The two major functions of thermal (building) insulation are to control temperatures of inside surfaces that affect the comfort of occupants and aid or deter condensation; and to conserve energy by reducing heat transmission. Applying insulation also perform other functions such as adding structural strength to a wall, ceiling, or floor; provide surface finish support; stop water vapor transmission; reduce damage to equipment and structure from exposure to fire or freezing conditions; and reduce noise and vibration.

Thermal insulation covers a broad range - from absolute zero to 1649 degress Celcius. These broad range are subdivided into four types that will help classify insulation application:

1. Low Temperatures: Insulation for vessels containing very low temperatures (cryogenic).

2. Ambient Temperatures: Insulation for building structures.

3. Medium Temperatures: Insulation for pipes, tanks, and equipment in industrial process heat applications.

4. High Temperatures: Insulation used for foundry, aerospace industry, nuclear power facilities and other high heat requirement industries.

Architects and builders usually deal with insulations in the ambient temperature range. There is really no straight rule on how much insulation to use, the amount needed varies from building to building and from one locality to another. It depends partly on the climate and to some extent what the house is built of, how well it is built, and how well maintained. It also depends on how well it is shaded from the sun (countries in hot climates like the Philippines).

Insulating your home, if done correctly, will have two important results, it will save you money on energy bills; and add to the comfort of your home. All homes where artificial heat is required or where the heat of the sun is intense should be insulated. Even in a well-constructed house, heat will pass through the roof and even walls if there is no thermal insulation.

Insulation should be installed whenever possible during the construction of the house or added to an existing house. They will cost you a bit, but the results and comfort in the long run is more than enough to pay for the cost.

If you have a naturally cool house utilizing cross ventilation and solar orientation planned by your architect, call yourself lucky! But for the unlucky ones stuck to their existing hot homes, I have prepared a checklist that you may find useful.

Obviously, the best way to keep your home cool during the summer is to use an air conditioner to keep the temperature down, but there are other options. Air conditioning provides some relief. But the initial costs of installing an air conditioner and the electricity costs to run it can be high.

Excessive humidity can cause the temperature to feel higher than it actually is. Reducing the humidity level by using a dehumidifier is a good way to make your home feel cooler and to keep it more comfortable.

Ceiling fans are a great choice. They circulate the air through a space more effectively than many other types of fans. To utilize fans most effectively, you should open another window in a different area of the home to create a cross draft.

Apply heat reflective window film to windows that receive direct sunlight. Heat reflective window film is simple to install and affordable. If you prefer to use items you already have in your home, try leaving insulated drapes in place, instead of replacing them with lighter window treatments during hot months. Close the drapes during the hottest part of the day or during times when the sun shines through a particular window.

Reflect heat by installing an insulation barrier on the underside of your roof. The barrier comes in  foil type and “bubbled plastic types” sandwiched by a sheet of aluminum foil. When installed correctly, it can reduce heat gains through your ceiling by about 25%.

Use shading devices. Those devices block the sun’s rays and absorb or reflect the solar heat. Exterior shading devices include awnings, louvers,shutters, rolling shutters and solar screens.

Awnings are very effective because they block direct sunlight. They are usually made of fabric or metal and are attached above the window and extend down and out. A properly installed awning can reduce heat gain up to 65% A light-colored awning does double duty by also reflecting sunlight. One disadvantage of awnings is that they can block views.

Louvers are attractive because their adjustable slats control the level of sunlight entering your home and, depending on the design, can be adjusted from inside or outside your house. The slats can be vertical or horizontal. Louvers remain fixed and are attached to the exteriors of window frames.

Shutters are movable wooden or metal coverings that, when closed, keep sunlight out. Shutters are either solid or slatted with fixed or adjustable slats. Besides reducing heat gain, they can provide privacy and security.

Rolling shutters have a series of horizontal slats that run down along a track. Rolling shades use a fabric. These are the most expensive shading options, but they work well and can provide security. Many exterior rolling shutters or shades can be conveniently controlled from the inside. One disadvantage is that when fully extended, they block all light.

Solar screens resemble standard window screens except they keep direct sunlight from entering the window, cut glare, and block light without blocking the view or eliminating air flow. They also provide privacy by restricting the view of the interior from outside your house. Solar screens come in a variety of colors and screening materials to compliment any home.

Heat is really a problem during summer, do not forget though that this only lasts for 3 months. So, let’s keep our heads cool as well. This season is also the best time to start patching your roof, looking through your ceiling and replacing your worn-out gutter because rainy season starts on the month of June.