44 Ways #20: Use Thermal Mass to Maintain Even Temperatures

Hello! This is Episode 420. This is Way #20 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series, and we’re continuing through Section Five: The Building Envelope, A Sustainable Skin.

In the last episode, Way #19, we covered airtightness and ventilation. We talked about what it means to build tight, why homes don’t need to breathe, and what ‘ventilating right’ looks like in practice.

In this episode, we’re looking at one of the most commonly discussed, and commonly misunderstood, elements of the building envelope: thermal mass.

Way #20 is: Use Thermal Mass to Maintain Even Temperatures.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/420]

You’ll hear architects, builders and sustainability consultants talk about thermal mass as a worthwhile inclusion in any home. This can include concrete slabs, brick walls, rammed earth, and other ‘heavy’ forms of construction.

Even water-filled features are used as thermal mass in homes.

Thermal mass is a powerful tool when the conditions support it, and it’s designed with the right approach for the climate and site. However, when those conditions aren’t in place, it can make your home harder to heat, harder to cool, and less comfortable overall.

In this episode, I take you through what thermal mass actually is and how it works, the three conditions that need to be in place for it to function well, when thermal mass will work against you, why the ground your slab sits on and the finish that covers it matter just as much, and what to ask your team.

As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/420.

Now, let's dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/420

Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways

Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my signature online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/

Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.