James Newtons Massmind wrote:
> How about painting your roof with silver paint to reduce heat load in the
> summer?
>   
Because of the homeowners associations and the loss of being able to do
what you want to with your own property in much of the US! Groups who
are empowered by attachment to one's deed dictate what would 'look nice'
for the neighborhood. These little people have no interest doing
anything with a useful purpose.

> Use a soaker hose at the roof peak adjusted to just keep the roof wet and
> avoid turning on the A/C?
>   
Water restrictions prevent this in much of the south. Both are good
ideas and ones I've wanted to do.

In the past, black roofs made sense - when deciduous trees surrounded
your house, nestled in a nice large lot. In the winter, the leaves fall
and solar energy warmed the house. In summer, it would be in complete
shade and color didn't matter. Now, large areas are cleared for
'developments', so no trees are left, but the old 'color scheme' never
evolved with the trades... In some places, you don't even have enough
space to plant trees big enough if you wanted to near the house...

-Skip


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