A Coat to Cool Buildings

• Proeksa Meas
• 31 December 2015
• Construction Focus
• 1945 Views

Cambodia’s perpetually warm climate brings many benefits – tourists, long growing seasons, tropic fruits – it also means building owners are faced with big cooling bills. But reflective insulation, like that supplied by Tashen Green Tech, can keep temperatures in the comfort zone at an affordable price.

Heat gain in buildings mainly comes from solar radiation, and 75 percent of that comes through a structure’s roof. Roofs and walls absorb external heat radiation and conduct it inwards, causing temperatures to rise.

A reflective insulation blanket acts as a radiant barrier, made of two pure aluminum foil layers that surround a single core layer of polyethylene bubble film. The design results in high thermal resistance and keeps humidity from the exterior from bleeding into a building’s interior. The result is less work for AC units and other cooling devices.

According to Tashen Green Tech, when a metal building installs insulation blankets, tests have shown that interior temperatures can drop by 10 degrees or more. “A reflective insulation blanket not only reduces energy consumption, but also saves your money and improves the living environment.”

Currently, several insulation products are available in Cambodia, mainly imported from neighboring countries like Vietnam. Unlike other insulation materials that trap air inside and absorb the heat, Tashen Green Tech’s reflective insulation blanket reflects 95% – 97% radiant heat and decreases the flow of heat throughout the interior airspace. In addition, installers don’t need to wear protective gloves or masks, use special equipment or additional waterproof layers. No maintenance is needed after standard installation.

Reflective insulation blankets offer a perfect solution for insulation and temperature maintenance in residential, commercial and industrial buildings and projects. They are ideal for cement roofs, iron sheet roofs, rooftop additions, walls, ceilings, attics, and floors of buildings. They can also be applied to car roofs.

Tashen Green Tech has observed the demand for such insulation has increased, especially on projects with foreign investors. The clients are usually those who have some more knowledge of thermal insulation.

Mr. Im Vibol of Group Four Architects & Engineers has applied the Tashen’s insulation blanket to a restaurant with a 3.5-meter roof. He noticed that after installation, much of the heat was reflected outward, and occupants felt a real difference before and after the blanket was put in place. “Now we can feel very little heat and the AC works less, we save energy.” he emphasized.

Given the booming construction industry and jump in foreign investment in Cambodia, Chen believes the market is ready for insulation materials like Tashen offers.

“Cambodia is warm to hot throughout the year, so the need for insulation exists,” she said. “We believe there’s plenty of opportunity for expansion here.”