Impact Of Solar Reflectance of Glazing Adjacent Roofs
Abstract
Exposed roof membranes are designed to withstand exposure to direct solar radiation. However, when adjacent to reflective glazing, flashing, and/or cladding, the roof membrane will be exposed to additional radiation and elevated temperatures. Elevated temperatures can cause issues related to membrane bonds, increased blistering, and in some cases holes in the membrane. There is anecdotical evidence and reporting of the consequences, but no definitive studies show how much of an impact these adjacent windows and walls can have on roof temperatures.
This paper highlights the findings of a research study done at the University of British Columbia, where a roof section adjacent to clerestory windows was monitored over a year and compared to 3D thermal simulations. The study investigated the impact of membrane colour, various overburden, overhangs, and varying reflectivity of adjacent window and walls scenarios.
The findings show how solar reflectance increases the temperature of the roof membrane, which can increase the risk of blistering and membrane degradation.
