So you want to save energy with shade from Nature?
Okay, so the summer heat outside is causing the inside temperature of your house to go up and up. There are several contributing factors toward that effect and as you view this web site you will learn about most of them. For now let us start off this energy saving step with a test on one of those contributing factors: Roof color. Yes, roof color, and hopefully the color of your roof is correct...
From the three images on the right, select roof 1, 2, or 3 for your answers to the questions below.
HINT: Your roof color should work with the area you live so to save you energy.
Which roof is best if you live where more days of the year are below freezing than days that are above 88 degrees?
Which roof is best if you live where more days of the year are above 88 degrees than days that are below freezing ?
Which roof is best if you live where the below freezing days and the above 88 degree days of the year are about even?
Now if the three roofs on the right where all in the same zip code where the below freezing days and the above 88 degree days of the year are about the same, what would be the best roof color?
Why are the answers above correct? Dark colors absorb sun light and heat, Light colors reflect sun light and heat. Therefore, if you 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 you live in Southern Texas, a light color roof will prove to be the most helpful with saving energy. Roof number one in the top photo is the happy middle of the road. Roof number two with the dark color is in an area where roof number one is the best, thus roof number two is in desperate need of the little shade given by the tree in the right side of the photo during the hot summer months.
Roof Number One:
To use trees for shade in the hot summer afternoons, starts 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 step you can take is to contact a certified arborist for details.
NOTE: The Evergreen in the photo on the right was planted to close to the house for its mature size.
