Temperature coefficient (often called thermal conductivity or thermal transmittance) is a physical property of a material that describes its ability to transfer heat. Specifically, the temperature coefficient measures how quickly heat passes through a material when a temperature difference exists between two points of different temperatures. The temperature coefficient is measured in units of watts per metre per Kelvin (W/(m*K)). Lower temperature coefficient means better thermal insulation.
How to understand the temperature coefficient values:
• Lower value is better.
A lower temperature coefficient means that the material is a better insulator because less heat energy passes through the material at a given temperature difference.
• Unit values.
The temperature coefficient is expressed in units of W/(m*K), which means that it is measured in watts per metre per Kelvin. The lower the value, a better thermal insulation..
• Material type.
Different materials have different temperature coefficient values. For example, air is a very good insulator with a low temperature coefficient, while metals have a high temperature coefficient, which means they conduct heat very well.
The three most commonly used insulation materials ranked from best insulating to worst:
1) Excellent (USED IN THE KODIMA)
PUR - polyurethane foam. This foam is often used as an insulating material in various forms and it offers good thermal insulation.
2) Good (USED IN THE KODIMA)
Polystyrene. Extruded polystyrene (XPS) and expanded polystyrene (EPS) are other materials with good thermal insulation properties.
The thermal coefficient of expanded polystyrene (EPS), which is often used as an insulation material, can be approximately 0.032 to 0.038 W/(m*K). This value may vary depending on the specific type of polystyrene and its density.
3) Weak (WE DON'T USE IT)
Mineral wool. In addition to glass wool, it also includes basalt and rock wools, which are mainly used for insulation as a secondary part of the insulation.
The temperature coefficient of mineral wool, which is used to measure its thermal performance, may vary depending on the specific type of mineral wool. For common mineral wools, such as basalt wool or glass wool, the typical temperature coefficient ranges from approximately 0.038 to 0.052W/(m*K). This value reflects a material's ability to dissipate heat and is important in assessing the thermal insulation performance of a material.
These values are not the only reason why we do not use mineral wool in the Kodima.
We take into account also other factors.
Mineral wool is one of the insulation materials that can partially sink downwards in walls due to gravity, creating spaces between the insulation boards and the wall. This process is known as "settling" or " bedding" of the insulation.
Several factors can contribute to this phenomenon:
Vibrations and shocks: Vibrations and shocks in the building can cause mineral wool particles to settle down, creating empty spaces above the insulation.
Gravity: Mineral wool might be heavier than other insulation materials and therefore more prone to succumb to gravity than other materials such as polystyrene foam or polyurethane foam.
Poor fastening: If the insulation is improperly secured or improperly installed, this can contribute to its bedding.
WE UNDERSTAND that mineral wool is more affordable. However, for us the advantages of this material are not sufficient. Why? Because we build breakthrough homes of the latest generation and we care about the quality. We pay attention to the details, which include the insulating elements.
P.S.: The thickness we use is 150 mm EPS and 160 mm PUR. Our buildings have no thermal bridges, thus creating a perfect insulated KODIMA house.
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