Reflective / cool roofs in Canada
Evaluate summer overheating reduction without confusing solar reflectivity with insulation value, especially in a heating-dominated climate.
VERT / GREEN
For a roof being replaced, compare colour/reflectance with insulation, ventilation, shading and actual comfort.
JAUNE / YELLOW
Benefit depends on climate, slope, snow, orientation, cooling and building use.
ROUGE / RED
Paint/radiant barrier marketed as “high R” or a universal solution: do not substitute it for required insulation.
Quick triage
What the professional checks
The envelope/energy specialist checks cooling load, climate, roof, insulation, moisture and product data rather than marketing claims.
Official sources
Checked 2026-08-23
Related path
Continue with the right tools
These links connect this page to the next useful checks and decisions without repeating the full content.
Connect symptoms to the enclosureStart from condensation, staining, odours or movement before choosing a repair.Open →Adapt the enclosure to climateConnect heat, cold, water, wind and wildfire to building priorities.Open →Assess overall resilienceReview water, climate, safety, autonomy and records with a local score.Open →Screen hazardous materialsIdentify situations where work should stop and testing is needed before disturbance.Open →Open climate guidanceReview climate constraints relevant to assemblies and materials.Open →
Tools related to this issue
V14
Systems to check before closing the work
V14 connects envelope, air, fire, structure, water and code instead of treating each project in isolation.
V16
Advanced diagnostics to cross-check
V16 connects water, soil, climate, safety, materials and seasonal use to existing projects.
V17
Specialized systems to cross-check
V17 completes gas, soil, water, fire, climate and structural interfaces.
V18
Specialized diagnostics to verify
V18 connects systems that become costly or regulated when a primary project triggers them.
V19
Edge systems to integrate into the project
V19 covers interfaces that become important when multiple home systems interact.
V26
Often-overlooked service interfaces
V26 connects systems that cross utility, plumbing, HVAC, envelope and metering boundaries.
V27
Project risks and overlooked interfaces
V27 connects payment, water, envelope, ventilation and jobsite details that often create costly surprises.
V28
Finish and service details to verify
V28 connects small details that become costly once finishes are closed.
V30
Shared, access and specialized interfaces
V30 connects projects where multiple systems, owners or rules meet.
V32
Post-disaster and legacy systems
V32 connects contamination, storm damage, legacy materials and recommissioning before rebuilding.
V47
V47 interfaces not to miss
These details are small on a drawing but can control water, structure or durability.