Conference article

Cooling energy load can be reduced by reflective roofs. The reflective roofs are recognized by Turkish architects; contractors and manufacturers; however; the solar reflectance performance of new and aged roof coverings produced in Turkey is still unknown. Purpose of this paper is to assess short-term and long-term solar reflectance performance of these roof coverings. In this context; solar reflectance measurements were conducted both in laboratory and in field. Firstly; solar reflectance performance of 13 unexposed test samples including clay; cement; bituminous and metal based was measured in laboratory. Then; 6 of these test samples were exposed to simulated solar radiation for a duration that is equivalent to 1-year exposure. The laboratory measurements indicated that white and shiny ceramic tile is the most reflective covering while black corrugated sheet is the most absorptive one. Secondly; two test specimens (red clay tile and bituminous shingle covered surfaces) with an automated weather observation system were set up in a field in order to measure the solar reflectance performance of the roof surfaces. The initial results demonstrated that the clay tile-covered roof surface had higher reflectance values. This paper will enable designers to choose the roof covering appropriate for reflective roofs that can be used to rehabilitate existing roof coverings or to design new roofs.

Solar reflectance performance; Roof covering; Reflective roof