Why is thermal insulation important

The advantage of PCMs is that large amounts of heat or cold can be stored within small temperature ranges. Because phase changes between solid and liquid, PCMs such as paraffin have to be encapsulated prior to use. Encapsulated paraffin PCMs are mixed with mortars applied on building envelopes. Used in combination with night cooling strategies, PCMs can be effective in preventing heat gain through the building envelope. At present, PCMs are at the research and development, and test bedding stage.

PCMs are promising technologies because they are lightweight, easy to apply and blend in well with conventional construction methods. The second development trend of thermal insulation is the innovative use of raw natural materials as thermal insulation.

An example is the use of untreated straw bales as insulation. In order to overcome a firehazard issue, straw bales are sandwiched between fire-resistant cladding materials, such as metal-based cladding, or glass panels to create aesthetic effects by making straw bales visible.

Another natural element used as thermal insulation is air, which has a thermal conductivity of about 0. Its application is often found in the provision of an air gap in cavity wall construction to enhance thermal insulation performance see figure 1. Use of air gaps is not sufficient for buildings in temperate regions, but could be sufficient for buildings in mild climate conditions. In developed and industrialised countries, building codes include requirements to safeguard minimum acceptable insulation levels for building envelopes, and thus provide the opportunity for deploying the application of thermal insulation technologies.

However, this is usually not the case in many developing countries, especially least developing countries and remote rural areas. Therefore, a critical factor leading to large scale implementation of thermal insulation in these countries is to put in place supporting policies, both incentive and mandatory measures.

In addition, the cellular plastic production process mentioned earlier involved the use of ozone depleting agents, such as HCFCs, which have switched to using neutral hydrocarbons. When sourcing cellular plastic insulation products, it is important to ensure that the specified products with production process are not associated with ozone depleting agents. It is more effective if local regulations are in place to ban products with production processes associated with ozone depleting agents.

The application requirements of most building envelope thermal insulation products include appropriate detailed design, good workmanship and appropriate product selection, handling and installation methods.

Therefore, capacity building, such as workshops to train design professionals and construction work forces in these areas are required. Unlike the straightforward process of incorporating building envelope thermal insulation in new buildings, when retrofitting existing buildings it is crucial to identify suitable locations to include thermal insulation.

The key locations are:. For both new construction and retrofitting existing buildings, it is important to understand and provide the conditions for thermal insulation products so that they can achieve their expected performances over their life span.

Good detailing and workmanship to prevent air leakage are crucial for all types of building envelope thermal insulation. It is important to pay additional attention to detail, when installing insulation materials at the electrical outlets and wiring inside walls, cutting and shaping the insulation materials to tightly enclose with the wall frame. Furthermore, as an overall quality control measure for building in extreme climatic conditions, it is recommended to have building envelope commissioning with attention paid to thermal insulation, especially in larger-scale buildings.

Building envelope thermal insulation products have been widely used in temperate regions. In many developed and industrialised countries, thermal insulation is a regulatory requirement for energy efficiency and occupant health purposes, which provide a fairly constant market for the thermal insulation manufacturers.

The market for building fabric thermal insulation products is not as large in hot and humid tropical regions, where natural ventilation, not air-tightness, is a more appropriate strategy for thermal comfort. Roof insulation, however, is applicable in all climate regions, including the hot tropical bell. The primary contribution of building envelope thermal insulation is to provide thermal comfort to its occupants.

This supports healthy living environments and better productivity at workplaces. Thermal insulation reduces unwanted heat loss or heat gain through a building envelope. This, in turn, reduces energy demand for cooling and heating of buildings, and thus is a mitigation measure to reduce GHG emissions. The location of the insulation in a conventional roof system poses a few disadvantages.

When inspecting, look signs of the following:. Membrane aging. This, in turn, accelerates the oxidation and evaporation of volatile oils in bitumen-based membranes. Look for brittle, cracked or alligatoring surfaces. This is also caused by ultraviolet degradation. Thermally induced expansion and contraction. The roof membrane may experience increased expansion and contraction from the increased surface temperature and rapid daily temperature changes.

Rapid daily temperatures are caused by the lack of heat transfer through the roof assembly. During a hot day, the roof membrane directly next to the insulation becomes much hotter than the exposed surface and air temperature. This can also cause membrane aging, along with ridging, splitting, and lap-shear stress. Long-term thermally induced expansion and contraction can also cause the insulation to shift.

Look for changes in the membrane surface. Moisture within the roofing system. The interior and exterior surface temperature range caused by thermal insulation may increase the likelihood of water vapor entering through the warm side and condensing within the roof system. You can also use sealants to stop draughts through cracks and gaps.

An insulator is inserted to the wall through drilling holes which are then refilled with cement. If you have solid walls you can choose between internal and external insulation.

External insulation typically covers the entire facade of the property while internal is generally applied to inner rooms. This is more expensive than cold loft but usually is a better insulator. Make sure you have double glazed windows and doors! This is, having at least two panels of glass some millimetres apart instead of a single glass.

Double glazing will also protect you from outer noise, keeping your home warm and silent! This might be very expensive, make sure if you really need it depending on the type of floor you have. Usually, modern houses have insulators under the concrete floor surface , but older houses with suspended floors will need some investment.

One very accessible alternative for floor insulation is placing good rugs all around. This will also give you a nice feeling when walking! You can heat your house and make your own electricity by applying some green energy systems that will eventually pay for themselves. There are many government incentives such as the Green Home Grants and the Smart Export Guarantee regarding green energy for domestic use, either if you want to install solar panels, solar water heating systems, or heat pumps.

You can get free and no-obligation quotes by filling a form on GreenMatch. This will make your research a lot easier!

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