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| The Desert House
roof was engineered to provide maximum protection from moisture and heat gain, as well as
a surface for the collection of rainwater for storage. Construction of the roof from top
to bottom is as follows: a white reflective coating, a layer of aggregate, polyurethane
water sealers, insulating foam, contouring foam, a plywood deck, 12 inches of fiberglass
batt insulation, and a plywood deck. The R-value of the roof is 40. Roof color is extremely important to avoid excess heat gain. Shiny aluminum metal and
light colors, especially various shades of white, reflect most of the light and heat away
from the house. Dark colors should be avoided in areas where heat gain is to be minimized.
In regions where keeping warm is more important, dark, heat absorbing roofs are
advantageous. |
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| The aggregate layer protects the
foam insulation and water sealer from damage when it is necessary to have access to the
roof for service or repair of the evaporative cooler or solar water pre-heater. The insulating foam and contour layers reduce heat conduction substantially by providing a heat resistant barrier. The shape directs rainwater to flow to downspouts located in the corners to a storage tank in the basement or out to the landscape. |
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