Elimination of urban heat islands thanks to roof membranes in light colors

The phenomenon of heat islands occurring in cities requires intervention and is the subject of consideration by urban planners and climatologists, as it causes a number of unfavorable consequences for the inhabitants of urban areas. Find out how urban heat islands affect people, why it is necessary to minimize them and how seamless roof membranes in light colors can contribute to this.

Urban heat islands – what are they and how do they affect city residents?

This is a climatic phenomenon manifested by significant differences in temperatures in urban and rural areas - in cities the temperatures are much higher, which is the result of small amounts of greenery and a significant share of artificial surfaces. It is worth knowing that concrete, asphalt and brick - of which there is a huge amount in cities - absorb sunlight and release energy to the surroundings, increasing the air temperature. As a result, severe heat is felt, which burdens the human body and increases thermal stress - which may contribute not only to everyday discomfort, but also to the development of many diseases. It is therefore not surprising that the task of urban planners is to shape city spaces in such a way as to minimize the phenomenon of heat islands and alleviate thermal conditions. This is a complex challenge requiring the implementation of a number of changes also in construction. Our proposal is to use seamless roofing membranes in light colors. Read on and you'll find out why we think this is a good solution!

Seamless roof membranes – what makes them different?

Their use is justified in several situations - they can be used both as new roof coatings and during the renovation of old, damaged ones that require renovation. The most important advantages of roof membranes include:

• no need to tear off the old roofing felt - this means saving time that would have to be spent on dismantling, as well as money - you don't have to worry about disposing of the old material;
• a seamless coating that effectively protects the roof surface against leaks - it does not allow moisture or water to pass through;
• easy to apply – without the use of fire, with a roller, brush or airless spray;
• flexibility - the coating works together with the substrate on which it is applied, which minimizes the risk of cracks and other damage;
• long-term durability and resistance;
• lowering the temperature of the roof and attic - this is particularly important in the context of reducing urban heat islands.

Which roofing membranes should you choose to reduce the roof temperature?

Certainly the ones in bright colors. TrokenTech's offer includes, among others, the Neoroof , which - as a water-soluble product - is environmentally friendly. Its white color version reflects as much as 88% of sunlight, which translates into lowering the roof temperature by up to 40%! This is confirmed by the Renewable Energy Center certificate.

Other certified solar reflective roof coatings include Neoproof Polyurea R and Neoproof PU W-40 ; meet the requirements of the LEED v4.1 standard in the SS Credit – Heat Island Reduction - Option 1 – High Reflectance Roof category, initial SRI ≥82.

Neoproof Polyurea R is an extremely durable polyurea membrane. Its characteristic feature is that it quickly becomes resistant to rainfall; just one hour after application, the roof is resistant to rainfall. It is also suitable as a waterproofing layer when performing the so-called green roof because it is resistant to root growth.

Neoproof PU W-40 is a single-component polyurethane membrane that remains flexible in a wide temperature range from -40°C to +80°C.

Coatings reflecting solar rays - an important step in eliminating urban heat islands

It is certainly worth considering the solution of using liquid roofing membranes in light colors for roof coverings - their ability to reflect the sun helps reduce the roof temperature, which helps reduce heat accumulation in places with a large number of buildings.