COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THERMAL PROPERTIES OF

SOME COMMON ROOFING MATERIALS IN

GWAGALADA

EMMANUEL IFEANYI MARTINS

18284013

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF ABUJA

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR

THE AWARD OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN
PHYSICS

MARCH, 2023
 ABSTRACT

The study investigates the thermal properties of different insulating material used in building
construction in Gwagwalada, a tropical rainforest region, south western, Nigeria. Five
insulating material; zinc, Plaster of Paris (ALUMINIUM COATED ), PolyVinyl Chloride
(PVC), hardboard and paperboard, were subjected to thermal investigation using Lee's disc
electrical method. The result obtained showed that the thermal conductivities obtained are
within the range of values specified for good insulating materials. Zinc was found to be
associated with the least thermal conductivity of the value 0.1717 Wm−1 K−1 while PVC had the
highest thermal conductivity values of 1. 6499 Wm−1 K −1. This may be associated with the
temperature and the heat flux on the surface of the material. The results obtained for thermal
conductivity, thermal resistivity and thermal diffusivity correlated favourably when compared
with those of previous work from other locations. Zinc being the material with the lowest
thermal conductivity is therefore recommended for use as the suitable insulating ceiling
material in the study area.
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Most development plans for underdeveloped nations like Nigeria prioritize providing housing

among other social amenities (Chukwucha, and Owate, 2002). The safety of those who reside in

and use a building from hazardous weather is one of its core criteria. Thus, the goal of

environmental building design is to create an interior space that is both comfortable and effective

(Camilleri, 2000).

To achieve an ideal layout that responds to environmental changes efficiently to lessen their

influence, the building envelope's design is essential. Every environmental assessment must take

into account energy-related characteristics and evaluate the pertinent building envelope

parameters. Significant changes are made to a building's interior atmosphere and energy needs as

a result of solar energy. 2006 (Lattimer & Ouelletes).

Radiant barriers, which lessen the heat flux through radiation, are one technique to limit the heat

flux. The majority of construction materials, in particular roofing materials, are efficient heat

conductors. For roofing in new buildings, sheet metal made of materials like metal and tile is

frequently employed.

But, using radiant barriers, which minimize the heat flux through radiation, is one technique to

lower the heat flux. The majority of construction materials, and roofing materials in particular,

are good heat conductors. In the construction of buildings, sheet metal roofing is frequently used

to cover surfaces made of materials like metal and tile.

However, the majority of roofing systems used in the formal and residential sectors in

Gwagwalada are wood or metal truss systems with tile or profiled steel roofing; these roofing

systems are typically complemented by a plasterboard ceiling, as these roof assemblies are

required by laws to be insulated.

To meet the demands for thermal resistance, thermal insulation is therefore put above the ceiling.

The necessary heat resistance can be obtained by using thermally insulating board products,

reflecting foil layers to generate air voids or extra layers of fiber loft insulation. (South Africa's

Safintra Roofing and Steel, 2016).

Recent research has revealed that the design of roofing materials for buildings does not

adequately account for climate and environmental considerations, particularly with regard to the

selection of roofing materials to be employed. These circumstances would result in higher energy

costs for heating and cooling buildings, which would have an impact on efficiency, comfort, and

health. So, conducting a sufficient study on the thermal characteristics of various roofing

materials is crucial.

1.2 Aim and Objectives

The aim of this research is to measure and compare the thermal properties of some common

roofing materials in building design in Gwagwalada, understanding the thermal properties of

materials used for roofing is crucial for designing energy-efficient, comfortable, and durable

buildings that minimize their environmental impact.

The Objectives are;

i. To identify common roofing materials used for buildings in Gwagwalada.

ii. To measure and compare the specific heat capacity of these materials
 iii. To measure and compare thermal conductivity as well as to evaluate the thermal

resistivity of the materials

iv. To measure and compare thermal diffusivity of material

v. To measure and compare thermal absorptivity of the material

1.3 Significance of the Study

Understanding the thermal properties of roofing materials in Gwagwalada can help in designing

energy-efficient buildings. The type of roofing material used can affect the amount of heat that

enters or leaves the building, which can impact the building's energy consumption and associated

costs. Roofing materials with good thermal insulation properties can help maintain a comfortable

indoor temperature by reducing the impact of external temperature fluctuations.

1.4 Scope of the study

My research work is focused on identifying the common roofing material used for building in

Gwagwalada. Then, by measuring the roofing material's conductivity, resistivity, absorptivity,

diffusivity, and specific heat capacity, the thermal characteristics of these roofing materials will

be compared. The measurements will be made in the lab for the necessary calculations, and the

results will be displayed visually at the conclusion of the experiment.

1.5 Definition of Terms

Temperature (T): refers to a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a

substance or system. In simpler terms, it is a measure of the "hotness" or "coldness" of a system.

The most commonly used unit for temperature in physics is the Kelvin (K), which is defined

based on the properties of a substance at absolute zero, the theoretical point at which all particles

would have zero kinetic energy. Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F) are also commonly used units

of temperature in everyday life, but they are based on different reference points and are not used

as much in scientific contexts.

Heat (Q): Heat is the energy that is transferred between two objects when their temperatures are

different. Heat will transfer from a hotter to a colder object without the assistance of an external

agent. Differently heated items always interact with one another. Conduction, convection, and

radiation are three different ways that heat can move from one item to another.

Heat flux: is the rate at which heat energy moves through a specific surface in a unit of time.

Thermal properties: Any feature that characterizes a material and is related to temperature; for

example, thermal conductivity is considered a thermal property although electrical conductivity

is not.

Weather: the state of the atmosphere to the degree of hot or cold, wet or dry, calm or stormy,

clear or cloudy. The difference in air pressure, temperature, and moisture between two locations

affects the weather.

Climate: the typical weather pattern for a specific place over the course of 30 years and plus

time.
 CHAPATER TWO

LITERTURE REVIEW

2.1 THERMAL PROPERTIES OF ROOFING MATERIALS

The current study focuses on the thermal characteristics of popular roofing materials for

Gwagwalada building design. These characteristics will be thoroughly discussed in this chapter.

Any quality that characterizes a substance that is temperature dependent is referred to as a

thermal property. (Martinez Isidioro, 2016)

2.2 THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY (k-value)

Thermal conductivity is the ability of a material to conduct or transfer heat through it. It is a

measure of how quickly or efficiently heat energy can move through a substance by conduction.

The thermal conductivity of a material is expressed in units of watts per meter-Kelvin (W/m-K),

and represents the amount of heat energy that passes through a unit area of the material per unit

time when there is a temperature gradient of one Kelvin per unit length.

The thermal conductivity of an insulating material according to [9] is given in eq. (1) as

k= 2
λd
[(
2 π r ( T B−T A )
aS
2 )
T A +T B
⇄⇄ ⇄ +2 a A T A
]
The thermal conductivity of a material depends on a variety of factors, including its composition,

structure, and temperature. Metals and other highly conductive materials typically have high

thermal conductivity. (Kittel, C., & Kroemer, 1980)

2.3 METHOD OF MEASURING THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY

Depending on the thermal characteristics, there are several ways to test thermal conductivity,

each of which is suitable for a certain set of materials. The steady-state approach and the non-

steady-state method are the two most used ways to measure thermal conductivity. (Bauer &

Westfall, 2014)

2.3.1 Thermal Resistivity

The thermal resistivity, R, is the reciprocal or inverse of thermal conductivity. It is express in eq.

1
in ( mK W )
−1
2 as R=
k

k represents the thermal conductivity in ( Wm−1 K−1 )

2.3.2 Thermal Diffusivity

Thermal diffusivity is another important property of insulating materials. This is used to estimate

how fast heat diffuses through a material. It is usually represented as the ratio of quantity of heat

produced to the quantity of heat stored in a material. Thermal diffusivity is also a function of

thermal conductivity (k ) which is express in eq. 3 as

k
α=
ρc

where ρ is the density of the material in kgm−3 , c is the specific heat capacity of the material in
−1 −1 2
kJkg K , α is the thermal diffusivity in m /s
2.3.3 STEADY-STATE METHOD

The steady-state method is a technique used to measure the thermal conductivity of materials.

This method involves measuring the temperature difference across a sample of known thickness

and area when a steady flow of heat is maintained through it. The heat flow can be created by

placing the sample between two heat reservoirs at different temperatures or by applying a

constant heat flux to the surface of the sample. The steady-state method is often used to measure

the thermal conductivity of materials in research and industrial applications.

One of the most common implementations of the steady-state method is the guarded hot plate

technique. In this technique, the sample is placed between two plates, one of which is heated and

the other is cooled. The temperature difference between the plates is measured, along with the

heat input to the hot plate and the heat output from the cold plate. By measuring these values and

accounting for the thermal resistance of the plates, the thermal conductivity of the sample can be

calculated. (F. P., & DeWitt, D. P. 2002)

2.3.4 Axial Flow Method

Axial flow methods have been long established with key measurement issues centered mainly on

the reduction of radial heat losses in the axial heat flow developed through the sample from the

electrical heater mounted at one end, in which the power dissipation of this heater is used in

calculating column heat flux. At low temperatures, these losses are barely noticeable. Controlling

heat losses gets harder as the specimen temperature rises above room temperature. As a result,

key experimental factors like the effective specimen conductance to lateral insulation

conductance ratio which should be larger the better and the level of guarding receive a lot of
focus, which is the alignment of the specimen's axial gradient with the insulation's surrounding

it. Heat transfer with cylindrical symmetry is applied in real life. (Anter, 2007)

2.3.5 Guarded Hot Plate Method

A popular and adaptable technique for determining the thermal conductivity of insulations is the

guarded hot plate. The samples are frequently quite big. The planar heat source supplied over the

hot face of the sample is provided by a flat electrically heated metering section that is encircled

on all lateral sides by a guard heater section controlled by a differential thermocouple. The

typical, symmetrically oriented guarded hot plate, with the heater assembly sandwiched between

two samples, is the most popular measuring setup. (Tong, 2011)

2.3.6 Direct heating method

The extensive time requirements and difficulty in calculating heat loss, particularly at high

temperatures, are two shortcomings of steady-state approaches. The direct heating method,

which may be used to electrically conductive materials like metals, can get over these

shortcomings, the thermal conductivity and the specific electric resistivity k is given according to

Czichos, et al,. (2006) as

K = (QL)/(AΔT)

Where, K is the thermal conductivity in W/m.K, Q is the amount of heat transferred through the

material in Joules/second or Watts, L is the distance between the two isothermal planes, A is the

area of the surface in square meters, ΔT is the difference in temperature in Kelvin .

2.3.7 Comparative Method

The comparative method typically involves constructing test samples or prototypes using

different roofing materials and subjecting them to the same environmental conditions. Heat flow

and temperature measurements are taken to evaluate the thermal performance of each material.

By analyzing the data collected, a comparison can be made to determine which material exhibits

better insulation properties. Equal heat transfer between the testing specimen and the reference

material still requires work. When the measurement target's thermal conductivity is comparable

to the standard material's, this technique yields the highest degree of precision. (2017) (Zhao et

al.)

In Nigeria, the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) is responsible for establishing and

enforcing standards for various products, including roofing materials. The Nigerian Industrial

Standards (NIS) specify the requirements and testing methods for thermal properties of roofing

materials.

2.3.8 Heat‐flow meters method

Smith's thermal conductivity equipment, which has been widely used in typical laboratories, was

modified to create the system. It is made up of a heating chamber, a sample holding area, and a

cold end zone. The heating chamber is created by sandwiching heating coil between ceramic

thermal insulators. The systems were used to assess the thermal conductivities of copper,

aluminum, and brass, and the findings were statistically compared to other standards. According

to observations made, the measured thermal conductivity values for copper, aluminum, and brass

were 397.4 ± 2.2, 238.0 ± 1.3 and 110.2 ± 1.2 Wm-1 K-1, respectively (Owate et al., 2007).

2.3.9 Advantages of the steady‐state methods to other methods

 I. Accuracy and Precision: Steady-state methods provide accurate and precise measurements

of thermal properties.

II. Definite and fundamental technique for low conductivity specimens.

III. Acceptable time consumption

IV. Acceptable few test samples. (Yüksel 2016)

 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS

This chapter summarizes the techniques used in carrying out the measurement of thermal

properties of three different samples of roofing materials

3.1 Materials

Lee disc apparatus, three (3) mercury in glass thermometer, glycerine, multimeter, specimen

samples such as stone coated steel, Aluminium coated , zinc , D.C voltage regulator,

vernier caliper, micrometer screw gauge and stop watch.

3.2 Method

The insulating material which was collected from different location across gwagwalada were

processed to form thin disc of the same diameter as that of the copper disc in the Lee disc

apparatus. The samples diameter and thickness were measured with a vernier caliper and

micrometer screw gauge respectively.

The equipment used for this work employed electrical heating without the need for cooling

measurements, unlike that of Lee-Charlton’s method which utilize a steam chest to provide a

temperature of 1000C on one side of the sample and subsequently cooling measurements in order

to calculate the heat flow through the sample. This consists of three copper plates (A–C) drilled

to accept liquid-in-glass thermometers and a 6 W electrical plate heater of the same diameter as

the copper plates. The sample to be studied was cut to the same diameter as the copper plates

(4.2mm). The specimen was then placed between copper plates A and B. The heater was

sandwiched between plates B and C and, after tightening the clamp screw to hold all the disks

together, the power to the heater was switched on. The whole assembly was placed in an

enclosure to minimize the effects of draughts and a fourth thermometer was placed within the

enclosure, fairly close to the apparatus, to measure the ambient temperature. At the beginning of

each determination, the power from a stabilized dc supply was turned on until the average

temperature of the sample (i.e. the mean of the temperature of plates A and B) reached the

desired value. The power was then adjusted to allow the temperatures of the plates to stabilize.

As equilibrium was reached, in addition to the four temperature readings, the current and voltage
applied to the heater was monitored. When the temperature of all parts of the apparatus had been

stable to within 0.10C for 30 min, a value for the thermal conductivity of the specimen (k) of

thickness d and radius r was calculated using Eq. (1).

 CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 RESULT

Table 1 Shows the computed thermal properties of the insulating materials

Thermal Conductivity k Thermal Resistivity R Thermal Diffusivity α

Material
( Wm−1 K−1 ) ( mK W −1) ( × 10−7 m 2 /s )

1. Zinc 0.1717 5.8244 0.1352

Aluminium
2. 0.1733 5.7709 1.2332
coated

stone

3. coated 0.4197 2.3828 2.6861

steel
4.2 Graphical representation of the computed thermal properties

0.45

0.4

0.35
Thermal Conductivity

0.3

0.25

0.2

0.15

0.1

0.05

0
Zinc Aluminium coated stone coated steel

Sample

Figure 4.1: Graph of thermal Conductivity against Sample

Figure 4.2: Graph of thermal Resistivity against Sample

 Figure 4.3: Graph of thermal Diffusivity against Sample

4.3 DISCUSSION
The thermal properties of insulating material are intrinsic in nature. The accuracy of any

numerical heat transfers analysis depends majorly on the input material of the thermal properties.

From the result obtained for the five insulating material, zinc was observed to have the least

thermal conductivity while the highest was associated with stone coated steel (figure 4.1). This

was also observed for thermal diffusivity (figure 4.3). The result obtained for the thermal

resistivity (figure 4.2) shown similar trend with that of the density of the insulating material

used. This is expected because any material with high density has a very strong ability to resist

the amount of heat penetrating through it, therefore resulting into low conductivity. Any material

with high value of conductivity must definitely have low resistivity and vice versa; due to the

fact the conductivity is the inverse of the resistivity.

Zinc and aluminum coated are the material associated with higher density and their respective

resistivity values was as well obtained to be higher. Stone coated steel being a plastic material

(thermoplastic) may probably behave in the same manner as metallic material. If the heat should
pass through it, there is tendency for infinitesimal expansion and which later contract therefore

increasing the level of thermal conductivity?

A material with high thermal conductivity or low heat capacity will obviously have a large

thermal diffusivity. The larger the diffusivity, the faster the propagation of heat into the medium.

A small value of thermal diffusivity Table 1: Show the computed thermal properties of the

insulating materials means that heat is mostly absorbed by the material and a small amount of

heat is conducted further reported in their work that the higher density of the material, the lower

the thermal conductivity and the slower the temperature propagation (thermal diffusivity)

becomes.

Stone coated steel, is a thermoplastic material. It is very versatile and is a widely known and

used compound. Heat is conventionally found to diffuse from higher region to lower region

which therefore tend to increase the thermal conductivity of any material which have similar

behavior to metal such as stone coated steel. Stone coated steel is found to have double layer

with vacuum in between, this may increase the diffusivity of heat produced. Although, the rate at

which heat diffuses through the first layer may be high but might have been reduce (cooled off)

on entering into the vacuum before reaching the second layer. Being the lightest, highest

diffusivity may be experienced. With the result obtained in Figure 4.1 and 4.3, stone coated steel

absorbed more heat compared to other insulating material in the order of: Zinc ¿ aluminum

coated ¿ stone coated steel that hardens after polymerisation is not suitable for insulating and

protecting wires and cables

An important function of aluminum coated in a construction is to provide fire resistance by

delaying temperature rises in the construction. When exposed to fire attack, the free water and
the chemically bound water in gypsum plasterboard are gradually driven off at temperatures

above 100∘ C . Aluminum coated contains free water and chemically bound water, which is a key

factor in providing fire resistance. The free water content in aluminum coated is about 3 % by

weight, depending on the ambient temperature condition. For dry gypsum, the chemically bound

water is approximately 21 % by weight. The chemically bound water is dehydrated at high

temperatures. The first dehydration reaction converts calcium sulphate dihydrate ( CaSO 4 .2 H 2 O )

into calcium sulphate hemihydrates ( CaSO 4 .1/2 H 2 O ), also known as 'Plaster of Paris'. Hence,

aluminum coated is hydroscopic. Due to the chemical composition such as calcium sulphate and

other ingredients involve, they undergo endothermic decomposition at a particular temperature

and thus delays the temperature increase in the material. By implication, aluminum coated and

zinc being a carbonated materials, could be regarded as the safest ceiling material in terms of

resistance to combustion in the cause of fire outbreak. This was due to the flame retardant and

elemental properties inherent in the two materials.

The result obtained for the insulating material showed that in tropical region, during the day it is

advisable to use either Zinc or aluminum coated as the roofing insulating material since its

conductivity is found to be lower compare to the others, therefore reducing the propagation of

heat into the medium. Having investigates the thermal properties, it is also necessary to consider

the cost implication. Zinc is however recommended for the lower or middle class who cannot

cope with the exorbitant cost of aluminum coated .

Generally, the poorer the conductivity of a material, the better its suitability as a insulating

material. The value of the thermal conductivity for aluminum coated in this study fall within the

range 0.09−0.18 Wm−1 K−1. It was as well suggested that if aluminum coated is with larger
thermal conductivity, it may simply due to large amount of calcium carbonate which possibly

has a strong endothermic decomposition reaction recommended aluminum coated and Zinc as

the ceiling materials that would have good thermal insulation efficiency when compared to stone

coated steel and hardboard.

The results of the thermal conductivity values obtained (Table 1) for all the insulating material

investigated, falls within the limit specified by for good construction and heat insulating

materials which ranges from 0.023-2.9 Wm−¿ ¿ 1 K −1.

 CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Conclusion

In this study, thermal properties of insulating material were investigated using the Lee's disc

method. The result obtained revealed that Zinc and aluminum coated are the suitable material to

be used in the tropical zone having considered the conductivity, diffusivity and resistivity as the

major factor for any building engineer. The best thermal insulators have the lowest thermal

conductivity; this is the property of a material that measures how well it can conduct heat

through its mass. The lower the conductivity measure, the less well a material is able to conduct

heat, thus enabling it to trap heat or protect contents from outside heat. However, from the

economic point of view, it is commendable to choose an insulating material with a lower thermal

conductivity and more affordability to average number of inhabitants when considering housing

construction in a densely populated area.

5.3 RECOMMENDATION
Base on the results of comparative study of thermal properties some of roofing materials, the

following recommendations are made for the builders in Nigeria:

1. Builders in Gwagwalada should put climate and weather of particular location into

consideration before choosing roofing materials to avoid thermal discomfort.

2. Builders in Gwagwalada should go for the best roofing materials suitable for their location,

without considering the cost implication for thermal comfort.

3. Department of physics should provide adequate equipment for measuring thermal properties

of solid material and make it accessible to students to make their research easier.
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