01/28/2016

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Keeping roofs cooler to cut energy costs Asphalt roofing shingles, especially dark ones like those shown here, can get scorching hot on summer days. Then they'll also shed some of that heat into buildings. A new coating can help shingles reflect more of the sunlight that heats them up. And that could cut home cooling bills. Article Source: https://student.societyforscience.org/article/keeping-roofs-cooler-cut-energy-costs Keeping roofs cooler to cut energy costs PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The roof of a house can get pretty hot in the summer. Even if there is an insulated attic below, some of that heat can work its way into the living space. That can make air conditioners work harder and pump up electricity bills. But a thin, paint-like coating could help keep roofs cooler, a teen researcher finds. And in urban areas, widespread use of her new roofing treatment might even cut the formation of lung-irritating ozone on hot days. Shingles come in many colors, but dark ones are especially popular, says Jesseca Kusher. The 18-year old attends Spartanburg Day School in South Carolina. Like most dark objects, shingles absorb a lot of heat from sunlight. In the summer sun, they can easily reach 73.5° Celsius (164° Fahrenheit), she notes. If those shingles reflected more sunlight, they’d stay cooler. And that could help cut down on home cooling bills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, air conditioning consumes about 5 percent of all the energy used in the United States. Cooling buildings costs the nation about $11 billion each year. Jesseca Kusher, an 18-year-old researcher from Spartansburg, S.C., invented a paint-on coating for roofing shingles. Her formula could reduce a home’s cooling costs and possibly cut ozone pollution in urban areas. LAURA BUITRAGO/SSP So Jesseca looked into ways to make shingles reflect more light. She mixed tiny particles — a powder — made from any of several different substances into a clear paint-like coating. One coating got graphite, the same material in pencil lead. Another recipe included gypsum. That’s a soft mineral often found in the drywall used in construction. She even tried adding mica. That’s a mineral used in some lampshades. It readily breaks into small, glittering flakes. Each of these powders came in several colors. In each of Jesseca’s test recipes, her reflective powder accounted for 40 percent of the weight of the final mixture. She also prepared some of the paint-like coatings with no additive. That would let her judge whether a powder — versus the transparent goop it was added to — affected a shingle’s reflectivity, she explains. Jesseca used four different colored shingles. She painted each of her concoctions onto bits of each color of shingle and let them dry for 24 hours. Then, to simulate how the shingles would heat up in summer, she placed each postage-stamp-size sample under a 150-watt sun lamp. (Those bulbs send out radiation across a wide band of wavelengths, similar to those emitted by the sun.) Each test sample was irradiated for 15 minutes, or until the untreated shingles reached a temperature of 73.5 °C, whichever came...
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How to Prevent a Leaky Roof How to Prevent a Leaky Roof A leaky roof can be a major headache for homeowners. Not only can it cause water damage to your home, but it can also lead to mold growth and other health problems. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to prevent a leaky roof. Here are some of the most common causes of leaky roofs: Age: Roofing materials deteriorate over time, so it's important to have your roof inspected regularly by a qualified roofing contractor. Debris: Debris like leaves, twigs, and pine needles can clog gutters and downspouts, preventing water from draining properly. This can lead to water pooling on your roof, which can eventually cause leaks. Flashing: Flashing is the material that seals the edges of your roof where it meets walls, chimneys, and other roof features. If flashing is damaged or not properly installed, it can allow water to seep into your home. Gutters and downspouts: Gutters and downspouts are essential for draining water away from your roof. If they're clogged or damaged, water can back up and cause leaks. Holes: Holes in your roof can be caused by a number of things, including hail, wind, and animals. Even a small hole can allow a significant amount of water to leak into your home. Missing shingles: Missing shingles can also lead to leaks. If you notice any missing shingles, it's important to have them replaced as soon as possible. Here are some tips for preventing a leaky roof: Have your roof inspected regularly by a qualified roofing contractor. This will help to identify any potential problems early on, before they cause leaks. Keep your gutters and downspouts clean and free of debris. This will help to ensure that water can flow freely from your roof and away from your home. Trim trees and shrubs that overhang your roof. This will help to prevent leaves and branches from blocking your gutters and downspouts. Use a roofing sealant to seal any cracks or holes in your roof. This will help to prevent water from seeping in. Install a roof ventilation system. This will help to prevent moisture buildup in your attic, which can lead to leaks. By following these tips, you can help to prevent leaky roofs and keep your home safe from water damage. Tips: Check your roof for signs of wear and tear after every major storm. This will help you to identify any leaks or other problems early on. If you see water pooling on your roof, don't ignore it. This is a sign that there is a problem, and you should have it addressed as soon as possible. If you have a metal roof, make sure that the flashing is properly sealed. This is especially important in areas with cold winters, as ice dams can form and cause leaks. If you live in an area with a lot of snow, make sure that your gutters and downspouts are large enough to handle the snowmelt. This will help...