In hot climates, a structure located just above the roof shades the roof and allows warm air buildup between the roof and structure to escape.

In hot climates, direct sunlight is the largest contributor to building cooling loads. Because a roof receives the most direct sunlight over a day, a double roof, or shade structure above the roof, will reduce cooling requirements.

In hot climates:

  • Incorporate a double roof structure separated by an air cavity; and
  • Extend the roofline to shade exterior walls, and create shaded outdoor living spaces.

Use cross ventilation or ridge vents to ventilate the air cavity between the roofs. A double-roof structure, located high above a roof, can also provide shading for an outdoor roof garden or terrace.