RoofViews

Building Science

Three contractors inspecting a GAF cool roof installation
Building Science

Cool Roof Performance: 6 Truths About Cool Roofs

Cool roofs can help save you money on energy bills* in the North as well as the South. Apart from energy savings and lower monthly bills, your building might qualify for certain financial incentives from local and federal governments. Plus, you'll do your part to ensure that your building is more environmentally friendly due to your cool roof performance.

By Mark Soto

March 19, 2025

Featured Blogs

  • An architect inspects the roof of a commercial building
    Building Science

    Wind Design for Roofing Systems: Tips and Tools for Success

    As the architect on a project that involves a roof, whether a new construction or a reroof, the building owner relies on you to specify the roofing system that will perform well, stay within their budget, and comply with local building codes. As part of this process, wind design is integral to success. The challenge is choosing the right path to code compliance.

    By Karen L Edwards

    January 17, 2025

  • wind
    Building Science

    Prevailing Winds and Prevailing Codes: A Summary of Roof Related ASCE 7-22 Changes

    Several changes have been included in the 2022 version of ASCE 7 as they relate to the roof. You may be thinking, 'as soon as I mastered ASCE 7-16, an updated version is set to be released!'. As with any Standard, it can be expected that updates will be made to include current research or trends. While the inclusion of tornado loads and the resulting changes in the load combinations may be the most significant, there are other updates that affect roofing as well. From minor updates to basic wind speed maps, to stepped roofs, and pavers, we have compiled a summary to help you navigate the updates. Not to fret, the changes are likely to not be incorporated until the 2024 version of IBC. However, that does not preclude incorporating these changes on current and upcoming projects.

    By Kristin Westover

    September 07, 2022

  • GAF Cedar City plant
    Building Science

    How will ASCE 7-16 affect the low-slope roofing industry? A Tale of Two Buildings

    A common question being asked in the roofing industry is whether or not the 2016 version of ASCE 7 is going to increase the design wind pressures acting on a building. The answer is "yes" in many cases. So, the follow up question is "by how much?" And, that leads to the next question, "how much more capacity will roof systems be required to have when wind design follows ASCE 7-16?"

    By James R Kirby

    February 15, 2021