Energy efficiency is more than a buzzword these days. It’s a lifestyle choice for many business owners. But when it comes to commercial buildings, energy efficiency isn’t just about replacing a roof; it’s about making strategic decisions involving everything from insulation to the overall building envelope.
Yes, it’s true that heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter often occur through the roof, especially in older buildings. However, energy costs are also influenced by the condition of the entire roofing system, from insulation to skylights to roof design. It’s important for property owners to understand these factors so they can make informed decisions on energy-efficient commercial roofing.
Here at Elite Roofing, we recently had the opportunity to work with a client in Vaughan, Ontario, who wanted to greatly improve the thermal performance across both buildings on the property. As a result, we installed a high-performance R-50 insulation system comprised of 8.5 inches of polyiso insulation, as well as a ½-inch layer of cover board.
Read more here about the Bennett Tools case study to see how our Ontario roofers met the unique challenges of this project.
The Connection Between Commercial Roofing and Energy Costs
Lack of insulation, roof colour, moisture, and more can all impact how energy-efficient a commercial roofing assembly is.
1. Heat Loss Through the Roof
Because warm air naturally rises, significant heat loss can occur through an under-insulated roof, especially in colder Canadian climates like we have. Older commercial buildings built in the 1960s and 70s often lack the insulation standards used today, such as thermal roof insulation, thermal-pane glass windows and insulated walls and overhead doors.
In these older buildings, heat tends to escape through the roof and elsewhere, which forces HVAC systems to work harder and thus increase energy consumption.
2. Heat Gain During Summer
Different roofing materials absorb varying amounts of solar radiation.
- Darker roofs absorb more heat
- Lighter-coloured roofs reflect more heat
Not only does excessive rooftop heat transfer increase the cooling demands of the building, roof colour and material selection influence building performance as a whole.
3. Moisture Reduces Insulation Performance
Moisture is a common culprit that can detract from energy-efficient commercial roofing. When insulation gets wet and compressed, its R-value is greatly reduced. In addition to energy inefficiency, a much bigger threat emerges as a result: undetected leaks that bring higher heating and cooling costs. Regular inspections and periodic infrared scans by roofers in the Greater Toronto Area can help identify these issues before energy efficiency is compromised.
The Building Envelope: An Important Component
A roof is just one part of the building envelope. Even the most energy-efficient roofing system can be undermined by other areas of heat loss.
Common sources of energy loss in a commercial building include:
- Drafty windows and doors
- Poorly insulated walls
- Older single-pane or non-thermal glass
- Excessive or outdated skylights
- Improperly sealed roof penetrations and abandoned rooftop openings
- Poorly insulated raised parapet walls
Addressing these sources of air leaks must be done first in order to ensure true energy efficiency. Even the best roof can’t compete with those limitations.
Building owners who prioritize energy-efficient commercial roofing would be wise to caulk gaps and seal openings to reduce energy loss. Not only does this prevent unwanted drafts and air infiltration, it also helps HVAC systems operate more efficiently.
Top Energy-Efficient Commercial Roofing Features
From high-performance insulation to energy-efficient skylights, there are many roofing features that can improve overall building performance.
1. High-Performance Roof Insulation
Insulation is one of the most important factors affecting a roof’s thermal performance, working to reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain during summer. For this reason, many modern commercial roofing systems feature polyisocyanurate (polyiso) insulation, which offers a high R-value and reliable long-term performance.
2. Energy-Efficient Skylights
Many commercial building owners embrace skylights for the natural light they provide. Unfortunately, they can also be a major source of heat loss — especially older models that can’t match the efficiency of modern systems. Low-E, argon-filled glass can reduce heat transfer while allowing for plenty of natural light.
3. Reflective Roofing Materials
Roofing materials are rated using the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI), which measures how well a roof surface returns solar energy to the atmosphere. Higher SRI values reflect more sunlight and reduce heat absorption.
Some building owners choose white roofing systems for their superior reflectivity; however, roof colour alone can’t ensure total energy efficiency. Material selection should be evaluated alongside building use, climate, and budget.
4. Properly Insulated Parapets
Higher parapet walls are common on commercial buildings with rooftop equipment, and are often used to achieve the distinctive look of a ‘power centre.’ Many municipalities, in fact, require rooftop units to be screened from view. However, parapets lacking proper vertical insulation can create thermal bridges and lead to condensation issues. Insulating these components correctly is key to maintaining both energy performance and moisture control.
Tips to Improve Energy-Efficient Commercial Roofing
Whether you’re planning a roof replacement or looking to reduce operating costs, several strategies can improve building performance. From replacement of aging skylights to sealing roof penetrations, check out these helpful tips to help you increase the energy efficiency of your commercial building.
- Upgrade roof insulation during replacement projects
- Replace aging or inefficient skylights
- Seal roof penetrations and abandoned openings
- Address leaks before insulation becomes saturated
- Consider reflective roofing systems
- Insulate parapet walls and rooftop transitions
- Upgrade or seal windows and doors
- Schedule regular roof inspections to identify energy-wasting issues early
Contact Elite About Energy-Efficient Commercial Roofing
Is your commercial roof costing you more in energy bills than it should? Contact us for a professional assessment so we can help identify solutions that support long-term energy savings and durability.
