Ultraviolet exposure and thermal mass variation on surface temperature responses in building materials

With the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service documenting the hottest temperatures ever recorded in Europe during the summer of 2023, the demand for heat-resistant construction materials becomes critical. This study, undertaken in Madrid, addresses this escalating issue by investigating the response of conventional construction materials (brick, wood, granite, and concrete) to ultraviolet (UV) solar radiation and ambient temperature. Moreover, the study examines innovative laminated plasterboard systems like Pladur®, emphasizing their potential in mitigating the urban heat island effect. We hypothesized that the materials’ surface temperature would increase proportionally with higher UV indexes. Additionally, we hypothesized that materials with greater thermal mass values would display a less significant temperature increase upon exposure to a constant high ambient temperature condition. We also proposed a third hypothesis: high UV radiation exerts greater influence in surface temperature responses of materials than ambient temperature alone. The results obtained affirm the hypotheses, revealing a positive proportional relationship between the UV index and surface temperature. Notably, Pladur® emerged as a heat-resistant alternative during the study. The thermal mass experiment highlights the importance of opting for high thermal mass construction materials, like concrete or granite, in hot climates. Despite inherent limitations, including uncertainties in temperature readings, this study yields valuable insights into the interplay between UV exposure and thermal mass on construction materials. The findings suggest the potential of laminated plasterboard systems in sustainable urban construction, signaling a shift toward energetically efficient, insulating building solutions.