Introduction

In this experiment, we will determine which is the best roofing material. To perform this analysis, we will identify which material reaches the lowest maximum temperature and has the maximum light reflectance to meet the California Legislation requirement.

We hypothesize that the white roofing material reaches the lowest temperature and reflects maximum light.

Aim

To determine what kind of roofing material follows the criteria proposed by the California Legislation.

Theory

In California, there are a few different regulations and guidelines that pertain to roofing materials. These include the following:

California Building Code: This code includes requirements for the types of materials that can be used for roofing, as well as the minimum standards for installation and maintenance.

California Energy Code: This code includes requirements for the energy efficiency of roofing materials, such as the minimum solar reflectance and thermal emittance values for cool roofing materials.

Title 24: This is a set of energy efficiency standards for buildings in California, which includes specific requirements for roofing materials.

California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen): This code includes requirements for the use of sustainable and environmentally-friendly roofing materials, such as materials made from recycled content or that are eligible for LEED credits.

It’s important to note that in addition to state legislation, local building codes may have their own regulations and guidelines for roofing materials. So, checking with local authorities before starting any roofing project is highly recommended.

Requirements

1. A Light Meter

2. A Heat Lamp With Two Bulbs

3. Two Thermometers

4. Two Plastic Storage Boxes

5. Six Roofing Samples, which include

• Bitumen
• Black Bitumen
• Granule Bitumen
• Tan Plastic
• Black Plastic
• White Plastic

6. Notebook

Procedure

Step 1: Built a heat lamp with two bulbs.

Step 2: Place one roofing sample beneath each bulb of the heat lamp.

Step 3: After forty-five minutes, record both samples’ maximum temperatures with the help of a standard barbecue thermometer.

Step 4: Test each sample beneath each side of the lamp for accuracy.

Step 5: Visit a camera shop.

Step 6: Using a light meter, measures the reflected light from each roofing.

Step 7: Compare the obtained result with the grey sample roofing that has a reading of 7.0.

Step 8: Test different colors and different types of material to find which color reflects most of the heat and obtain the lowest temperature.

Step 9: Record your observations.

Observation

1. We observed that the white roofing material reached the lowest temperature while the white bitumen reflected most of the light.

2. Although we observed that the white material reflected most of the light and acquired a minimum temperature, we found an alternative to this which is a tan plastic material that acquired a temperature change of 37 degrees as compared to white bitumen’s temperature change of 38 degrees.

3. We find a cleaner looking alternative choice for consumers that do not have much negative effect on the environment as compared to dark roofing materials.

Result

1. White plastic roofing material changed by 28 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature.

2. Tan plastic roofing material changed by 37 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature.

3. White bitumen roofing material changed by 38 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature.

4. From the two white materials, the white plastic roofing temperature acquired the lowest temperature.

5. Most of the light was reflected by white bitumen in a light meter test with an average reading of 9.1 meters.

Precautions

1. Record your observation carefully.

2. Place each bulb beneath each bulb.

Conclusion

In this experiment, we tested which roofing material follows the criteria proposed by California Legislation.

VIVA Questions With Answers

Q.1 What was the aim of your experiment?

ANS. To determine what kind of roofing material follows the criteria proposed by the California Legislation.

Q.2 Which material reflected the most light?

ANS. White bitumen reflected most of the light.

Q.3 Which material attained the lowest temperature?

ANS. White roofing material obtained the lowest temperature.

Q.4 What was the average reading of White bitumen material?

ANS. The average reading of White bitumen material was 9.1 meters.

Saquib Siddiqui

Saquib Siddiqui is a Mechanical Engineer and a content creator. He has special interest in science experiments and teaches the same to school and college students. He is also a technical lead at RUDE LABS PVT. LTD.