ALTERMAN, DARIUSZ1; PAGE, ADRIAN W.2; ZHANG, CONGCONG3; MOGHTADERI, BEHDAD4

1) Dr, The University of Newcastle, Priority Research Centre For Energy, Australia, dariusz.alterman@newcastle.edu.au

2) Professor Emeritus, The University of Newcastle, Priority Research Centre For Energy, Australia, adrian.page@newcastle.edu.au

3) Research Assistant, The University of Newcastle, Priority Research Centre For Energy, NSW, 2308, Australia, congcong.zhang@uon.edu.au

4) Professor, The University of Newcastle, Priority Research Centre For Energy, Australia, behdad.moghtaderi@newcastle.edu.au

This paper describes an experimental investigation of attic air space temperature differences for common Australian housing roof systems with varying colour and thermal mass under the influence of moderate weather conditions for various seasons. Four housing test modules, with roofs clad with steel, concrete or ceramic tiles were built on the University of Newcastle campus and the detailed thermal performance of each system was studied. This is of particular importance for heavy masonry construction. Temperature and the through ceiling energy flow was also recorded between the attic air space and the interior of the modules. The statistical analysis carried out provided an increased understanding of the impact of tile characteristics on the thermal performance of the attic and adjacent module space under different weather conditions. The findings provide useful information with regards to potential energy savings through the choice of appropriate roofing materials, colour and the inclusion of insulation as backing materials.

Keywords: thermal performance, thermal performance, ceramic tiles, roof materials, energy savings