Thermal Conditions in Sheet Metal Clad Residential Buildings

A Case Study of Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

This research aimed to conduct a field study on sheet metal clad residential buildings with an aim to gather data to determine their thermal comfort, condensation risk, and develop a micro-climate predicting model. The geographical area for the study was Uthiru in Kiambu County. The findings of this research document the thermal comfort (and living conditions) of sheet metal clad buildings under normal residential use which are exposed to the same climatic conditions simultaneously. A web-based application software (Thermal Comfort Tool for ASHRAE-55) based on the adoptive method of ASHRAE Standard 55-2017 was used to check the compliance on the thermal comfort of the case study buildings. From the temperature and relative humidity data, absolute humidity values, and dew point temperatures were calculated thereby determining the level of condensation risk on the buildings. Use was made of Microsoft Windows Excel application to analyze the collected data and to develop a microclimate predicting model. The recommendations are specific to the case study buildings’ design adjustments that could be required and recognition for acceptability of the sheet metal clad buildings as worthy to be included in the Kenya Building Code.