Reflective Roofing Granules: Creating Energy Efficient Options in the Asphalt Shingle Industry

This article was co-authored by:

Carrie Carlson
Technical Writer

Alex Ebben
Process and Sales Engineer

When purchasing a roofing system, many consumers are choosing innovative roofing options to conserve energy usage in their home, generate long-term financial benefits, or conform to newly instituted building codes. As a result, reflective asphalt shingles are gaining popularity as an alternative roofing solution. Reflective asphalt shingles use special roofing granules to deflect the absorption of heat from the sun, thereby decreasing cooling-associated costs. By enhancing the solar reflectivity properties of the roofing granules, asphalt shingle manufacturers are achieving higher solar reflectivity ratings and Energy Star® qualifications, providing the economical and environmentally appealing roofing option consumers are looking for.

How Reflective Asphalt Shingles Work

A highly reflective and emissive roofing system, often referred to as a ‘cool roof,’ prevents the sun’s heat from transferring to the building below. Reflectivity deflects the sun’s rays, and emissivity releases the absorbed solar heat, providing a more energy efficient roofing solution over traditional options. While traditional asphalt shingles provide some reflectivity, reflective asphalt shingles use advanced roofing granules to enhance reflectivity and emissivity. Reflective asphalt shingles also maintain a more constant temperature, which reduces occurrences of expansion and contraction as temperatures change, resulting in an extended product life for shingles.

Color is especially important when reflecting solar radiation. Lighter colors naturally reflect the sun’s energy better than dark colors. However, several asphalt shingle manufacturers have developed reflective shingles in a wide range of colors, thus expanding aesthetic options for consumers.

Reflective Asphalt Shingle Benefits

In addition to providing the same benefits as traditional asphalt shingles, reflective asphalt shingles:

  • Increase energy efficiency
  • Reduce energy costs
  • Increase roof life and durability
  • Reduce heat island* effect
    *A heat island is an urban area with consistently higher temperatures than its surrounding rural areas due to human activities and the build-up of man-made structures.

Additionally, reflective asphalt shingle roofing products help consumers adhere to building code regulations. The state of California has already instituted building codes requiring energy efficiency in new buildings, with many other states following suit.

An added bonus to using reflective asphalt shingles is that they often cost the same as other comparable roofing materials. In instances where the cool roof costs more, the difference can be recovered in energy savings. According to the EPA, a California study found that cool roofs provide an average yearly net savings of almost 50 cents per square foot.

Processing Reflective Roofing Granules

Reflective roofing granules are processed to retain the same strength and overall robustness as traditional asphalt roofing granules. However, reflective roofing granules require different processing considerations. For instance, reflective color pigments are added to the granules’ coating to enhance reflective properties. Additionally, higher temperatures are required to cure the granules. In order to achieve higher temperatures, a rotary kiln is used.

As an industry leader in the field of thermal processing, FEECO’s rotary kiln equipment is efficient, durable, and customizable to address a vast array of materials. FEECO supplies high temperature, refractory-lined kilns that service a variety of materials, including specialty roofing granules. FEECO uses the highest grades of industrial refractory to manage the high temperature process required to properly cure reflective roofing granules.

Reflective roofing granules supply asphalt shingles with a multitude of benefits, from energy conservation to increased longevity, while continuing to provide the durability of traditional asphalt shingles. This wide range of benefits makes reflective asphalt shingles an innovative product and an ideal roofing solution. For more information on FEECO’s rotary kilns or their advanced processing solutions experience, contact us today!

About the Authors . . .


Carrie Carlson is a technical writer and visual designer.

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Alex Ebben is a Process Sales Engineer and thermal processing expert.

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