Re: [Phys-l] paint your roof?

[Brian Whatcott <betwys1@sbcglobal.net>]

John Clement wrote in part:
> The problem with any roof treatment is that it gathers thermal energy where
> you don't need it, when you need it the least.  Then heat infiltration is
> reduced by attic insulation.  A method of storing the energy and releasing
> it later could be of enormous benefit, but that is currently fairly
> expensive. 
> John M. Clement
> Houston, TX
Acquiring the thermal input to the roof is ridiculously easy.
On the south (or both) roof faces, stapling film to the underside of 
the rafters
to duct hot air to the apex, and siting a perforated flex aluminum pipe 
(like the duct for clothers driers, but bigger) at the peak, provides a 
means for moving hot air.
That's the easy, cheap bit.    Say $40?

But storing that low grade heat - that's a whole 'nother matter.
Here's one suggestion. An outhouse or basement or a subfloor area where
water bottles or cans or barrels could be arranged to receive the warm 
air flow.
Where later, a duct with thermostatic fan could circulate warmed air 
from this store into the house.  Some people have used rock beds, 
pebbles, sand, swim pools for storage......

Brian W