By now, many people are familiar with the concept of a green roof—one that’s covered in vegetation—but you might not know about the latest trend in roofing—blue roofs. Using a system of detention ponds on top of a commercial building, a blue roof system captures stormwater and stores or releases it gradually. 

What Are the Advantages of a Blue Roof System?

1. Sewer Protection

Many urban areas have a single sewer system that handles both rainwater and sewage. Strong storms can overwhelm these systems, sending raw sewage into nearby streams, rivers, and lakes. Because blue roofs release water slowly, stormwater enters the sewer system in a more controlled manner and helps keep the system from being inundated with more water than it can handle.

2. Cooling Effects

When used in combination with light-colored roofing materials, a blue roof can significantly lower the cost of cooling a building. For even greater cooling power, the roof can be enhanced with a system that sprays the retained water onto the surface of the roof. This may help reduce the “heat island” effect that’s common in dense urban areas.

3. Water Recycling

The stormwater collected and stored by a blue roof can be put to use in numerous ways. For commercial buildings that combine blue and green roofing systems, the water can be directed to irrigate the green roof vegetation. In other cases, the stored rainwater can be utilized for recreational and decorative purposes, such as water play areas or fountains.

Based in St. Louis County, MO, CWC Roofing and Exteriors is a roofing and exteriors company that has been serving homeowners, businesses, and government agencies nationwide for nearly 100 years. Call (314) 633-5777 today to schedule a free roof inspection. Visit them online for more information about blue roofs.