BETHESDA, Md. (July 3, 2008) — Ballasted roofing is just as energy-efficient as reflective roofs, according to a new report touted by the EPDM Roofing Association.
The three-year study “Evaluating the Energy Performance of Ballasted Roof Systems” was conducted by the Single Ply Roofing Institute and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. It found that roof systems with ballast at a weight of 17-22 pounds per square foot are as effective as white-membrane roofs in mitigating peak energy demand.
This report was the impetus for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers and the California Energy Commission to update their “cool roofing” standards and recognize ballasted roof systems as an acceptable alternative to cool roofing mandates, the EPDM Roofing Association said.
Mike DuCharme, director of product marketing with Carlisle SynTec Inc. and ERA chairman, said the finding is significant for the roofing industry and corroborates the real-world experience of EPDM roofing manufacturers. The study “validates our ongoing activities to educate roofing professionals and regulatory bodies that ballasted roofs are indeed a cool roofing option,” he said.