Effect of Roof Tile Colour on Heat Conduction Transfer, Roof-Top Surface Temperature and Cooling Load in Modern Residential Buildings under the Tropical Climate of Malaysia

Abstract

Modern residential roofs in Malaysia mainly employ red and brown roof tiles due to aesthetic factors and the ability of the roof surface to reflect or retard heat transfer is typically not considered the main priority. The present article reveals the findings of a study on the effect of roof tile colour on heat conduction transfer through roof tiles and ceiling boards, roof-top surface temperature and cooling load. Findings suggest that the selection of white roof tiles significantly reduces the peaks of heat conduction transfer and roof-top surface temperature as well as the values of heat conduction transfer and roof-top surface temperature throughout diurnal profiles, which consequently reduces hours of indoor thermal discomfort and use of air-conditioners in indoor spaces. A decline in peak roof-top surface temperature of up to 16.00 °C that results in annual energy savings of up to 13.14% can be achieved when the roof tile colour is changed from red to white. Further research on the development of solar-reflective paint or coating products that can significantly increase the solar reflectance values of non-white roof tiles are essential to overcome issues related to maintenance difficulties and lack of preference among house buyers towards white roof tiles.