(MS) - The key to lower energy bills may be right over your head' thanks to new roofing technology that can significantly lower cooling costs. The newest energy-saving roofing technology is the introduction of ULTRA-Cool coatings, which are now available on the entire line of standing seam metal roofing from Custom-Bilt Metals, a painted metal company.

"Heat absorption by roofing surfaces is an important concern," says Tony Chiovare, president of Custom-Bilt Metals. "When heat is absorbed by the roof surface, more energy is required to keep interior spaces cool and comfortable."

Developed by BASF Corporation's Industrial Coatings Division, the new coating helps reduce energy costs by increasing the roof's reflectivity, or the amount of solar energy that is reflected by the roof surface rather than absorbed. BASF research shows that selected ULTRA-Cool colors achieve 38.3 percent reflectivity, compared to 25.2 percent reflectivity for the identical colors with conventional coatings.

"This is a leap forward, because each additional percentage point of reflectivity reduces metal temperature by one degree," said Chiovare. "So the difference in roof and attic temperatures can be dramatic."

The difference is especially significant in medium to darker colors, he added, noting that the introduction of the coatings means it is no longer necessary to limit roof choices to white or other light colors to achieve "cool roof" performance. "It's no longer necessary to limit your design choices to achieve energy efficiency," he said. "ULTRA-Cool coatings provide the benefits of heat reflectivity in a range of color choices." Custom-Bilt offers the coatings in 24 colors, including a number of rich, dark finishes that complement a variety of architectural styles.

Beyond immediate energy savings, the coatings also contribute to long-term cost savings by increasing the life expectancy of the roof. "Less heat absorption means there is less expansion and contraction," Chiovare explained. "The result is even longer roof life, which produces even more cost savings."

The benefits of Custom-Bilt's new coatings are in addition to the other recognized benefits of standing seam metal roofing, he added. "Metal roofing offers fire resistance, is light-weight and provides durability," he said. "These benefits are now enhanced by the energy- and cost-saving advantages offered by ULTRA-Cool coatings."

Chiovare noted that Custom-Bilt Metals is now a partner in the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program. The joint campaign by the EPA and the Department of Energy recognizes companies that offer energy-efficient and environmentally friendly products.

"We are proud to be part of a program that recognizes products that help consumers save money, reduce their energy use and help the environment at the same time," said Chiovare.

For more information on metal roofing with BASF ULTRA-Cool coatings, or to learn more about Custom-Bilt Metals' roofing systems, contact Tony Chiovare at (800) 826-7813; write to Custom-Bilt Metals at 9845 Joe Vargas Way, So. El Monte, CA, 91733; or visit www.custombiltmetals.com.

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NEW ROOFING TECHNOLOGY can help lower energy bills and increase the life expectancy of your roof.

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