Understanding the concept of surface heating of floors and walls:

Construction materials such as brick, stone, and concrete, called thermal mass, by which floors and walls are made of, have a high heat storage capacity coupled with moderate thermal conductivity.

The heat travels between the material’s surface and its interior at a rate that matches the daily heating and cooling cycle of buildings.

It is pertinent to mention here that some materials, like wood and plywood, which are also often used in the making of floors and walls, have high heat capacity, but their thermal conductivity is relatively low, limiting the rate at which heat is absorbed during the day and released at night.

Steel which is used in making elevators, mechanical escalators and lifts, can also store heat, but in contrast to wood, it has a very high rate of thermal conductivity, which means heat is absorbed and released too quickly to be synchronized with a building’s natural heat flow.

In summer, walls and floors with thermal mass will steadily absorb heat at their surface, conduct it inwardly, and store it until exposed to the cooler air of the evening or night. At this point, heat will begin to migrate back to the surface and is released. In this way, heat moves in a wave-like motion alternately being absorbed and released in response to the change in day and night-time conditions.

The ability to absorb and release heat in this fashion enables buildings with thermal mass to respond naturally to changing conditions, help stabilize, internal temperature and provide an overall self-regulating environment.

When used correctly, this stabilizing effect will help prevent overheating problems during the summer, reducing the need for mechanical cooling. Similarly, the ability to absorb heat can also help to reduce fuel usage during the heating season by capturing and then releasing solar gains and heat from internal appliances.

In short radiant and convective cooling/heating provided by thermal mass in the floor and walls, absorb heat and help stabilize the internal temperature.

Therefore, this process has an immense application in the current context.

Moreover, in hot summer days, a room with proper roof ventilators give the necessary soothing effect to the people living there.

However, the comfort of having a room temperature between 18°C

Wishkarma - Find Indian interior designs, building products, local suppliers, architects, craftsmen, Bathroom kitchen floor tiles, Ceramic mosaic floor tile and White tiles for wall. Contact us today.