Choose from the following questions to learn more about the ENERGY STAR^® Roof Products Program.

1. What is an ENERGY STAR-labeled roof product?
2. What does the ENERGY STAR label signify?
3. How does a roof product qualify for the ENERGY STAR label?
4. What types of roof products will carry the ENERGY STAR label?
5. Why is EPA interested in increasing the reflective roofing market?
6. What are the benefits of ENERGY STAR^® roof products?
7. How much can businesses expect to save by installing ENERGY STAR-labeled roof products?
8. Will installing an ENERGY STAR-compliant roof product save me money no matter where I live?
9. Under which circumstances will ENERGY STAR-labeled roof products generate the greatest savings?
10. Will I save money by using reflective roof products if my home or building already has a high level of insulation?
11. Can I expect the same level of savings over the entire lifetime of my roof?
12. How do ENERGY STAR Roof Products compare with standard roof products in terms of durability?
13. How can I find ENERGY STAR roof products?

What does the ENERGY STAR label signify?
Products bearing the ENERGY STAR labels are more energy efficient than standard products, thereby saving energy and money. In general, ENERGY STAR-labeled products including: appliances, HVAC equipment, office equipment, residential lighting, and even homes, reduce energy costs by at least 30 percent. 

How does a roof product qualify for the ENERGY STAR label?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) promote the use of products that help save energy by awarding the ENERGY STAR label, the symbol for energy efficiency. Roof products that meet or exceed solar reflectance, without compromising product quality and performance, qualify for the ENERGY STAR label. Manufacturers voluntarily sign an agreement with EPA called a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) allowing them to place the ENERGY STAR label on the packaging of compliant roof products. They can also use the label in product promotions and advertising for qualified products.

What types of roof products will carry the ENERGY STAR label?
EPA's ENERGY STAR roof specifications are not restricted to any particular type of roof product. However, EPA expects that, at least initially, metal, single-ply membrane, and roof coating products will be most widely represented.

Why is EPA interested in increasing the reflective roofing market?
Ninety percent of the energy in the United States is generated by burning fossil fuels, which creates the air pollution associated with smog, acid rain, and global climate change. By reducing the amount of energy needed to cool buildings, ENERGY STAR-labeled roof products help to reduce the production of these air pollutants. Additionally, reflective roof products can help reduce the "heat island effect," a phenomenon in which cities can be 2 to 8 degrees (Fahrenheit) warmer than the surrounding countryside. Such heat islands occur, in large part, because many buildings and paved surfaces are designed with dark materials that absorb heat from the sun. This heat is released at night, causing the air temperature to remain high. The resulting elevated temperature leads to an increased demand for air conditioning in buildings, increased fuel use for vehicle air conditioning, increased levels of smog, and associated increased levels of heat-related and smog-related health problems. Installing reflective roofs helps reduce the heat island effect, Janreasing the amount of smog in the air and benefiting the entire community.

What are the benefits of ENERGY STAR roof products?
Benefits of ENERGY STAR roof products include:

• Cost and energy savings. Reflective roofs can reduce roof surface temperature by up to 100^oF preventing the sun's heat from transferring into the home or building. ENERGY STAR-labeled roof products keep buildings cooler, reducing energy use, utility bills, and air pollution.

 
• Downsized A/C equipment. A reflective roof can reduce peak cooling demand by 15%. The home or building owner may be able to purchase a smaller, less-expensive cooling system.

 
• Extended roof life. Roofs undergo significant expansion and contraction as they heat and cool throughout the day. Heat absorbed by the roof can also accelerate degradation by ultraviolet rays and water. A reflective roof can reduce the amount of thermal shock that occurs on the roof surface and make the roof last longer.

 
• Janreased pollution. When widely used in a community, ENERGY STAR-labeled roof products Janrease air temperature and cooling demands, which reduces the amount of smog in the air and benefits the entire community.

 
• Reduced Heat Island Effect. Roofs made of non-reflective products cause the temperature of the air passing over them to rise, resulting in an increase in the overall temperature of the area, also known as a "heat island effect." The elevated temperature leads to increased building and vehicle air conditioning demand, increased levels of smog, and the associated increased incidence of heat- and smog-related health problems. Because ENERGY STAR-labeled roof products lower surrounding air temperature and Janrease necessary cooling demands, they reduce the amount of smog in the air.

Will installing an ENERGY STAR-compliant roof product save me money no matter where I live?
Homes and buildings located in hot and sunny climates will realize the greatest energy and cost savings. So, people living in southern geographic areas that use more air conditioning will see greater reductions in their energy bills than people living elsewhere in the country.

Under which circumstances will ENERGY STAR-labeled roof products generate the greatest savings?
In general, building owners will save the most money on energy bills by installing an ENERGY STAR-labeled roof product if their building has the following characteristics: high air-conditioning bills, a large roof surface as compared to the building's overall size, lower levels of insulation, and/or a location in a hot, sunny climate. The most cost-effective time to install an ENERGY STAR-labeled roof product is when re-roofing, constructing new buildings, or maintaining a roof by applying a coating.

Will I save money by using reflective roof products if my home or building already has a high level of insulation?
An energy-efficient home or building has both reflective roof surfaces and adequate insulation. But, you will notice greater savings on your cooling bills if you install ENERGY STAR-labeled roof products on a building with a lower level of roof insulation. However, when installing a reflective roof while constructing a new building, doing a major renovation, or replacing your whole roof system, you should consult with your contractor to maximize savings by making sure an optimum level of insulation is installed.

Can I expect the same level of savings over the entire lifetime of my roof?
Due to normal wear and tear, some degradation of roof reflectivity can be expected, particularly within the first few years after installation. Flat roofs may accumulate more dirt and debris because their slope is not great enough to allow washing by rain. Following maintenance procedures minimizes degradation and maximizes energy savings. Consult your roofing contractor to learn more about recommended maintenance procedures and schedules.

How do ENERGY STAR Roof Products compare with standard roof products in terms of durability?
EPA understands that the water tightness, durability, and longevity of a roof are the primary concerns of building and homeowners. These participating manufacturers must back their compliant roof products with warranties that are comparable to their other roof products. 

How can I find ENERGY STAR roof products?
The ENERGY STAR label will appear on roof product packaging and advertisements. If you are installing or replacing a roof on a commercial or residential building, be sure to ask your roofing contractor or manufacturer about ENERGY STAR.