Thermal insulation is the reduction of heat

transfer (the transfer of thermal energy

between objects of differing temperature)

Thermal insulation in building is the retention

of heat within the building irrespective of the

outside temperature.

Thermal insulation, materials used to reduce

the rate of heat transfer

Fibrous materials are generally good insulators.

Heat flows from higher level to lower level ,therefore in building also heat flows from hotter area to cooler area.

Heat flows as per

the capacity of

the building

materials or units

like floors ,walls ,

roofs ,doors ,

windows.

In summer the heat transfer from the out side to inside and in winter the process is reversed.

The heat in a building

structure is mainly transmitted

through the roofs, exposed walls

And exposed wall openings, such

as windows, doors, ventilators,etc.

and accordingly the

methods of heat insulation usually

adopted are as follows:

Methods of heat insulation of roofs

Methods of heat insulation of exposed walls

Methods of insulation of exposed windows, doors & ventilators etc

Heat insulating materials are applied internally or externally to the roofs. In case of external application, heat insulating materials may be installed over the roof but below a waterproof course. In case of internal application, heat insulating materials may be fixed by adhesives or otherwise, on the underside of roofs from within the rooms.

Flat roofs may be kept cool by flooded water either by storing or by spraying regularly. White washing of the roof before onset of each summer also helps in heat insulation.

The false ceiling of insulating materials may be provided below the roof with air gaps in between.

Shining and reflective insulation materials may be installed or laid on the top of the roof. An air space may be created on top of flat roofs by arranging sheets of asbestos cement or corrugated galvanized iron over the bricks.

Suitable shading of roof on the exposed surfaces also reduces the surface temperature.

The thickness of the walls may be increased or decreased, depending upon the insulation used.

The heat insulating materials of different types can be installed or fixed on the inside and outside of the exposed wall in order to reduce the thermal transmittance to the desired limits. In case external application, overall water proofing should be done.

Hollow wall or cavity wall construction may be adopted.

For partition walls, an air space may be created by fixing the sheathing of hard boards or battens on either side of the walls.

Light colored white-wash or distemper may be applied on the exposed surface of the wall to increase thermal insulation value.

All windows, doors, ventilators etc. which are exposed, transmit heat to a considerable extent. The following methods can be suitably used to achieve heat insulation of exposed windows, doors etc.

Where glazed windows and doors are provided, the reduction of heat transmission may be achieved by insulating glass or double glass with air space in between or by any other suitable means.

The incidence of solar heat on exposed doors and windows can be reduced by the following means

By use of external shading, such as louvered shutters, sun breaker and chajjas or weather sheds.

By adopting internal shading, such as curtains in heavy folds, Venetian blinds etc

Maintains comfortable living conditions .

Keeps the room cooler in summer and warm in winter.

Results in lot of fuel saving and maintenance cost.

Helps in reduction of noise level ,absorbs the vibrations generated by the system, prevents the spread of fire and adding structural strength to walls or ceiling

High Thermal resistance .

Fire proof.

Chemical stability.

Water/moisture proof.

Insect proof.

Durable.

Low cost.

Light weight.

Readily available.

Cost of insulating materials

Area to be covered

Standard of insulation required

Effectiveness

Cost of energy consumed for heating and

cooling

Durability

Fiber Glass

Rock wool

Multi foil

Vermiculite

Extruded polystyrene

Pipe insulation

Slag wool

Fiber board

Flexible blanket

Saw dust

Polyurethane foam

Polystyrene

Cork board slab

Mineral wool slab

Aluminium foil

Gypsum board

Asbestos cement sheet

Chip board

Foam glass

Gasket cork sheet

Foam plastic

Fiber glass

Mineral wool

Wood shaving

FIBERGLASS-

Most common used insulation in modern times and cheap.

these can cause damage to eyes, lungs and even skin and careful handeling.

it is an excellent and non flammable materialIts the most common insulation used in modern times.

A range including glass wool and cavity wall slabs are used in lofts , partition walls and timber frame constructions .

ROCKWOOL INSULATION–

Rock wool has excellent thermal,

acoustic and fire resistance

properties and is suitable

for walls , floors and roofs.

CELLULOSE-

Most eco-friendly

Made of recycled cardboard,paper,and other similar materials

Fire resistant

Cheap and effective than fiber glass

MULTIFOIL INSULATION-

Easy and quick to install.

It requires comparatively less

space

Used for flooring and roofs

VERMICULITE INSULATION

It is light weight , affordable

and a fire proof alternative .

It is ideal for using in

chimneys , pipe lining and

flooring.

EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE INSULATION-

This product can be cut to shape and installed in

cavity walls and under floors to provide acoustic

and thermal insulation.

Polystyrene is a diverse insulation material, but

its safety is debated

.

PHENOLIC INSULATION-

This provides maximum thermal

performance with minimum

insulation thickness , making it

perfect for rooms

POLYURETHANE FOAM-

Rarely used

Good insulation product

Uses cfc gas for blowing agent

Light weight

Not ecofriendly