Press Release

Olsson Roofing Provides Expertise in Green Roofing Systems

When Chicago's world-famous John G. Shedd Aquarium needed to restore its roof in 2004, the building facilities management elected to use a ENERGY- STAR approved "Green" roof system to protect it's blue-water residents.

This project is one example of how savvy building owners and managers are turning to ENERGY-STAR rated products to improve energy efficiency by reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the roofing system. The ENERGY-STAR Cool Roof Program was created in June, 1996 by the U.S. Department of Energy in conjunction with the U.S. EPA and Lawrence Berkeley Laboratories. The program uses advancements in building technology to create a roof that not only saves energy, but improves the overall environment by reducing heat build-up in urban areas.

Rooftop Temperatures Can Reach 165 Degrees
During summer months, commercial and industrial roof surfaces can reach over 165 degrees Fahrenheit during summer days. This harsh environment puts extra stress on the HVAC equipment already laboring under the load of cooling the building's interior.

By reducing the roof surface temperature, a Green Roof system lessens the heat surrounding roof-top HVAC equipment resulting in the HVAC equipment working more efficiently, lowering operating costs and increasing equipment longevity. Studies have shown that using the property ENERGY-STAR Cool Roof System can lower the energy costs from 8 to 9 percent a year.

Benefits of Energy Efficient Roof Systems
In a survey by McGraw-Hill Construction Research & Analytics Market Research Group in 2005, architects, engineers, and building owners felt that green buildings would increase building values by 7.5%, improve ROI by 6.6% and increase rents by 3%. In addition, ENERGY STAR roofing systems may qualify for tax credit opportunities under the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.

In its 2006 Green Building SmartMarket Report, McGraw-Hill predicts that green building will increase 5 - 10% by 2010. Despite all the advantages, however, only a small percentage of commercial buildings have incorporated Cool Roof technology. It has become more difficult for building owners to decide on a system that will meet their needs.

Olsson Roofing Offers Custom Solutions
One reason for this is the wide selection of rated systems available. There are a number of commercial roofing systems available, each offering different ENERGY-STAR Ratings and different features and benefits.

Olsson Roofing Company, headquartered in Aurora, IL has taken a leadership role in this field, providing expertise in several different Cool Roof systems, each one custom designed for each specific application.

"Because no two roofs are alike, our technical service experts work with each client to provide the best solution," explains Scott Kuykendall, VP of Marketing for Olsson Roofing. "In addition to installing a Cool-Roof System, there may be other steps we can take to help corporation conserve energy costs provide the most economical building that meets specific needs. We refer to our service as our Bright Star Technologies. We work to provide the most cost-effective solutions. Because we have over 90 years of expertise in the installation of all types of roofing systems, we have valuable on-the-job experience for each type of system."

Olsson Roofing introduced their Bright Star Technologies Solutions at the BOMA show in March. Designed for all roofing systems, they also are approved by the LEED and USGBC. According to Kuykendall, Olsson Roofing has experience in applying different types of "Green" systems such as ELMS, and Carlisle's roof Garden System. "Because we are familiar with the characteristics of each system, we can select the roofing systems that apply to each specific case, saving headaches, and problems later on."

Experience and Service at One Location
In the roofing industry, getting the job done right the first time saves time, expense and aggravation. As a rule, the more experienced the roofing contractor, the better the job. If you have any questions about roofs, contact Kathy Murtaugh, Service Manager, or Cheryl Pierce Egnatz, Assistant Service Manager, at 1-888-Roofwork (766-3965).

"Olsson…the professionals you can trust to make the roofing difference!"