Comparatively Analysis of the Effect of Different Building Façades Materials on Outdoor Temperatures and Thermal Comfort

Abstract

Previous studies showed the effect of building facades materials on the micro-climate of cities. This research comparatively analysis building façades materials the effect on outdoor air temperature that effect negatively on the thermal comfort. Various facade materials were tested (stone, granite, alicobond, concrete, ceramic tiles) in the city of Baghdad as an example for hot arid climate using infrared thermal imaging in summer months. The results showed that the dark colors contributed to raising the ambient air temperature more than the light colors, and that the hard materials such as ceramics had a higher temperature compared to the rest of the materials. The results also showed that orienting the building towards the north, north-east and west played a role in reducing the reflection of solar radiation and thus reducing the recorded temperatures.