How to Buy
When shopping for cool roof and exterior wall products, consider your objectives. Are you trying to comply with building codes? Are you trying to meet requirements for a utility rebate or a tax credit? Are you shopping for the “coolest” product? Depending on your objective, learning how to read the labels will help you find a roof or wall product’s “cool” properties.
Cool Roof Rating Council
The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) is an independent, non-profit organization that rates the radiative properties of cool roof and cool exterior wall products. These radiative properties determine whether a product is cool. Once a product is rated the results are published on their online Rated Products Directories. Since all roofing products can be rated by CRRC, consumers and builders should use the CRRC label to identify which roof products meet their purchasing objectives— meeting building code requirements and/or receiving utility rebates.
CRRC tests products when they are new and aged. Aged products are weathered outside for three years. The weathered rating will indicate how the roof products’ radiative properties changed when exposed to sun, soil, wind, rain and other natural elements. Many building codes and utility rebates specify the weathered rating because some products become less reflective over time, thus becoming less effective at conserving energy.
Roof Product Comparison
If you are considering a cool roof, this table can help you compare different roofing materials and select the right cool roof option for your building. Because there are frequent developments in building materials science and the availability of products, the best source of information for the Solar Reflectance and Thermal Emittance performance of materials that are rated to meet the requirements of various codes, standards, and financial incentive programs is the CRRC Rated Roof Products Directory.
*Cool Roof Material Cost
$: $0 - $2 per ft2
$$: $2 - $4 per ft2
$$$: $4 - $6 per ft2
Codes, Standards, & Programs
Many federal, state, and local government entities now include cool roofs and walls in their building codes, green building standards, and energy efficiency programs. However, requirements differ by national or state climate zone in some cases, so be sure to refer to state-specific and U.S. climate zone maps to understand the requirements in your area.
- Codes, Programs & Standards - Cool Roof Rating Council
- Financial Incentives - Cool Roof Rating Council
Finding a Contractor
The following agencies may be able to help you find a roofing contractor in your local area.
- Everybody Needs a Roof
- Metal Roofing Alliance
- Tile Roofing Institute
- International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants
- Western States Roofing Contractors Association
- National Roofing Contractors Association
- Vinyl Roofing Division of the Chemical Fabrics and Film Association
- Western States Roofing Contractors Association
Tips for Finding the Right Contractor
We do not endorse any specific contractor or roofing association. However, you should take the following steps to find the right contractor for your cool roof installation.
- Make sure the contractor is licensed.
- Shop around before hiring a contractor.
- Ask for personal recommendations.
- Verify the contractor's business location and telephone number.
- Verify the contractor's workers' compensation and commercial general liability insurance coverage.