On Mon, 3 Nov 2008 06:38:17 -0800 (PST), N8N
wrote:

On Nov 2, 4:35*pm, " wrote:
Im moving to Florida, and, bought a Mobile Home which of course has no
attic. It has a southern exposure with no shade and im wondering what
options are available to reduce the Cooling Load on the roof. *Ive
wondered if a metal pan roof can be put over an existing shingle roof
(or just adding large sections of sheetmetal on the roof) , *thought
of collecting rain water in a 55 gallon drum and pump it up to the top
of the roof and let it run down thru a PVC pipe with holes drilled
into each side , and have even considered putting in an additional
ceiling inside and insulating that cavity . *Has anyone had success
with this issue or can tell me whats an effective solution ? *Thanks
much.

I was just speaking to a materials engineer friend the other night and
he was telling me that he's somehow involved in new coatings for metal
roofs which drastically reduce heat absorption - and that they do show
dramatic improvements. I suspect that a metal roof laid over your
existing shingle roof is probably your best bet. If you have the time/
energy stripping off the shingles before having the metal installed
would be preferable, but as long as there is only one layer of shingle
you should be OK. I really don't like asphalt shingle roofs; their
only real advantage is price. they're not durable and they just soak
up the heat.

nate

Total amateur who lives in So. Calif. ventures an unqualified opinion
g

I'd agree w/ abover poster to cover or replace the asphalt shingle,
esp. if there is any fire danger in your area.

Plant the fastest-growing shade trees you can find, for the long run.

For the short run, make sure the final coat, whatever it may be,
is WHITE, WHITE WHITE!

Last time I had a roof put on, I had them put on a silvery reflective
coat rather than leave the black tar exposed.

Good luck,