ABSTRACT: Natural ventilation has served as an effective passive cooling design strategy to comfort and reduction energy used by air-conditioning systems, especially, for tropical regions where the temperature and humidity are generally high. The balconies are architectural elements characterized by shaded areas and permanent ventilation with a significant impact on comfort and distribution of air flow inside the building. This research aims to analyze the thermal performance of what is becoming a very common practice of glazing of the balconies in Vitória, a tropical city localized in southeast of Brazil. The nuisance caused by air pollution in this region, accounts for up to 25% of the complaints to the local Environmental Agency can be the main motivation in the glazed balconies in the vertical residential buildings by the population. The methodology procedures included outdoor and indoor measurements of temperature, air humidity and air velocity in three balconies apartments. The average air temperature of 24 hours in the glazed balconies was 2° C higher than the average outdoor temperature and there was a reduction indoor ventilation rate. The balcony microclimate is altered negatively by the glass heat retention capacity and it was registered that 80% of the hours of the day not attend the comfort zone. Thus this practice it is not recommended for hot climates. The results probably contribute to the discussion about the illegal practical of glazed balconies in some Brazilian urban areas and their thermal comfort consequences.
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