Principles of Thermal Insulation

Based on the causes identified for heat transfer, the following general principles govern the thermal insulation:

1. Materials of low thermal conductivity have to be adopted. That is the material used should have adequate heat insulation value.
2. As the thermal resistance of a material is directly varies with the thickness and so the material to be provided should have adequate thickness.
3. Provision of open spaces like cavity walls provides excellent means of thermal insulation.
4. External exposure of windows, ventilators and doors play a major role and hence the orientation of the building and positioning of doors and windows play a vital role.
5. To some extent thermal insulation can be achieved by providing sunshades, increasing the height of parapet walls, etc., can reduce the heat transfer.