Efficient home designs & insulation question

[Etxnoodler]

I’ve done hundreds of load calculations as an HVAC pro. I’ll tell you that walls are pretty far down the list of heat gain sources in most homes. I personally would waste the money on a 2x6 exterior wall. You are on the right track, though. The main thing is to minimize glass facing S, SW, or W.

I’m personally a fan of spray foam, but have also seen plenty of terrible situations when homes are done wrong. Never have I heard of someone having mold issues because they left windows open…it’s usually houses that are too tight without enough make-up air that see issues like that.

Maybe you would know. Would 1x4 slats running on a diagnal on the roof and vented under the metal help prevent heat gain from sun? Giving the roof a shaded effect and air gap? Light colored metal to help reflect heat.

[bowhntrmatt]

Maybe you would know. Would 1x4 slats running on a diagnal on the roof and vented under the metal help prevent heat gain from sun? Giving the roof a shaded effect and air gap? Light colored metal to help reflect heat.

The air gap created between the metal and the roof decking does help. I’ve also seen where there is a certain way to lay them out that ensures they have continuous flow to the ridge vent.
I don’t think the system I use for calculations has an adjustment for that, so not sure what the actual btu difference is.

[Etxnoodler]

The air gap created between the metal and the roof decking does help. I’ve also seen where there is a certain way to lay them out that ensures they have continuous flow to the ridge vent.
I don’t think the system I use for calculations has an adjustment for that, so not sure what the actual btu difference is.

Thanks. That’s what I was thinking about the diagonal going to ridge cap to vent. I also saw where they had a vent at the bottom of gap to inrease air flow