Sustainability >> Thermal Mass Benefits
Thermal Mass Benefits
Think of brick as a thermal battery:
“Thermal mass acts as a ‘thermal battery’. During summer it absorbs heat, keeping the house comfortable. In winter the same thermal mass can store the heat from the sun or heaters to release it at night, helping the home stay warm.”
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Think of brick as a natural air-conditioner:
In summer, brickwork’s thermal mass cools down overnight and stays cooler during the heat of the day.
As part of a well-designed building:
- Thermal mass helps to achieve thermal comfort
- Thermal mass reduces the need for air-conditioning
- Thermal mass reduces greenhouse gas emissions over the life of a building
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Research at the University of Newcastle has demonstrated that thermal mass can naturally moderate temperatures. This chart shows results from a summer heatwave. The external temperature fluctuations were moderated by brickwork to a range more consistent with human comfort. The brochures and background paper below provide more detail about the research.
Thermal Mass and the R-Value:
The most common measure of the thermal performance of a building material is its R-value. An R-value is a measure of the thermal resistance of a material. Although the use of a single number is convenient and easily understood, the R-value is only a measure of the material’s ability to insulate. The R-value is not a complete measure of a material’s thermal performance. Thermal mass is not easily measured, but is it easily found in dense materials like bricks. It is important to remember that an appropriate combination of both insulation and thermal mass (along with ventilation and orientation) will create a well designed home.
For further information refer to the following brochures:
Thermal Mass Background Paper
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Energy-Efficient Homes: Facts for Designers & Builders
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Energy-Efficient Homes: Facts for Consumers
>> Download PDFThermal Mass Links:
Thermal Mass, Building Comfort & Energy Efficiency
Ecospecifier, a leading resource for eco and healthy products, have created a guide to thermal mass. The guide can be accessed using the link below:
>> View Ecospecifier Guide
Research Paper 19: The Study of Heat Flows in Masonry Walls in a Thermal Test Building Incorporating a Window
Describes research conducetd at the University of Newcastle. Published by ThinkBrick (formerly the Clay Brick and Paver Institute).
Research Paper 18: A Comparitive Study of the Thermal Performance of Cavity and Brick Veneer Construction
Describes research conducted at the University of Newcastle. Published by ThinkBrick (formerly the Clay Brick and Paver Institute).
Energy Efficiency and The Environment - The Case for Clay Bricks
Access ThinkBrick's booklet detailing the research performed at the Universty of Newcastle into the thermal performance of clay bricks.
>> View Energy Booklet