There’s a remarkably simple, relatively affordable solution to keeping building temperatures down during the summer. It’s called reflective roofing, and the science is fairly basic: by coating roofs in light-colored, reflective materials, buildings absorb less heat.
The results can be significant — by some measures, the physical temperature of a so-called “cool roof” can be up to 50 degrees lower than a roof coated with typical dark-colored roofing materials. Cool roofs don’t just help their individual buildings — studies have shown that widespread adoption of cool roofs keeps overall city temperatures lower, especially in areas with minimal shade.
In light of all this, a number of cities and states have tried to enact cool roof mandates. But, reporter Ames Alexander joined The Show to talk about why they’re encountering some surprising resistance to those efforts.
