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About Blog The Role of Reflective Roofing in Winter: Can Single-Ply Membranes Improve Energy Efficiency?

The Role of Reflective Roofing in Winter: Can Single-Ply Membranes Improve Energy Efficiency?

When people think about reflective roofing, they often associate it with summer benefits like reducing cooling costs and keeping buildings comfortable. But what happens in winter? Does a reflective single-ply membrane, such as TPO, increase heating costs on a flat roof?

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In this blog, we will discuss the benefits that reflective roofing, insulation and HVAC systems can have on your commercial building and why these roofs remain an excellent choice for commercial roof replacements, even for properties in colder climates.

1. Reflective Roofing in Winter: The Basics

Reflective single-ply membranes are engineered to reflect solar heat, keeping interiors cooler during summer. However, some building owners worry that these same properties might make heating a building more expensive in winter.

The truth? For most commercial roofs, the impact of reflectivity on heating costs is minimal. Here’s why:

  • High Insulation Levels: Most flat roofs on commercial buildings have thick insulation layers, which drastically reduce heat loss and gain through the roof.
  • Minimal Solar Heat Gain: In winter, the sun’s angle and limited daylight hours mean roofs don’t absorb significant heat, regardless of reflectivity.

2. Reflective Roofing in Winter: The Basics

The real key to energy efficiency in winter isn’t the color or reflectivity of your roof—it’s the insulation beneath it. Pairing a single-ply membrane like TPO with high-quality insulation ensures that your commercial roof performs well all year.

  • Why Insulation Matters:
    • Keeps heat inside during winter, minimizing heating costs.
    • Ensures stable indoor temperatures, reducing strain on HVAC systems.
    • Meets building codes and energy efficiency standards for commercial roof replacements.

3. HVAC Efficiency and Winter Energy Use

Reflective roofing also plays a role in extending the lifespan and efficiency of HVAC systems, even in winter. By helping maintain consistent temperatures across the flat roof surface, reflective membranes reduce stress on your HVAC equipment.

  • Winter Benefits:
    • Less temperature fluctuation in the roof system, minimizing thermal expansion and contraction.
    • Improved energy efficiency, which helps offset heating costs in colder months.
reflective single-ply membranes
reflective single-ply membranes

4. Year-Round Energy Savings

While reflective roofing minimally impacts heating costs in the winter, it delivers significant savings in the summer. Over the year, the reduced cooling demand can outweigh any minor increase in winter heating costs, making reflective membranes a smart long-term investment.

A building with a reflective TPO single-ply membrane can experience dramatic energy savings during summer months due to reduced cooling demands. These summer savings typically far exceed any slight increase in heating costs during winter, resulting in substantial annual cost reductions.

5. Choosing the Right Single-Ply Membrane for Winter

When considering a roof replacement for your flat roof, it’s essential to choose the right product for your needs:

  • TPO and PVC: Highly reflective, offering year-round energy savings and excellent performance in winter when paired with proper insulation.
  • EPDM: A darker membrane option, sometimes preferred in extremely cold regions, though it lacks the reflectivity of TPO.

Reflective single-ply membranes like TPO remain a top choice for commercial roof replacements, even in winter. When combined with high-quality insulation, these roofs deliver outstanding energy efficiency and year-round savings. The slight impact on winter heating costs is far outweighed by the cooling benefits in summer, making TPO an excellent long-term investment for your flat roof.

Ready for Your Roof Replacement?

If you’re considering a commercial roof replacement this winter, contact Stellar Commercial Roofing today. Our team specializes in installing durable, energy-efficient single-ply membranes that perform well in every season. Let’s protect your building and your budget!

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