Flooring materials for passive solar floor slab designs where direct solar gain and passive solar heat storage are desired.
Thermal mass flooring options.
When building you may put a lot of thought into the floor coverings but what about the sub floor structure.
Rule of thumb glass to mass ratios for different climates.
How to makes designers and builders work together like a well oiled machine.
If you cover your thermal mass concrete slab floor with carpets or vinyl you will reduce much of the sun s radiation being absorbed into the floor and less of the heat will be released later when it is colder.
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Both are important to ensure a sustainable result.
For example carpets and timber floors will minimise the ability of thermal mass to absorb and release heat as they work as additional insulation.
Glass to mass ratios in australian cities.
Double glazed areas of 20 25 of floor area snug drapes and pelmets should also be used.
Questions answers about how to choose a finish floor to be installed over a.
Double glazed windows with drapes and pelmets 15 20 of floor area.
Glass area 12 15 of floor area.
Moreover colours and coverings can influence the performance of thermal mass.
Baggs mortenson 2006.
Planning windows so that they expose a high thermal mass floor to the sun during daylight hours will also help to lower your costs.