Reflective Insulation for Energy Conservation in South East Asia

Affordable retrofitting methods to achieve thermal comfort for a terrace house in Malaysia with a hot–humid climate

“…In addition to the reduction in heat by a double-skin roof, the installation of a heat-insulation layer in the attic under the roof is an alternative method applied in tropical regions [20]. The insulated roof could reduce heat transfer through the ceiling by 80-90% [32]. By experimentally assessing the thermal performance of an insulated roof, Kachkouch et al [29] demonstrated that the air temperature in the test cell reduced by 9.9 °C.…”

“…By experimentally assessing the thermal performance of an insulated roof, Kachkouch et al [29] demonstrated that the air temperature in the test cell reduced by 9.9 °C. Although it is widely known that solar heat gain through the roof is considerable in low-rise terrace houses [18][19][20]32] and solar shielding of the roofs [21,22] could reduce the primary heat gain in low-rise buildings, this common knowledge has not been implemented as affordable design for residential buildings in many developing countries, particularly low-cost houses, suggesting a knowledge gap between the academic community, the construction industry, and the policy makers.…”