Thermal Mass and Insulation: 5 Questions Answered

Have you heard of the term thermal mass? Perhaps you are aware of the term, but don’t know what it means, or where insulation fits into the equation. Read on, and we will answer all your questions about thermal mass and insulation, and how they may contribute to the energy efficiency of your home. Then, keep reading to discover where to find professional insulation installation in Melbourne.

Is Thermal Mass the Same Thing as Insulation?

Despite the fact that thermal mass and insulation are often mistaken for meaning the same thing, they are actually in fact, very different. It is important to note that while both thermal mass and insulation can work together, they should not be confused for the same thing, or meaning the same thing. They are not interchangeable.

So, what is Thermal Mass?

In simple terms, thermal mass is used to describe the ability of a material to absorb, store, and radiate, or release, heat. When discussing thermal mass, it is also necessary to consider thermal lag, which Your Home defines as, “the rate at which heat is absorbed and released by a material”.

When it comes to buildings such as homes, there are a number of materials that are said to have a high thermal mass, including concrete, bricks, and tiles. They are described as such because these materials have the ability to absorb and store heat. In contrast, materials such as fabric, or timber have a low thermal mass because they do not absorb or store heat.

When a thermal mass is considered and used appropriately during the design, planning, and construction of a house, this can make the home perform more effectively in terms of energy efficiency. However, it might surprise you to know that ineffective use of thermal mass, or a lack of proper consideration, can actually have the opposite effect. This can result in a less comfortable, and less energy-efficient home.

In practice, thermal mass actually acts as a kind of battery, because of its ability to absorb and store heat. For instance, during the colder months, thermal mass absorbs heat throughout the day, storing it until night, when it re-radiates it back into the home or building.

What is the Science Behind Thermal Mass?

Thermal mass is known as VHC – volumetric heat capacity, and this capacity is calculated by multiplying the specific heat capacity of a material by its density. You might be wondering what the specific heat capacity is, and this term refers to the amount of energy that is needed to raise the temperature of 1kg of a material by 1 degree Celsius. This all means that the higher the VHC of a material, the higher its thermal mass.

And How is Insulation Different?

In contrast, insulation differs from thermal mass because it is a material that is able to slow, resist, or block the flow of heat energy. Insulation is indeed a passive design element, or consideration, as thermal mass is, but it is different from thermal mass in that it is capable of keeping heat inside during winter and preventing it from entering during the warmer months. The effectiveness of insulation in doing so is determined by the total R-value of said insulation.

There are two types of insulation: bulk and reflective: Bulk insulation comes with one R-value for any given thickness and includes materials that you may be familiar with such as glass wool, batts, and rolls, as well as polyester batts, rolls, and more. This type of insulation has a structure that uses pockets of trapped air to resist the transfer of heat. Further, reflective insulation is generally a shiny aluminium foil that is laminated onto plastic or paper and uses this reflectivity to radiate heat flow. For this to be effective though, there must be an air layer of a minimum of 25 millimetres next to the shiny, reflective surface of the insulation.

When a home is well insulated, this insulation keeps the temperature of a house, workplace, or other building stable and comfortable year-round. This is an essential component of any home, and this is why insulation differs from, and cannot be replaced by thermal mass.

Can They Both Work Together?

Yes. The consideration of thermal mass in combination with the application of insulation is part of passive design, which is great for the energy efficiency of a home, workplace, or other building. This is ideal because energy-efficient homes have many benefits. These include the potential for reduced energy bills due to a comfortable temperature within your home, and a positive impact on the environment, due to a reduced need for heating and cooling.

Do You Need Insulation Installation in Melbourne?

Look no further than Insulation Essentials for professional insulation installation. Backed by over 30 years of industry experience, we are proud to offer you the very best in industry knowledge, alongside competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service.

So, when you need insulation installation in Melbourne, please contact us at 03 8339 7111, or fill out our online contact form, and we will be happy to help with your enquiry.