Comparative Analysis of Thermal Performance of Painted, Finned, and Plain Roofs in Arid and Temperate Climates: Insights from Kuwait City and Vancouver

Australian University-Kuwait, Mechanical Engineering Department, P.O. Box 1411 Safat 13015, Kuwait

^* Corresponding author: h.salem@au.edu.kw

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the thermal performance of three common roofing types - painted, finned, and plain for buildings with customary materials without insulationin- two contrasting climatic contexts: Kuwait City and Vancouver. Experimental data were collected on hourly basis for the surface temperatures for 4 months in winter of Kuwait. Utilizing ASHRAE methods, we simulated the dynamic thermal behaviour of these roofing materials to assess their suitability for mitigating energy demands and enhancing indoor thermal comfort of a building with 127 m² rooftop surface area. Our findings reveal distinct thermal characteristics associated with each roofing type in the respective climates. In Kuwait City’s arid environment, the painted roof emerges as the optimal choice, demonstrating superior performance in reducing thermal loads during hot months while posing challenges related to increased heating demand in cooler seasons with 4.5°C reduction by painted roof. Conversely, in Vancouver’s temperate climate, the painted roof exhibits continuous outward conduction of heat, contributing to elevated heating demands throughout the year despite its effectiveness in maintaining lower temperatures compared to the indoor environment. This study highlights the importance of considering climatic factors and seasonal variations in selecting roofing materials to achieve optimal energy efficiency and indoor comfort. These findings can assist decision-making processes for architects, engineers, and policymakers aiming to enhance building performance and sustainability across diverse climatic regions.