roof color vs temp/climate - HomeModders.com

briansol · 08-20-2007, 09:28 PM

Whats the ruling on this?

Are lighter colors better for higher temp states like arizona, and dark browns better for vermont?

Konstruction · 08-20-2007, 09:46 PM

Yes , light color shingles are better for locations to see a hotter climate. But the color of the shingle isnt the only thing that plays a factor. The temperature and moisture content of plywood roof sheathing and other lumber roof members based on various constrution details, materials, ventilation factors, and solar gain (radiation load) for the roof.

IMO color doesnt matter. Ventilation is the key !!

James · 08-21-2007, 11:17 PM

Elaborate on all of that if you can. What does ventilation improve?

Konstruction · 08-21-2007, 11:33 PM

It improves on everything. Attic ventilation is an important part of roofing. Proper attic ventilation extends the life of a roof and reduces problems because it minimizes the temperature differential between the attic and the air outside. Proper ventilation will remove moisture and heat from the attic. Trapped heat and moisture can raise energy costs, cause ice dams, and damage roof system components as well as structural and personal items located inside the attic where temperatures can easily reach 150 degrees . Condensation that forms inside attics can be caused by the use of washing machines, dish washers, bath tubs, showers, and tumble driers unless these items are properly ventilated through the roof. In some cases the condensation can be bad enough to be mistaken for a roof leak. There are many types of attic vents available today. There are static vents, power vents, ridge vents, turbine vents, soffit / cornice vents, gable vents, starter vents, and cupola vents. These all come in a wide variety of sizes, styles and shapes. Some will ventilate better than others depending on the roof configuration, attic size, climate, etc.

James · 08-21-2007, 11:42 PM

I can vouch for the attic temps getting that high. It's always fun when sweat drips down your forehead after being up there for 2 minutes trying to pull cat5e.

Whats the best way to improve ventilation of an attic? You hardly feel any airflow up there except near the edges of the building in office parks.

Konstruction · 08-21-2007, 11:51 PM

The number 1 used ventilation is Ridge vent. From the pic I see your house in . Behind the garage is a Hip roof. 4 sides. On the ridge of the 4 sides. Cut out a 2-4 inch section on each side of the ridge and place the ridge vent over it and nail the caps on top of it. Heat rises and you would be surprised how much difference it effects the climate inside the house.

IF your fancy about it, there are motorized fans that have a thermostat . Which you cut a 2 foot radius hole in the roof and mount the fan on the outside of the roof. When the attic reaches a certain temp the fan automatically cuts on and sucks the air out of the attic. until the attic reaches its set temp. Most are at 101-105 degrees

James · 08-21-2007, 11:57 PM

Interesting. I'll have to talk with my dad about this.

Is there a 'best' temperature an attic should be at with proper ventilation to curb moisture and to help with all the other problems you mentioned above?

Konstruction · 08-22-2007, 12:04 AM

depending on climate, type of roofing, time of year. ALot of factors play in which is the ideal temp. And to be honest. I have never heard of a "ideal temp" other which stats on the installation instructions to the vent fans. which is recommended to be 101-105 for summmer. 120-125 for winter. Sorry I dont have that answer .

James · 08-22-2007, 12:06 AM

Oh thats ok. Hell there may not be an ideal temp.

Konstruction · 08-22-2007, 12:12 AM

Well.... I do know one thing.. The idea of venting the roof is to try to get the attic as close to the outside temp. Its the difference in temps that causes alot of damage. So the best temp for the attic would be what ever the outside temp is.

08-20-2007, 09:28 PM	#1
briansol Administrator Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Central CT Age: 28 Posts: 432 Rep Power: 10	roof color vs temp/climate Whats the ruling on this? Are lighter colors better for higher temp states like arizona, and dark browns better for vermont?

08-21-2007, 11:17 PM	#3
James Slacking off in the house Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: In IN Posts: 217 Rep Power: 2	Elaborate on all of that if you can. What does ventilation improve? __________________ 1927 2200 sq feet 3 story renovation project. Done Washing Machine - 10.27.07 Windows Install - 02.13.08 (New) Gas Oven - 11.22.08 Needs to be Done Put in the (new) dryer Uh... Alot more.

08-21-2007, 11:42 PM	#5
James Slacking off in the house Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: In IN Posts: 217 Rep Power: 2	I can vouch for the attic temps getting that high. It's always fun when sweat drips down your forehead after being up there for 2 minutes trying to pull cat5e. Whats the best way to improve ventilation of an attic? You hardly feel any airflow up there except near the edges of the building in office parks. __________________ 1927 2200 sq feet 3 story renovation project. Done Washing Machine - 10.27.07 Windows Install - 02.13.08 (New) Gas Oven - 11.22.08 Needs to be Done Put in the (new) dryer Uh... Alot more.

08-21-2007, 11:57 PM	#7
James Slacking off in the house Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: In IN Posts: 217 Rep Power: 2	Interesting. I'll have to talk with my dad about this. Is there a 'best' temperature an attic should be at with proper ventilation to curb moisture and to help with all the other problems you mentioned above? __________________ 1927 2200 sq feet 3 story renovation project. Done Washing Machine - 10.27.07 Windows Install - 02.13.08 (New) Gas Oven - 11.22.08 Needs to be Done Put in the (new) dryer Uh... Alot more.

08-22-2007, 12:06 AM	#9
James Slacking off in the house Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: In IN Posts: 217 Rep Power: 2	Oh thats ok. Hell there may not be an ideal temp. __________________ 1927 2200 sq feet 3 story renovation project. Done Washing Machine - 10.27.07 Windows Install - 02.13.08 (New) Gas Oven - 11.22.08 Needs to be Done Put in the (new) dryer Uh... Alot more.

08-20-2007, 09:46 PM	#2
Konstruction General Contractor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Richmond, VA Age: 25 Posts: 230 Rep Power: 2	Yes , light color shingles are better for locations to see a hotter climate. But the color of the shingle isnt the only thing that plays a factor. The temperature and moisture content of plywood roof sheathing and other lumber roof members based on various constrution details, materials, ventilation factors, and solar gain (radiation load) for the roof. IMO color doesnt matter. Ventilation is the key !!

08-21-2007, 11:33 PM	#4
Konstruction General Contractor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Richmond, VA Age: 25 Posts: 230 Rep Power: 2	It improves on everything. Attic ventilation is an important part of roofing. Proper attic ventilation extends the life of a roof and reduces problems because it minimizes the temperature differential between the attic and the air outside. Proper ventilation will remove moisture and heat from the attic. Trapped heat and moisture can raise energy costs, cause ice dams, and damage roof system components as well as structural and personal items located inside the attic where temperatures can easily reach 150 degrees . Condensation that forms inside attics can be caused by the use of washing machines, dish washers, bath tubs, showers, and tumble driers unless these items are properly ventilated through the roof. In some cases the condensation can be bad enough to be mistaken for a roof leak. There are many types of attic vents available today. There are static vents, power vents, ridge vents, turbine vents, soffit / cornice vents, gable vents, starter vents, and cupola vents. These all come in a wide variety of sizes, styles and shapes. Some will ventilate better than others depending on the roof configuration, attic size, climate, etc.

08-21-2007, 11:51 PM	#6
Konstruction General Contractor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Richmond, VA Age: 25 Posts: 230 Rep Power: 2	The number 1 used ventilation is Ridge vent. From the pic I see your house in . Behind the garage is a Hip roof. 4 sides. On the ridge of the 4 sides. Cut out a 2-4 inch section on each side of the ridge and place the ridge vent over it and nail the caps on top of it. Heat rises and you would be surprised how much difference it effects the climate inside the house. IF your fancy about it, there are motorized fans that have a thermostat . Which you cut a 2 foot radius hole in the roof and mount the fan on the outside of the roof. When the attic reaches a certain temp the fan automatically cuts on and sucks the air out of the attic. until the attic reaches its set temp. Most are at 101-105 degrees

08-22-2007, 12:04 AM	#8
Konstruction General Contractor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Richmond, VA Age: 25 Posts: 230 Rep Power: 2	depending on climate, type of roofing, time of year. ALot of factors play in which is the ideal temp. And to be honest. I have never heard of a "ideal temp" other which stats on the installation instructions to the vent fans. which is recommended to be 101-105 for summmer. 120-125 for winter. Sorry I dont have that answer .

08-22-2007, 12:12 AM	#10
Konstruction General Contractor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Richmond, VA Age: 25 Posts: 230 Rep Power: 2	Well.... I do know one thing.. The idea of venting the roof is to try to get the attic as close to the outside temp. Its the difference in temps that causes alot of damage. So the best temp for the attic would be what ever the outside temp is.