Shed cooling experiment

[piggyme234]

The past few days I have been wondering about the colour of roofs and how the dark colours, common in roofing material, will absorb heat. Not good for keeping cool in these temperatures, and also potentially a factor in climate change. I had been wondering if a lighter coloured roof would reflect the heat rather than absorb it, therefore cooling everything down.
Today I thought I might be able to try out my theory. I bought a sheet and stapled it to the roof of my shed. A few hours later I went back to check and the piggies were comfortable and cool. There was a noticeable temperature drop from before I added the sheet, in spite of the overall outdoor temperature rising. I was very impressed with my experiment and thought I would share it in case anyone else would like to try it. I'd be very interested to see if it helps others.

 

[Karin10]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing

 

[Piggies&buns]

Funnily enough this was something which went through my mind knowing the extreme heat was on its way!
What was your starting temperature and how much did it drop it by?

I'm tempted to give it a try! My shed is a nightmare due to its positioning and it being south facing so not much helps! It’s currently 35 degrees in the shed (piggies were moved out a while ago so are safe and cool in the house!)

 

[piggyme234]

To be honest I should have measured it but I don't have a thermometer. If it's too warm for me it's too warm for me, is my general feeling. I just noticed that it felt cooler. My shed windows are North facing so it doesn't get too much sun apart from on the roof. If it feels too warm tomorrow, they will come in the house.
I felt the roof and the sheet was cool and the felt sticking out was red hot.