Ballasted roofs. How prevalent and how effective at energy efficiency are they?

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Permalink Reply by Hal Skinner on July 25, 2011 at 1:45pm

http://www.eco-structure.com/cool-roofing/backing-ballast.aspx

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Permalink Reply by David Eggleton on July 25, 2011 at 2:40pm

Found at the link Hal provided:  "A typical ballasted roof system consists of 10 pounds per square foot (49 kg/m2) of river-rock ballast over an EPDM membrane, rigid insulation and a metal roof deck."

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Permalink Reply by Sean Lintow Sr on July 25, 2011 at 4:06pm

I haven't seen one in years, generally we busy ripping them up & replacing them due to leaks & deterioration - personally I rather see a layer of insulation & a coating, and so would the owners when it comes time to repair or replace it

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Permalink Reply by Hal Skinner on August 1, 2011 at 9:07am

I agree with you.  I can't remember how long it has been since I have seen one even getting replaced.

 

Here we have the DOE setting standards for ballasted roofs so they can be considered a 'Cool Roof' also along with all the other types of roofs..  This would surely be considered a good thing if it is more energy efficient than a ballasted roof without the coating.  However, ( and speaking only for our roof coating)  there is absolutely NO WAY we would ever give a warranty for this specific application.  Rocks on top of our coating would not phase it's performance in the cold months but would definitrly drop its effectiveness in the hot months.

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Permalink Reply by Hal Skinner on August 2, 2011 at 9:46am

Spoke to the inventor of our coating yesterday.  He has not seen a ballasted roof in at least 20-years.

Anyone have any ideas where they are still used?????

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Permalink Reply by Hal Skinner on August 5, 2011 at 3:16pm

Apperently ballasted roofs are still used in the UK and other parts of Europe as well as a few areas in the US.  News to me!

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