Short History of Thermal Insulation and Radiation Control Technologies Used in Architecture

Abstract

This chapter discusses the history of major and most common types of building thermal insulation, which is probably as long as human civilization. Different types of thermal insulation materials have been used in buildings to reduce heat transfer between different building components or structures of varying temperatures, with best known applications in building envelopes. In practice, the exterior building skin should perform a variety of different roles that include keeping the exterior climate outside by limiting the transfer of heat, water, and air, in order to maintain comfortable interior conditions. A particular role, however, is reserved for thermal insulation, which is responsible for minimizing the heat exchange between the exterior environment and the interior space of a building. The mitigation of heat transport is the primary reason for thermal insulation materials being so widely used in buildings. The use of thermal insulation materials greatly impacts the following: In these applications, thermal insulation is a key component of the building interior fabric or exterior envelope. Additional functions often provided by thermal insulation include: a visual and daylight connection to the outdoors (windows and skylights), reduction of noise transmission, support of structural loads, and aesthetically pleasing appearance on both sides of the building envelope. Furthermore, a number of configurations of thermal insulation and heat conducting components, generate thermal bridging effects in various parts of the building skin and architectural interfaces. They can significantly impact thermal performance of building envelopes and also their long-term durability. During the last two centuries thermal insulation technologies have changed significantly, and the chapter below discusses these changes for the most popular categories of insulation.