Cool-roof material choices have expanded from reflective paint to vinyl sheeting, light-colored gravel, and other roofing products designed to reflect 90 percent of sunlight.
A district judge has ruled invalid the fire ordinance of Helena, Mont., adopted in 2008 to restrict exposed wood building materials and require fire-resistance roofing materials on new or extensively repaired structures.
During National Homeownership Month in June, the National Association of Home Builders is telling young people the time is right to buy a house, and that the nation's builders are building the homes they want.