Reroofing Area51.

[maw lod qan]

Originally my idea was to use  the corrugated vinyl panels for the observatory roof. 

I realized immediately that was a mistake because of how unbelievably hot it got inside. On a sunny day, easily 115°F!

So, I put 2 inches of foam insulation under the panels. Cooled this right down.

After time, the reflected heat, baked the vinyl to a crisp!

I lucked out and remembered my daughter had some left over 24 gauge galvalume roof panels left over from her reroofing.

Finished changing them yesterday. 

To reflect the heat I painted the metal white.

Did add a lot of weight to what had been a light, easy to open by hand roof.

[Swoop1]

Needs must though- better a heavy roof that keeps the innards cool than a lighweight roof that allows the contents to cook.

[Alan White]

I expect the white paint is the critical part here, the metal, although heavier will make a better long term fix in your climate.

 

[900SL]

Reflective roof covering (white is good) and look up 'radiant barrier'