What is the age solar reflectance (after 3 years) of steep slope roofs (greater than 2:12)?

The correct answer reflects the concept of solar reflectance as it applies to steep slope roofs, which are defined as roofs with a pitch greater than 2:12. Over time, the solar reflectance of roofing materials can change due to factors such as weathering, dirt accumulation, and UV exposure.

For steep slope roofing materials, research has shown that the average solar reflectance diminishes after a period of about three years. Therefore, an age solar reflectance of 0.15 indicates that these roofs, while initially reflective, have significant reduction in their ability to reflect solar energy effectively in this timeframe.

Understanding this is critical for managing energy efficiency, as roofs with higher reflectance can help minimize cooling costs in buildings by reducing the amount of heat absorbed. The value of 0.15 suggests that while there might be some initial benefit to a steeper roof in terms of solar reflectance, the long-term performance needs to be considered in overall roofing material choices.