Quote:
Originally Posted by freebeard
While you think in terms of conventional attics, I think in terms of geodesic dome, with minimal material composition. Like aluminum plating weather shell with a tensioned fabric or foil inner shell.
Also I wonder whether the foamed aluminum can pass air or Nitrogen gases. If so it might be an ideal material to cast nose cones for atmospheric reentry.
edit:
To be clear, the space between the inner and outer shell replaces the attic. But it's a dynamic system (down on the shady side, up on the sunny side) instead of a stagnant pool. Don't get me started on engineered roofing trusses.
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Then, the reflectivity and R-Factor would really matter.
Where I am, R-45 is recommended for attics, so you'd be looking at 14-inch thick 'walls.'
Big shade trees, or outdoor shading of the structure would be good.
My dad and I constructed a full-length, rough-cedar, angled-slat sunshade for the west exposure of their Lubbock home.
R-19 on top of what they had in the attic. Lots of soffit vents, and 5, 12-inch wind turbine vents on the roof. Light colored shingles. 'Triple-glazed' windows with DIY heat-shrink clear vinyl. Weather stripping and caulk.
Summer utility bill took a $100/ month drop. Winter heating bill went south as well. ( mid-1970s Dollars ).