Methods of Thermal Insulation

Based on the causes of heat transfer, the areas to be concentrated for heat insulation accordingly the methods to be adopted are:

1. Thermal Insulation of roofs
2. Thermal Insulation of exposed walls
3. Thermal Insulation of external windows, and doors

1. Thermal Insulation of Roofs

The insulation can be done on outside or inside of a roof. Generally it is better to put a thermal insulation above the slab. Following methods may be adopted:

1. Heat insulating materials may be installed over the roof but below a water proof course. If it is an internal application of the material, it may be fixed by adhesives or otherwise on the underside of the roofs.
2. False ceiling may be provided inside by insulating material with certain air gaps.
3. On the top of the roof reflecting insulating material may be laid.
4. Air spaces may be provided on the top of the flat roof by using asbestos sheets over the bricks.
5. Spraying water regularly on the top of the roof may reduce the heat flow.
6. White-washing of roof before onset of each summer also prevents heat transfer.
7. Providing adequate shading on the exposed roof surface also reduces the heat flow.

2. Thermal Insulation of Exposed Walls

1. Increase in thickness of walls to some extent forms a thermal insulator. But it is expensive.
2. Providing cavity walls effectively acts as a thermal insulator.
3. Heat insulating materials may be used along with other building materials during the construction of walls.
4. Heat insulators explained earlier may be installed or fixed on the inside and outside of the exposed wall in order to reduce the thermal transmittance.
5. For partition walls air spacing may be created by fixing sheathing of hard boards or battens on either side of the wall.
6. Exposed surfaces may be white-washed or light colour distemper may be used on the exposed surface.

3. Thermal Insulations of External Windows and Doors

Heat is considerably transmitted through windows and doors which are exposed. This can be reduced by adopting the following method:

1. The incidence of solar heat on exposed doors and windows have to be reduced. This can be done by use of external shading such as louvered shutters, sun breakers, chajjas, etc. Internal shading such as curtains in heavy folds and venition blinds may be used. In the glazed windows, the heat reduction may be achieved by insulating glass or double glass with air space may be used.