Local weather reports often reveal a significant difference between the temperature in the city compared to the surrounding rural area, in which the city experiences warmer conditions compared to its surrounding areas. It is a result of a peculiar phenomenon called the urban heat island (UHI) effect.
Creative Construction Group, Inc., your local licensed roofing contractor, explains this further.
What Causes Urban Heat Islands?
One notable cause of urban heat islands points to the roofs of buildings and street pavements, which are often darker in color. Physics dictates that such shades tend to absorb light and gets converted to thermal energy, which then comes back out as heat. This change warms areas within the city with a large concentration of structures.
Other factors that contribute to the city being a “heat reservoir” include air conditioning, automobiles and lack of vegetation. Like dark-colored city buildings and streets, they convert energy to heat and release it into the air.
Solutions to Reduce Urban Heat Island Effect
Professionals that provide roof installation services attest to the effectiveness of a variety of roofing solutions in cutting down the effects of urban heat islands. Apart from utilizing light-colored “cool” roofs, the roofs filled with vegetation helps in developing a cooling effect that would counter the intense heat.
Solving the problem of urban heat island starts with an energy-efficient roof. Homeowners must ensure the right amount of insulation and the best choice of roofing material to make this happen. This way, they can lower heating and cooling usage at home, helping contribute to keeping outside temperatures at bay and prevent the devastating effects of heat.
For your roofing needs, trust Creative Construction Group, Inc. We offer residential and commercial roofing services, as well as other areas of home improvement. We also work on our clients’ insurance roof claims.
Give us a call at these following numbers: (815) 339-0550 if you are in Crystal Lake, IL, (309) 413-0110 if you are in Morton, IL, (262) 581-1209 if you are in Wisconsin, (720) 707-9265 if you are in Colorado, or (385) 270-1201 if you are in Utah. You may also fill out our contact form for a free, no-obligation quote. We serve Crystal Lake, IL, and other nearby areas.