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Impact of Roof Configurations on Indoor Condensation in High-Humidity Environments

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  • Shanglin Wu

    (School of Architecture and Planning, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China)

  • Ke Xu

    (School of Architecture and Planning, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China)

  • Wei Mo

    (School of Architecture and Planning, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China)

  • Bingjie Sun

    (School of Design, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China)

  • Bing Wang

    (School of Architecture and Planning, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China
    Guangdong Tianhui Architecture Technology Co., Ltd., Foshan 528225, China)

Abstract

In the subtropical regions of southern China, springtime is often characterized by persistently high humidity, leading to frequent condensation on building envelopes and interior surfaces. Top-floor rooms are particularly vulnerable due to their direct exposure to outdoor conditions through walls and the roof, making condensation prevention a critical concern. This study is grounded in the residential habits and spatial preferences of southern Chinese residents and evaluates three roof configurations—standard, thickened, and green roofs—using EnergyPlus (v22.1.0) simulation software to analyze their effects on indoor relative humidity levels in top-floor spaces. The results demonstrate that green roof systems significantly reduce indoor relative humidity, especially in high-rise residential buildings. Taking a 30-story residential building as an example, with a conventional roof, the indoor relative humidity remains at 100% for extended periods during high-risk condensation intervals, resulting in surface condensation. In contrast, when a green roof with a soil depth of 70 cm and daylilies at a height of 100 cm is used, the peak indoor maximum relative humidity is reduced by 10–40%, and the duration of condensation decreases to zero. Among the factors involved in green roofs, including plant height, soil depth, and leaf area index (LAI), soil depth shows a significant negative correlation with the maximum indoor relative humidity (correlation coefficient r = −0.987, p < 0.01), while the LAI exhibits a positive correlation with the maximum indoor relative humidity (r = 0.180, p < 0.05). Selecting plant species with a low LAI and increasing soil depth are effective passive strategies for humidity control and condensation prevention. These findings establish a basis for optimizing building environmental models and propose passive design strategies to enhance overall performance. In addition, the study highlights how roof greening contributes to global sustainability goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by improving indoor comfort, enhancing resilience, and reducing climate-related risks.

Suggested Citation

  • Shanglin Wu & Ke Xu & Wei Mo & Bingjie Sun & Bing Wang, 2025. "Impact of Roof Configurations on Indoor Condensation in High-Humidity Environments," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-27, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:20:p:9112-:d:1771302
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. June Hae Lee & Myoung Souk Yeo, 2020. "Condensation Control to Cope with Occupancy Activity and Effectively Mitigate Condensation in Unheated Spaces by Real-Time Sensor Control Strategy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-19, May.
    2. Jaffal, Issa & Ouldboukhitine, Salah-Eddine & Belarbi, Rafik, 2012. "A comprehensive study of the impact of green roofs on building energy performance," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 157-164.
    3. Shoumik Desai & Naga Venkata Sai Kumar Manapragada & Anoop Kumar Shukla & Gloria Pignatta, 2022. "Mould-Growth Study in Building Materials Exposed to Warm and Humid Climate Using Heat and Mass Transfer (HAMT) EnergyPlus Simulation Method," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-28, July.
    4. Jim, C.Y., 2014. "Passive warming of indoor space induced by tropical green roof in winter," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 272-282.
    5. Vera, Sergio & Pinto, Camilo & Tabares-Velasco, Paulo Cesar & Bustamante, Waldo, 2018. "A critical review of heat and mass transfer in vegetative roof models used in building energy and urban enviroment simulation tools," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 232(C), pages 752-764.
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