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Reflectivity data on stainless steel roofs

 July 1, 2010

Hello,

I am currently developing a project in which we are using stainless steel as a roof covering. We have been asked by the authorities to provide de reflectivity of the roof, not because of LEED, but on the contrary to avoid too much reflection that could affect a nearby airport. I have been trying to find out with local contractors this info with no results.

We have a gradation of stainless finishes, from a polished mirror finish to a matte one. Do you have by any chance any data that could help us on this issue?

Thanks in advance.

Manuel Villanueva
Architect - Madrid, Spain

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July 6, 2010

You can buy the SS sheet with different grades of finish which will affect the reflection of the SS.
There have been a couple of instances where this was a problem. I think that one of them was in that strange icon building is Australia.
Another was in the USA where the glare caused auto accidents. On that one, I think that they grit blasted the panels to an acceptable reflection level.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida