Your goal is to obtain long term energy savings over the life of the installation. As a result, an evaluation of products and solutions should take into consideration a variety of factors. While initial coating cost and performance (reduced roof surface temperature) are important, many more factors can impact your bottom line.

As you prepare an RFP for an energy saving cool roof solution, consider the following guidelines to help you make the best decision.

How high is the initial reflectivity?
Look for coatings with at least an initial reflectivity of 90%.

How high is the emissivity?
Coatings should have an initial emissivity of 90%.

How will reflectivity be maintained over time?
Decide if the coating has been manufactured to remain clean and reflective.

Will the coating surface degrade from fungus growth over time?
Fungus growth on the surface degrades coatings and attracts heat. Products should have fungi resistance ratings of 0.

What kinds of fillers are used in the coating?
Most coatings use significant levels of calcium carbonate as a filler. This promotes thermal conductivity and contributes to heat gain through the roof.

How is the product manufactured?
Some manufacturing processes can create bubbles in the coating that attract and hold dirt on the finished surface. This promotes greater roof surface heat gain and coating degradation.

What are all the energy savings technologies used in the coating?

• Does it decrease surface tension in the coating to promote better flow and leveling which decreases surface defects for a smoother, more solid continuous dry film for dirt resistance?
• Are light and heat stabilizers included to eliminate UV radiation and maximize long-term reflectivity and emissivity?

Is the coating too soft?
While many coatings are manufactured for ease of application, soft coatings pick up and hold dirt, which attracts heat and limits long term energy savings.

Does the vendor’s financial and service package meet your needs?
If a vendor is confident about their product and solution, they should be willing to offer you no-risk solutions such as a firm price with guaranteed energy savings; Performance-based payments and Payment option with accumulated savings.

Do they provide an analysis of historical energy consumption and projected cost savings?
It’s important to understand what the vendor is projecting for up to ten years.

Does the vendor offer guaranteed savings?
Once size does not fit all. It’s important that their payment options suit your budgetary needs.

Do they provide a turnkey installation service?
Is the company a single-source installation provider or will you have to coordinate with a third party contractor? Any additional interface may require extra time, coordination, and communication.

Does the manufacturer manage the installation or is it done completely by third party installers?
Quality installers should have experience with energy savings products.

Will they provide a project manager to oversee the installation project?
When you have multiple contacts to orchestrate, it can take a lot of your valuable time. With a single project manager to oversee your roof coating project, you have a one-stop resource to answer all your questions and ensure that the end results meet your expectations.

Do they offer rebates and financial incentives?
The vendor should work with your local utility as well as other energy efficiency organizations to procure available rebates or other project subsidies. It’s simply another way to save time and add profit to your bottom line.

How do they perform measurement and verification of energy savings post installation?
Building specific measurement and verification plans should include analysis of:

• Reduction of heat gain
• Reduction of kWh usage
• Actual energy cost savings
• Reduction of CO2 emissions
• Post-installation site visits, inspection, and maintenance deliverables

How often will they provide inspections?
You should expect a roof inspection about every 18 months for ten years following installation. Inspections should focus on:

• Surface temperature measurements at various locations on the roof
• Reflectivity measurements to ensure that reflectivity hasn’t fallen below 75%
• Power washing the roof to maximize reflectivity and energy savings

Do they offer an energy savings guarantee?
If it’s a superior product, the vendor should be willing to offer you a guaranteed amount in energy savings over the life of the roof.

Do they offer a 10-year warranty?
If the vendor installs a quality product, they should be willing to offer a warranty that suits your needs.

Include these issues in your RFP so you can better evaluate competing products and services.

Quantify. Measure. Verify. Only Intellicoat Guarantees Energy Savings.™