24/07/2020
THERMAL CONSISTENCY (U - VALUE) OF A BUILDING
What is the U - VALUE of A Building?
The amount of heat energy a building, its material and component members emits or releases is known as the U-Value of such building.
Here is the gist: The higher the U-Value of a building or its component(member parts) the better the insulation ability of such building which enhances its comfort-ability; the lower the U-Value of a building,the need for a more insulating material or properties needed(which means when a building has low U-value rate,it tends to be cold and frost might likely occur)
A continent like Antarctica or Snow falling countries needs a higher U-Value Structure,components & materials to cope with such weather condition..While in northern Nigeria,a low U-Value Building structure,components and material is needed for comfortable livelihood.
When a building has low U-value,it resists heat emission or transfer,and improves the cold condition of such structure
To determine the Thermal resistance of a Structural or building Component : the thickness(L) of a building component is divided by the Component's material thermal Conductivity(ƛ)
That's to say :
R(Heat Resistance) = L / ƛ
where R = Thermal Resistance of A Component
L = Thickness of the building Component
ƛ = constant Thermal Conductivity of the Material used in the Building Component
Therefore The U - VALUE of A Building or Its Components is determined by : U-Value = 1 / R or 1 / ƩR ( for a component made with various materials)
