Repainting To Control Summer Heat

Temperatures of 104 degrees Fahrenheit were common inside the shed when outside temps were still only 85.  This had to be improved.  Step one was to cut two 6″ circular vents into one gable and add a solar powered fan.  No noticeable improvement.  Step two was to cut in a second vent in the opposite gable.  Same result.  Third step was to cut in a 8″ X 16″ vent midway up the north wall.  Same result.  Fourth step was to paint the shed white.  This helped.  Inside and outside temps since have been nearly the same.  The cute barn red shed is now almost ugly white.  But it’s cool inside.

Why the concern? We were worried more about the batteries than the equipment.  The electronic equipment was still within specified operating range at 104.  Sources say batteries, on the other hand, can exhibit thermal runaway (catch fire) at 122 degrees.  Summer’s highest temperatures hadn’t even arrived yet.