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Effect of Roof Overhang Depth on Indoor Heat Gain

Abstract

The study examines the effect of roof overhang depth on indoor heat gain, with emphasis on how variations in the projection of roof overhangs influence the amount of solar radiation reaching building walls and window openings. Roof overhangs are important passive design elements that can provide shading and reduce direct solar exposure to building facades. Their depth, in relation to window dimensions, wall orientation, and building form, may therefore influence the amount of heat transferred into interior spaces. The study will assess variations in roof overhang depth and their relationship with indoor heat gain in selected buildings. Relevant characteristics will include overhang depth, window dimensions, wall orientation, roof form, facade exposure, window position, shading coverage, and the relationship between the overhang and openings. Indoor heat gain will be assessed using indicators such as indoor air temperature, surface temperature, solar exposure, and occupants’ perception of thermal conditions where appropriate. A descriptive comparative research design will be adopted for the study. Selected buildings with varying roof overhang depths will be assessed through physical observation, dimensional measurements, solar exposure assessment, indoor environmental measurements, photographic documentation, and structured questionnaires administered to occupants where appropriate. Data obtained will be analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, while appropriate comparative or correlation tests may be applied to determine the relationship between roof overhang depth and indoor heat gain. The study is expected to reveal differences in indoor heat gain among buildings with varying roof overhang depths. Greater and appropriately designed overhang depths may provide more effective shading of walls and windows, reducing direct solar exposure and limiting heat entering interior spaces. Conversely, shallow or poorly positioned overhangs may provide limited shading and allow greater solar exposure and heat gain. The effectiveness of overhangs may also vary according to building orientation, window size, solar angle, wall materials, glazing characteristics, and surrounding obstructions. The findings will be useful to architects, building designers, housing developers, environmental designers, and other professionals involved in climate-responsive building design. The study may provide useful information for determining suitable roof overhang dimensions as a passive strategy for controlling solar heat gain. The findings may also support the development of thermally comfortable buildings with reduced dependence on mechanical cooling and improved energy efficiency. The study will conclude by establishing the effect of roof overhang depth on indoor heat gain. It is recommended that roof overhang dimensions should be carefully determined in relation to building orientation, window size, facade exposure, and solar conditions to achieve effective shading and thermal control. Further studies involving different climatic conditions, roof forms, building orientations, and shading configurations are recommended to provide broader guidance for passive solar control in building design.

Keywords: Roof overhang depth, indoor heat gain, solar shading, thermal performance, residential buildings, solar radiation, building envelope, passive design, roof design, window shading, indoor air temperature, surface temperature, building orientation, energy efficiency, climate-responsive architecture.