Retrofitting with Cocoon Cool Roofs to Improve Building Insulation

Cool Roofs and the Aging Australian Building: Why Retrofitting Makes Sense for Councils

As Australia's poorly insulated buildings age, local councils are faced with the challenge of maintaining and extending the life of their buildings and managing these assets without the financial support that the private sector offers.

Roofs can be particularly complex and difficult to manage, especially as the materials succumb to the effects of aging, and after a lifetime of new penetrations, short-term fixes, and decommissioned equipment. There are several benefits that make Cool Roofs a logical choice for councils at the end of a roof's useful lifecycle:

Extended Roof Life

Traditional roofs can be damaged by prolonged exposure to UV rays and extreme temperatures. By retrofitting with a Cool Roof, councils can protect their assets from these damaging effects and extend the life of their buildings. Cool Roofs don't crack or peel, which can occur on traditional roofing materials due to temperature fluctuations and many Cool Roof membranes are waterproof and offer significant warranties of 10-20+ years.

Lower Energy Costs

Cool Roofs reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the building, resulting in lower cooling costs. This is especially important in Australia, where summer temperatures can be extreme and air conditioning costs can quickly add up. By reducing the amount of energy needed to cool a building, Cool Roofs can save councils a significant amount of money on their energy bills whilst providing their occupants with a comfortable environment.

Cost-Effective

Retrofitting with a Cool Roof is generally significantly less expensive than a full rip-off and roof replacement. Additionally, the reduced maintenance needs of a Cool Roof mean that councils can save money and time on maintenance costs over the life of the roof, and repeatedly reapply the membrane at the end of its warranty to gain prolonged life out of the original structure.

More Convenient

Tenants and community groups are generally able to use the building during the entire application process. There is no need for relocation, no project management, and no hassle with a straightforward retrofit of a Cool Roof membrane.

Reduced Urban Heat Island Effect

As urban areas grow, they can create a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect, where temperatures are higher in urban areas than in surrounding rural areas. This can lead to increased energy usage and air pollution, as well as decreased quality of life for residents. By retrofitting with Cool Roofs, councils can contribute to reducing the urban heat island effect and promoting a more sustainable and livable city.

Retrofitting an aging building with a Cool Roof is a smart investment for councils. The benefits of it being watertight, reduced energy costs, extending roof life, improved comfort for occupants, reduced urban heat island effect, and cost-effectiveness, all while supporting a circular economy, make it an attractive option for councils looking to maintain as well as improve the performance of their building stock and reach their sustainability goals.

If you're interested in Cool Roofs to improve insulation in your building or property, reach out to Cocoon Cool Roofs at www.cocoon.net.au today.