When the summer heat returns outside, the inside temperature of our houses will go up and up. There are several contributing factors toward that increase in heat. For now, let us start with this energy saving action:
The color of our Roof comes into play. Yes, roof color, and hopefully the color is correct for the area the house was built. However, many Builders don't care about the roof color working with the area we live, so we save energy. They just put on the cheapest roof they can buy.
The color of our Roof comes into play. Yes, roof color, and hopefully the color is correct for the area the house was built. However, many Builders don't care about the roof color working with the area we live, so we save energy. They just put on the cheapest roof they can buy.
 Roof "B" - Dark Color | Roof "B" is best for houses where more days of the year are below freezing, than days that are above 88 degrees. |
 Roof "C" - Light Color | Roof "C" is best for house where more days of the year are above 88 degrees than days that are below freezing. |
 Roof "A" - Middle of the road Color | Roof "A" is best for houses where the below freezing days and the above 88 degree days of the year are about even. |
Dark colors absorb sun light and heat, Light colors reflect sun light and heat. Therefore, if we live in Northern Michigan where more days are below freezing than above 88 degrees Fahrenheit a dark color roof would be the most helpful. If we live in Southern Texas, a light color roof will prove to be the most helpful with saving energy. Roof "A" is the happy middle of the road. Roof "B" with the dark color is in an area where roof "A" is the best, thus that house is in desperate need of the little shade from a tree during the hot summer months.
NOTE: The Evergreen above was planted to close to the house for its mature size. More Info for Planting:
To use trees for shade in the hot summer afternoons, starts by planting in the Spring.
Planting trees on the south and west side of your house is the best location.
To double check directions don't forget that old Boy Scout rhyme:
The sun rises in the east, crosses the west, and in the south the sun sets.
You may have also heard that moss grows on the north side of a tree.
True, but if their is abundant shade on the bark of a tree facing east, you can and will see moss there too.
So perhaps getting a compass is the best way to go.
Use trees that will be appropriate for the available space and location.
The best action to take is to contact a certified arborist for details pertaining to the home and yard in question.
Updated Blog Post - From EnergyHotwire.com to GoingTrueGreen.com
Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
Contribute your comments!
To use trees for shade in the hot summer afternoons, starts by planting in the Spring.
Planting trees on the south and west side of your house is the best location.
To double check directions don't forget that old Boy Scout rhyme:
The sun rises in the east, crosses the west, and in the south the sun sets.
You may have also heard that moss grows on the north side of a tree.
True, but if their is abundant shade on the bark of a tree facing east, you can and will see moss there too.
So perhaps getting a compass is the best way to go.
Use trees that will be appropriate for the available space and location.
The best action to take is to contact a certified arborist for details pertaining to the home and yard in question.
Updated Blog Post - From EnergyHotwire.com to GoingTrueGreen.com
Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
Contribute your comments!
