F  L  A 
Designing the future traditions of Southwest Florida, today.

​Form follows physics.   ​

Due to the heavy solar thermal loads present in Florida, Form and Light Architects recommends using a roofing material that has both a high albedo and a high emissivity. Albedo is measured on a scale of 0-1 and identifies the portion of solar radiation that is reflected by a surface. An albedo of 0 represents an absorptive body while an albedo of 1 corresponds to a body that reflects all incident of radiation. Emissivity, also measured on a scale of 0-1, is the value given to materials based on its effectiveness in emitting energy as thermal radiation.

​For these reasons we chose a silver standing metal seam roof for the pictured Sarasota, FL home’s facade and exterior renovation. When properly specified, a standing seam metal roof can provide a surface that reflects solar radiation away from the home. Additionally, the material properties of this roofing system will allow any heat that does get absorbed to be radiated back into the atmosphere, rather than stored within the material on the roof. This all adds up to a reduced thermal loading on the building, a more efficient HVAC system and annual savings via reduced energy bills.

​Another benefit of a standing seam metal roofing system in Florida, is its systematic assembly. This quality is desirable when trying to mitigate high velocity winds in a hurricane. By contrast, each of the individual tiles in a concrete tile roofing system are more vulnerable to becoming a projectile. Additionally, due to the high latent heat in our area, porous concrete tiles are more susceptible to water absorption and retention.

​Regarding the color selection of the home Form and Light Architects again recommends deferring to the identification of a color with a high albedo to reduce thermal loading on the building. Although the roof receives the most solar energy of any surface of a house, in Florida, all surfaces require careful consideration when analyzing the impacts of thermal loading. ​
Due to the heavy solar thermal loads present in Florida, Form and Light Architects recommends using a roofing material that has both a high albedo and a high emissivity. Albedo is measured on a scale of 0-1 and identifies the portion of solar radiation that is reflected by a surface. An albedo of 0 represents an absorptive body while an albedo of 1 corresponds to a body that reflects all incident of radiation. Emissivity, also measured on a scale of 0-1, is the value given to materials based on its effectiveness in emitting energy as thermal radiation.

​For these reasons we chose a silver standing metal seam roof for the pictured Sarasota, FL home’s facade and exterior renovation. When properly specified, a standing seam metal roof can provide a surface that reflects solar radiation away from the home. Additionally, the material properties of this roofing system will allow any heat that does get absorbed to be radiated back into the atmosphere, rather than stored within the material on the roof. This all adds up to a reduced thermal loading on the building, a more efficient HVAC system and annual savings via reduced energy bills.

​Another benefit of a standing seam metal roofing system in Florida, is its systematic assembly. This quality is desirable when trying to mitigate high velocity winds in a hurricane. By contrast, each of the individual tiles in a concrete tile roofing system are more vulnerable to becoming a projectile. Additionally, due to the high latent heat in our area, porous concrete tiles are more susceptible to water absorption and retention.

​Regarding the color selection of the home Form and Light Architects again recommends deferring to the identification of a color with a high albedo to reduce thermal loading on the building. Although the roof receives the most solar energy of any surface of a house, in Florida, all surfaces require careful consideration when analyzing the impacts of thermal loading. ​