Solar farms keep the neighbourhood cool, inspecting solar panels in broad daylight
The Sun may be fading fast here in the northern hemisphere, but the number of solar panels installed here in the UK and elsewhere continues to grow by leaps and bounds. As the area of land covered by solar panels increases, have you ever wondered if converting all that solar energy into electricity is affecting the local environment?
The answer is yes, at least in arid ecosystems, according to a team of researchers at the UK’s Lancaster University, Ludong University in China, and the University of California Davis in the US. They studied two large solar farms – one in California and the other in China’s Qinghai province – and found that the facilities were cooler than their surroundings. This was based on satellite temperature observations taken before and after the installation of solar panels and, in the case of the California facility, measurements taken on the ground.
Both solar farms created “cool islands” that extended about 700 m from the perimeters of the facilities. The cooling effect was significant, with land surface temperatures about 2 °C cooler 100 m from the edges of the solar farms.
Wonderful Tips For Keeping Any Roof In Enviable Shape
When it comes to your roof, you need to make sure everything is in good shape. After all, you wouldn't want to spring a leak in the middle of the night during winter would you? The following article has some valuable information with regards to roofing. Read on and learn.
Never hire a roof contractor that can not supply you with a list of satisfied customers. Having a roof repaired or replaced can be expensive. Additionally, if they do not do quality work it could lead to water damage inside of your home. Be cautious and always ask for references before hiring a roofer.
Avoid putting off a roof repair for any length of time, even if it seems like a minor issue. Once a shingle or two have blown off, it's much easier for the wind to get underneath the rest and blow them off too, one-by-one. Fixing your roof right away will minimize damage, saving you money.
If you are trying to pinpoint the exact point where your roof is leaking, you can spray it with a hose and see what areas create a problem. Do not try this method in the winter, because it is not safe to spray water on the roof while the temperature is very low.
Avoid ice build-up on your roof in the winter time. This potentially devastating situation occurs when snow begins to melt close to the interior lining of your home, then freezes, creating a seal. That ice can remain for a long period of time with low temperatures and create leaks and warping. Proper ventilation and insulation should remedy the problem.
When looking for a roofing contractor to hire, the Better Business Bureau can be an invaluable resource. What you want to look for are contractors that maintain an "A+" rating. The Better Business Bureau can be searched online, or you can contact a local office. You'll also be able to see any complaints filed, and how the contractor resolved those complaints.
If you hire a contractor who has workers to help them, it is often cheaper than hiring a contractor who works alone. Several roofers can get things done faster, which may also lower the cost. If you're working with a sole person, be sure they're not overcharging you.
Conduct a thorough roof inspection over the entire surface, so you do not miss any problem areas. The material should be bonded well, and fasteners are secured. If you want to work on a certain area, the material must be clean and dry. Be safe when working on the roof to avoid injury.
When you install a metal roof on your home, make sure accumulated snow will not slide off over a doorway. You or a guest could be surprised when a large clump of snow slips off the roof onto your head. Use special crosswise pieces to direct the snow off to either side instead.
Before you buy a new home, you should have the roof inspected by a professional. A normal home inspection might miss issues with the roof, and could cause big problems for you down the line. As an added bonus, if you decide to sell your home, you'll be able to show the results of the inspection to prospective buyers.
Always wear the appropriate footwear when venturing out onto your roof. Wearing a rubber soled boot can help you to keep your grip and has been proven to limit the rate of falls experienced by roofers. If you are unsure of the type of boot that you need you should contact an outfitter that specializes in contractors.
If you plan on working on your roof yourself, make sure that you take the proper precautions before you begin. Perhaps the most important thing for you to remember is to wear rubber soled shoes. This will prevent your from slipping as it will provide a stable footing as you work.
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Calling around for different quotes for your roofing job is important to ensure you get the best price. However, if a contractor is offering their website services way below the average, ask yourself why. It could very well be a good deal, but it could be a scam as well.
Roofing is only one piece of your home, but it can be one of the most important aspects of caring for your house. The tips in this article should have given you some ideas on where to start, but you must tailor it to your needs. Think of these tips when considering roofing materials.
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