Any thoughts on dark exteriors being a positive?
Dark exteriors, like roof shingles, sidings, etc.
Right now (29 degrees outside) much of my own home’s exterior is warmer (80-110 degrees) than the inside via the sun. Energywise, I heat and don’t use or need AC. Seems like the dark colors are lowering my primary energy costs while the sun is shining.
As to shingle life. The shingles are 23 years old and are likely to last many more years as they are not curling or losing granules or moss covered. They are black and are on a vented roof.
I live in Zone 6. I like all the solar gain I can get.
Any thoughts on dark exteriors being a positive?
(posted originally on a bright sunny winter day, early afternoon.)
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Only that the spy satellites might have a harder time finding you.
Dark exterior materials absorb more of the total sun spectrum and overheat, are more prone to UV and temperature degradation, and will encourage inward moisture drive. They also contribute to the urban heat island effect and to global warming everywhere.
Just like windows, I am thinking that next I will increase the wall assembly insulation on the least solar north walls. Would be nice to discuss the positive aspects of my post too.
Heat islands... The Adirondacks and the Green Mountains locally for you and I are pretty good investments in offsets for the few of us living in our areas. Not my concern. Others should be though that live in asphalt and steel jungles.