigments. There are also white waterproofing products that, due to their reflective power, are able to reduce the thermal load and give the roof excellent resistance to ultraviolet radiation.
They are color is usually light and reflective. Covers of this type are light colored and even bright, this allows them to reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it.
Ensure adequate ventilation. Many of these roofs usually have a ventilated air chamber between the upper layer, responsible for protection against atmospheric agents, and the lower layer, which provides thermal protection.
Contribute to thermal insulation. Cold roofs usually have insulating materials that reduce heat transfer between the exterior and interior of the building.
Advantages of reflective covers
Significantly reduce heat gain in buildings. It ensures that the temperature of its surface remains close to the ambient temperature (around 20 degrees less than in other types of surfaces such as asphalt). It is estimated that when the sun’s rays fall on a conventional roof, around 80% of heat is absorbed, compared to 12% for this type of roof. include a significant improvement in thermal comfort conditions inside the houses, since they do not let in so much heat. They suppose a significant savings in energy consumptionsince the excessive use of fans or air conditioning is not necessary to mitigate the high temperatures.
Extend the life of covers, due to the lower thermal stress that the materials support. improve the Energetic efficiency of the buildings.
Reduce the so-called heat island effectvery present in large cities, which is nothing more than the difficulty of dissipating heat during the night hours due to the accumulation of heat throughout the day.
Contribute to sustainability. These types of structures are more respectful with the environment, reducing CO2 emissions (mitigation of the greenhouse effect).
The idea of cool ceilings is not new, white ceilings and walls have been a typical image for centuries in the countries of southern Europe and northern Africa. However, thanks to new technologies, materials have been developed that manage to reflect sunlight even more and act as a barrier against heat.
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