Roofing
When designing or implementing your system be sure to follow the principles for cistern systems described in Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands, Volume 1.
Click here to read a Cockrell School of Engineering study comparing different roof types to see which are best for rainwater collection.
Energy Star-Compliant Roofing & Cool-Roof Savings & Tax Credits
The EPA estimates Americans spend about $40 billion annually to air-condition buildings, while expending one sixth of all electricity generated in the U.S. to do so.
- ENERGY STAR-qualified/cool-roof products reflect more of the sun’s rays. This can lower roof surface temperature by up to 100F, decreasing the amount of heat transferred into a building.
- ENERGY STAR-qualified/cool-roof products can help reduce the amount of air conditioning needed in buildings, and can reduce peak cooling demand by 10-15 percent.
- During building design and when your existing roof needs replacement are both excellent times to consider reflective roofing.
Follow these links for information on Energy Star-Compliant Roofing and Cool-Roof Savings, and Tax Credits.
For more info see the Florida Solar Energy Center study and report, “Comparative Evaluation of the Impact of Roofing Systems on Residential Cooling Energy Demand in Florida.”
And for more info on how you can integrate the orientation of your building and its landscape with on-site water-harvesting and food-production strategies, as well as ideal roof-overhang design to further maximize the efficiency and production potential of your roof, read Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Volume 1, 2nd Edition.
Metal Roofing
Be sure roofing is at least 26 gauge, since lighter gauges can dent. Baked-on enamel, galvanized, and galvalume steel roofs all work with water harvesting systems.
www.metalroofing.com
List of contractors, distributors, and manufacturers across the country.
Mueller, Inc.
Lap-style corrugated, U Panel, R Panel, and AP panel metal roofing.
www.MuellerInc.com
ASC Building Products
www.ascbp.com
Tucson
MasterCraft Metals, Inc.
Standing Seam Roofing
(800) 607-7468
(520) 792-2418
www.mastercraftmetals.com
Roof Ops Roof Options
Corrugated, Galvanized, Rusted, R Panel, Metal Tile, Metal Shingle
(520) 318-4364
Allied Building Products
(520) 795-7663
Elastomeric Paint Approved for Potable Rainwater Catchment Systems
The following have been tested and certified by the National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF) as approved potable-water-catchment coatings that comply with the requirements of NSF Protocol 151 “Health Effects from Rainwater Catchment System Components” (www.nsf.org/Certified/
Weather Barrier Rain Coat 2000
An acrylic roof coating that can be applied over an existing roof of less-desirable materials such as asphalt shingles. Due to its light color it is also effective in passively cooling buildings. Manufactured by Finnaren & Haley Inc., Conshohocken, PA. Per site user EF Doyle, Cerrillos NM: People should be advised that the Weather Barrier website is defunct and the phone is no longer operational. For sales folks might try Kyle at Haley Paint 800 533 3002. The potable water product is Raincoat 2000 the Primer is 5003 Rust Inhibiting Primer. Not good for flat roof applications, the product degrades as it is water, not solvent based.
www.haleypaint.com/weatherbarrier/index.html
Topcoat W. O. B. White (without biocide)
A water-based liquid that can be applied with a brush, roll or spray mechanism. It cures to form a seamless rubber membrane that covers the entire roof. Topcoat W. O. B. White (without biocide) is manufactured by Topcoat, Inc. a subsidiary of GAF Materials, Inc., Walpole, MA. Note: Topcoat W.O.B. is produced in the Caribbean, and while readily available there, it can be difficult to obtain in the Continental United States. Per site user EF Doyle, Cerrillos NM: The working numbers here are 877 423 7663 and 800 766 3411 there is a representative in New Mexico, Chris Dimas, that can also help 505 417 4355. He might need to call local suppliers as the products are not well known. Internet searches for TopCoat and GAF Materials will lead to many disconnected numbers. This product cannot be used on any asphalt or shingle roof applications — it is good for metal and concrete applications.
(800) 669-4128
Vulkem 450/451 PWC and Vulkem 450/451 PWC Red
Elastomeric paints rolled or brushed onto a roof surface. According to a representative of the manufacturer the products are currently used in Bermuda and the Virgin Islands, but may be difficult to acquire within the continental United States. Manufactured by Tremco Incorporated, Mameco Manufacturing Division, Cleveland, OH. Per site user EF Doyle, Cerrillos NM: This product has been replaced with 350 SL primer and 351 cover coat. It is not good on TPO or shingle roof systems.
(216) 752-4400
2001 Super-Flex 100% Acrylic Elastomer Roof Coating, 3000 Acrylic Barrier Coating, and TK2001 Elastomeric Finish
All 3 products are manufactured by the Scott Paint Company, Sarasota, FL. Per site user EF Doyle, Cerrillos NM: The product here is the 2001 Super-Flex, the other names do not seem to be known to the folks at corporate or their main distribution point. The 2001 is good on asphalt, metal, TPO roof applications. They do not have distribution so people will need to arrange their own shipping. We found three online freight brokers that cost us less than $300 to ship to Santa Fe, New Mexico from Sarasota (Freight Quote — Ms. Kim Richenback; Discount Freight — John; and Priority1 — David). UPS would have been $1100. For technical assistance and to order Call Larry at 941 351 3443.
(941) 371-0015
Environmental Liquid Membrane System (ELMS)
A USDA Certifiec Biobased Solar Reflective Soy Oil Polymer Roofing Material for Low Slope Roofing Assemblies. Per site user EF Doyle, Cerrillos NM: When I called the Commercial Department (815 407 0900) they told me this product was not for use with rainwater applications.
www.greenproducts.net/pages/elms50.html OR
www.greenproducts.net/pages/elmsplatinum.html
Tucson
MirrorSEAL
A continuous-filament, single-ply, fluid-applied roofing system. It is a non-petroleum-based polymer. Due to its white color it is very energy efficient in hot climates. It is soon to be tested by the National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF) to see if it is approved as a potable water catchment coating that complies with the requirements of NSF Protocol 151 “Health Effects from Rainwater Catchment System Components.” Currently it has been tested and certified by the FDA 175-300 as approved for Direct Food Contact. The EcoHood in Phoenix (AZ) has used it and is very pleased with its performance.
(520) 628-1553
http://www.innovativeformulations.com/mirror/index.html
Elastomeric Paint Not Yet Certified by Neutral Third Party for Potable Rainwater Catchment Systems
The manufacturers of the following products claim they are fine or are likely fine as a roof surface with potable rainwater catchment systems. However, the following products have not yet been certified by a neutral third party, such as NFS, as approved for potable rainwater catchment systems.
AMES Blue Max
A special blend of adhesive, high-strength elastomeric liquid rubber. It is a new impenetrable rubber technology for waterproofing in extreme wet situations such as flat roofs, below-grade foundations, basement walls, cisterns, water troughs, catch basins, ponds and fountains. Technicians for Sustainability uses it to seal the interior of their steel culvert tanks set in a concrete base. It can be ordered at many ACE Hardware locations. Notes: Water coming in contact with Blue Max can be expected to have a slight chemical flavor. Also, this product is not certified as such by NSF, but the manufacturers claim it is safe for use in potable rainwater catchment systems.
www.amesresearch.com/bluemax.htm
Safecoat Dynoflex RoofGuard Elastomeric Roof Coating
A water based, low odor roof coating suitable for properly primed roofs. The manufacturer has verified that this product is:
- Lead-free
- Mercury-free
- Cadmium-free
- Copper-free
- Antimony-free
This likely makes it a Living Building Challenge-compliant product. The Living Building Challenge is a Green Building Certification that goes well beyond LEED. The product is currently manufactured in Los Angeles, California, by American Formulating & Manufacturing.
www.afmsafecoat.com
