A cool roof may help some buildings stay cooler during the summer.
A cool roof is a roof with a white reflective coating. The coating helps reflect sunlight instead of holding on to heat. This can help lower roof temperatures and make the building more comfortable during hot weather.
In New York City, many flat, dark roofs can get very hot in the summer. A flat, black asphalt roof can reach up to 190°F on a typical summer day. A cool roof can help reduce that heat.
A cool roof may also help:
- lower indoor temperatures
- reduce the need for air conditioning
- lower air pollution by reducing power use
- extend the life of some roofs and cooling equipment
- reduce the urban heat island effect, which makes cities hotter than nearby areas
NYC CoolRoofs offers no-cost or low-cost roof coating for some eligible buildings. No-cost help is mainly offered to nonprofits, affordable housing, community centers, schools, hospitals, cultural centers, and some co-ops. Other building owners may qualify for low-cost help if they can pay for the coating.
Not every roof will qualify. The roof must be flat, in good condition, safe for workers, and made from certain materials.
If you own or manage a building and want to learn whether a cool roof may be a fit, the Bronx-Brooklyn Energy Hub can help you learn more and connect you to resources.
Need help staying cool this summer?
The Bronx-Brooklyn Energy Hub can help you learn about programs that may lower energy costs and make your building more comfortable. Connect here.