Case Studies in Construction Materials (Jul 2023)

Revolutionary integrated cool roofing technologies system for attic temperature reduction in buildings

  • Mun Ling Ho,
  • Ming Chian Yew,
  • Ming Kun Yew,
  • Lip Huat Saw,
  • Wei Hong Yeo,
  • Zi Cong Yong

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18
p. e01921

Abstract

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The cooling load is the most prominent building energy consumption. The roof's poor thermal resistance effect causes buildings in the tropical climate to receive high solar heat that afterwards transfer to the attic before entering the living space. Eight roof design models were built and evaluated under 90 min of solar radiation exposure to noon-time level solar intensity to determine their cooling effect at noon every day. Significantly, the fantastic cool roof system was proven effective with a structural heat gain reduction of 85.5%. The reduction of concrete's density from 2500 kg/m3 to 1100 kg/m3 with lightweight foamed concrete technology allowed the roof's lower surface temperature to decrease by 21.6% (66.3–52.0 °C). Adding a highly solar reflective insulation system with roof ventilation reduced the structural heat gain by up to 33.3%. The combination effects of lightweight foamed concrete roof tile, hollow longitude sections, thermal reflective coating, reflective insulation system, and renewable solar-powered fans reduce the peak attic temperature from 42.8 °C to 32.2 °C.

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