What is Solar Reflectance Index (SRI)?
The Solar Reflectance Index is a measure of the constructed surface’s ability to reflect solar heat, as shown by a small temperature rise.  It is defined so that a standard black (reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.09) is 0 and a standard white (reflectance 0.80, emittance 0.90) is 100.  SRI combines reflectance and emittance into one number.

What is Solar Reflectivity (SR)?
Reflectivity is the deflection of solar energy from a surface.  Steep slope roofs have proven to perform better than low slope roofs, 2:12 or less.  The greater the amount of solar energy reflected from a surface, the less energy will be required to keep it cool.

What is Emissivity?
Emissivity is the amount of heat that is radiated from a surface.  The greater the emissivity, the greater the ability of a surface to cool itself through radiative heat loss, which ultimately reduces energy consumption. 

How do you measure the actual (aged) emissivity and reflectivity?
There are standard ASTM procedures for measuring both these properties. These procedures include ASTM C1371 and E408 for emissivity and ASTM E903 and E1918 for reflectivity.  The Energy Star program specifically requires aged reflectivity values tested after 3 years.

How can MBCI help achieve LEED points?
MBCI can help in several areas.  First, 100% of a metal roof can be recycled.  In addition, the composition of our metal roofs is about 25%-35% recycled material.  Points are awarded for this benefit.  Secondly, MBCI has 16 manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S. creating greater opportunity for delivery within a 500 mile radius.  Lastly, our reflectivity and emissivity performance levels meet LEED criteria for cool roofs.

Can a Retrofit roof work with Energy Star and LEED requirements?
Yes.  Leaky flat non-metallic roofs can be replaced with sloped metal roofs by adding an engineered light weight secondary structural system to the existing building.  Metal roofing is an excellent choice for steep slope retrofit roofing projects.  There are a number of retrofit options available to cover asphalt shingles, modified bitumen or BUR eliminating the need to landfill old roofing materials.  Then, you receive all the advantages of the new metal roof.

What are some additional advantages of a Cool Metal Roof?
Other possible advantages of installing a Cool Metal Roof include:

  Reduce air pollutants
  Lower maintenance expenses
  Lower energy costs
  Possible tax credits from federal, state and local governments
  Possible insurance breaks for using metal roofs

If I want to do additional research, what are some websites I
can look at?

  Energy Star 
  LEED
  Cool Metal Roofing Coalition
  Cool roof Rating Council

What is the recyclable content of your metal panels?
The composition of our metal roof is about 25%-35% recycled material.

Does MBCI sell metal buildings?  
No, I’m sorry we don’t, but we will be more than happy to get you in touch with someone who can help you.

Does MBCI offer any aluminum panels?
We do offer some perforated material for soffit panels (flush profile) and perforated for 3’ wide screw-down panels typically in White only. For other colors please inquire.

Can I get a special color to match my other buildings or equipment?  How long will it take?
We do special colors however it is expensive when only a small quantity is needed.  A minimum is charged for small quantity special colors.  The lead time upon a receipt of a signed color sample would be between 4-6 weeks.