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Assessment of Thermal Performance of Buildings With Different Roof Profiles

Abstract

Roof profile is an important architectural factor that influences the thermal performance of buildings, particularly in warm climates where roofs are exposed to significant solar radiation. Differences in roof geometry, pitch, configuration, and surface area can affect heat absorption, heat transfer, ventilation, and indoor temperature. Buildings with different roof profiles may therefore experience varying levels of thermal comfort and energy demand. Assessing these differences is essential for identifying roof configurations that can support improved indoor environmental conditions and passive thermal control. This study assesses the thermal performance of buildings with different roof profiles, focusing on how variations in roof geometry influence indoor thermal conditions. It examines roof forms such as flat, pitched, gable, hipped, and other commonly applied profiles in relation to their ability to reduce or regulate heat transfer into occupied spaces. The study considers factors including roof orientation, roof pitch, exposed surface area, ceiling configuration, and the relationship between the roof and the building envelope. Particular attention is given to the influence of roof profiles on solar heat gain and indoor temperature. Roofs with different geometries can receive and distribute solar radiation differently throughout the day, affecting the amount of heat transferred into the building. Roof pitch and orientation may also influence the duration and intensity of solar exposure. The study therefore examines how roof configuration interacts with solar radiation, insulation, roofing materials, and ceiling systems to determine overall thermal performance. The study also considers the role of roof ventilation and the creation of air spaces beneath different roof profiles. Ventilated roof cavities can facilitate the removal of accumulated heat and reduce the transfer of heat into occupied rooms. Features such as roof overhangs, ridge vents, eaves openings, and ceiling voids may further influence airflow and heat dissipation. These factors are assessed alongside roof geometry to understand their combined contribution to passive cooling and indoor thermal comfort. Other factors, including climatic conditions, building orientation, roof materials, insulation levels, ceiling height, occupancy patterns, and surrounding environmental conditions, are considered in evaluating thermal performance. The study recognizes that roof profile alone does not determine indoor temperature but interacts with other components of building design. Understanding these relationships is particularly important in tropical and warm climates where inappropriate roof design can increase indoor heat gain and dependence on mechanical cooling. The study aims to establish the relationship between roof profile and building thermal performance and to identify roof design characteristics that can contribute to improved indoor comfort and energy efficiency. Its findings are expected to provide useful guidance for architects, building designers, and developers in selecting appropriate roof configurations for different climatic conditions. Incorporating thermally responsive roof design into the early stages of building planning can support passive cooling, reduce heat gain, and improve the overall environmental performance of buildings.

Keywords: Roof profile, Thermal performance, Roof geometry, Indoor temperature, Solar heat gain, Passive cooling, Roof ventilation, Thermal comfort, Roof pitch, Building envelope, Roofing materials, Energy efficiency, Tropical architecture, Climate-responsive design.