The Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance (SHASA) welcomes a push by a number of groups and NSW Councils for the NSW Government to mandate lighter roofs for new homes. This would build on the recent decision by Rob Stokes, MP to only allow light-coloured roofs for new homes in the suburb of Wilton, in Sydney's south-west. It would also be timely to include this requirement in the updating of the National Construction Code, due in 2022.
SHASA President Kathryn Maxwell says: “Several studies have identified that a light-coloured roof can reduce heatwave temperatures by up to 10°C inside the house – making them much more comfortable and reducing electricity consumption by air conditioners, producing energy savings of up to 25 per cent.”
Kathryn has personal experience with the benefits of light-coloured roofs. In 2016, she moved to Moruya, into an ex-government house built in the 1980s, with a red tiled roof.
“One of the first measures undertaken was to have the roof cleaned, repaired and then painted classic cream with a Thermatech coating. This reduced heat absorption, reflected light off the roof and made the home cooler,” Kathryn says. “The light coloured roof also keeps the solar system cooler and a lot happier.”
For those considering pre-painted metal roofs, there are a number of Colourbond light colour options including Surf Mist, Paperbark Grey, Evening Haze, Classic Cream and Shale Grey.
“Visitors regularly comment on hot days about how much cooler and more comfortable it is at my house,” Kathryn says. “SHASA encourages residents with a dark roof to seriously consider having the roof painted to a lighter colour to help reflect the heat away. And, to achieve much more comfortable temperatures inside without expending money and energy on air-conditioning.”
For more information or assistance, please contact SHASA via www.shasa.com.au or on
0467 558 645.
