Thermal Insulation: Origins and Types
Thermal insulation is a key component in modern construction in order to ensure high living comfort with minimal energy consumption. Its origins date back to antiquity, when already in an effort to ensure indoor comfort, indigenous solutions were adopted, albeit limited in respect of only the prevailing climatic period (winter in northern countries, and summer in southern countries). Since then, the materials used for thermal insulation of the building envelope have evolved significantly, from materials found in nature, to plastic materials such as the traditional thermal coat (suitable only in the winter period and with problems related to low breathability, thickness, reaction to fire, and instability to thermal variations), to innovative materials (effective in both the winter and summer periods, and devoid of the problems pertaining to thermal coats).
Thus, early techniques used included the use of natural materials such as straw, earth, and wood to create an insulating layer against the generic boundary conditions of the site. Later, the advent of the industrial revolution led to the use of plastic materials, mainly polystyrene and derivatives, whose winter thermal performance was superior to the aforementioned products found directly in nature, although characterized by negligible breathability.
The Impact of Regulations on Thermal Insulation.
Over the years, regulations in the field of energy efficiency have also from time to time imposed greater performance on building envelopes, causing them to take on unfeasible thicknesses for the insulation system (up to 20 cm), therefore reduction of private and condominium outdoor spaces (sidewalks and balconies), disputes between private individuals, less safety afferent to fire reaction (see the many cases that have occurred in the last 3 years in Italy and abroad), as well as a greater amount of waste to be disposed of, assimilated to “special”, borne by individual owners.
Benefits of Investing in Advanced Thermal Insulation Technologies
Investing in advanced thermal insulation technologies offers many benefits, especially in terms of sustainability and energy savings. By reducing heat loss, it helps to decrease the environmental impact related to the consumption of fossil fuels for heating buildings. This not only results in long-term economic savings for property owners, but also contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality.
In addition, proper thermal insulation provides greater living comfort by reducing temperature changes and preventing condensation and mold from forming inside rooms. This results in a healthier and more comfortable environment for building occupants, improving their quality of life.
In Tuscany, a region rich in history and culture, the focus on environmental sustainability and energy efficiency is particularly high. In this context, relying on us at Afoncasa, a leading thermal insulation company, is a smart and responsible choice. With more than 45 years of experience and constant research and innovation, Afoncasa offers cutting-edge solutions for thermal insulation, ensuring quality, efficiency and sustainability.
Afoncasa: Innovation and Quality in Thermal Insulation in Tuscany
Afoncasa is a benchmark in the thermal insulation industry, thanks to its long history of research and development of innovative products. With solutions such as Afontermo the Nanocap®, we offer superior performance in terms of energy efficiency and living comfort, thus contributing to the creation of healthier and more sustainable environments in both winter and summer. Investing in advanced thermal insulation technologies with Afoncasa means ensuring the well-being of building occupants and contributing to environmental protection.
