Block homes - how to keep them cool         Ventilation essential for best results       Tests on products

How to Keep Heat OUT in Summer and IN in Winter

How? - You redirect the heat back to its source

In summer Reflect the heat back to the sun

 In winter Reflect it back to the heater

The double-sided, multi-layered Thermal Control Membrane (TCM) works both ways when installed correctly.

       Above the ceiling                          On external walls

Bulk insulation, such as fibreglass,  traps heat in air pockets, slowing down (not stopping) heat movement.  

In summer, above the ceiling, downward moving heat is temporarily stored in air pockets formed by the fibreglass and some moves into the home.                                                                                                                                                          

In winter, above the ceiling, some upward moving heat is stored in air pockets formed by the fibreglass and some moves into the roof space, then to the outside air.

To reduce the use of air-conditioners in summer and heaters in winter place TCM on top of the bulk insulation                         

 << TCM on top of bulk insulation

The upper facing surfaces reflect the heat up and the downward facing surfaces reflect the heat down.

If you live in a hot climate which has mild winters keeping heat in is not a concern.

Your concern is to keep heat OUT so don't bother to install bulk insulation.

Install TCM as shown in the images below:

Partial installation >     Completed installation > 

Here are some great TCM features and benefits

1. TCM can be placed between the joists, instead across them, making installation easier and faster.

2. Staples or other fasteners are not required, making it safer, faster and easier to install.

3. TCM conducts only minimal electrical current  (insulator base with very thin coverage of aluminium) 

4. Light weight - TCM4 weighs about 60 grams per sq m (2 oz/sq yd),making it easier to install and easy to transport, (180 sq m of TCM4 can fit into a box 500mm x 500mm x 300mm).   

5. Highly reflective - can reflect up to 98% of the heat producing infra red rays, making it cooler in summer and warmer in winter

Ventilation    Why mention ventilation here?

Because hot air, built up in the attic (roof space) must be removed to allow any insulation a chance to work efficiently.

Natural airflow is best but difficult to achieve so alternatives must be adopted.

For maximum heat extraction investment in air 'extractors' is your best option.

Power extractor fan           http://www.savenrg.com/venting.htm

Wind driven extractor fan     http://www.windworker.com.au/index.html

Fan assisted extractor

Solar Fans                                                                                                                                                                                                 

The concept is great but do they really work?

Solar fans are adversely affected by the lack of sun, which could be the result of cloud cover, shade from trees and tall buildings, and sunset.

After sunset there is, usually, in the home, still a lot of stored heat to be dispersed.

In hot climates, comfort levels within the home, without air-conditioning, are not normally reached until many hours after sunset. With block homes the heat is moving in all day and night - 24/7

News Flash!

Soon available in Australia is a combination wind/solar fan - after sunset the wind continues to extract, which would go a long way to resolving the residual heat problem. Also combination Solar/Wind/AC power fans which take over when the sun and wind are absent.

<<< Solar/Wind fan                                                                      Solar/Wind/AC power fan >>>>    

For product purchase or more information phone,

mobile 04 21 90 21 90

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