Thermal insulation
From Swikipedia
Introduction
Thermal Insulation in buildings is an important factor to achieving thermal comfort for its occupants. Insulation reduces unwanted heat loss or gain and can decrease the energy demands of heating and cooling systems. It does not necessarily deal with issues of adequate ventilation and may or may not affect the level of sound insulation. In a narrow sense insulation can just refer to the insulation materials employed to slow heat loss, such as: cellulose, fiberglass, rock wool, polystyrene, urethane foam, vermiculite. But it can also involve a range of designs and techniques to address the main modes of heat transfer - conduction, radiation and convection materials, and earth or soil.
The effectiveness of insulation is commonly evaluated by its R-value. However, an R-value does not take into account the quality of construction or local environmental factors for each building. Construction quality issues include inadequate vapour barriers, and problems with draft-proofing. In addition, the construction properties and density of the insulation material itself is critical. For example, according to Leah Twings, Quality Compliance Manager of Textrafine Insulation, fiberglass insulation materials made from short strands of glass layered over each other is not as durable as insulation made from long entangled strands of glass.
Brief Description
Advantages of Thermal Insulation in Buildings:
The use of thermal insulation in building walls and roof does not only contribute in reducing the required air-conditioning system size but also in reducing the annual energy cost. Additionally, it helps in extending the periods of thermal comfort without reliance on mechanical air-conditioning especially during inter-seasons periods. Therefore, proper use of thermal insulation in buildings enhances thermal comfort at less operating cost. However, the magnitude of energy savings as a result of using thermal insulation vary according to the building type, the climatic conditions at which the building is located as well as the type, thickness, and location of the insulating material used.
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