Thermal EfficiencyIn an average modern house, 10-15% of heat loss is through windows, 25% through the roof, and 30% through ext walls. Modern building materials are not very insulating which could be why so much is lost through the walls. Modern buildings exhaust thermal energy (heat) much more than traditional building materials and styles do.
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Adobe's Insulating powers
Adobe walls are thick, and made out of a mud/clay which has a high thermal mass. This means that when it's hot outside, the walls absorb the heat, which makes it cooler inside. When it's cold, adobe walls will release the stores heat, which warms the home.
Adobe is less effective in winter, because it releases it's heat too easily and does not get much of a chance to store heat in the day time (depending on where you are).
Adobe is less effective in winter, because it releases it's heat too easily and does not get much of a chance to store heat in the day time (depending on where you are).
thermal MAss
"Thermal mass is a material’s capacity to absorb and store heat/release heat when needed"
economic advantages
Most often, you'll see Adobe brick houses in rural areas of second world countries. This is because of the affordability of the materials. In the places where adobe homes (and similar homes) are build, the soil is often the right clay/soil ratio to make good bricks. This means that many people can make the bricks for their home out of the dirt in their backyard, without having to hire anyone. This is so important for these communities, the only problem is that they're not very sturdy in an earthquake. Adobe brick homes are prone to undergo major damage in an earthquake, and this is due to 4 main reasons.
All of these failings have sollutions
Click to find out how to make a safe and reliable adobe home
Tips for homeowners
Already own a home but want to harness the power of adobe materials?
Then these suggestions are for you.
Then these suggestions are for you.
- Floor your home out of the adobe material to soak up the sun's rays (cooling), and gain a warmer floor at night.
- Put a layer of adobe material on your walls for added insulation, and cool looks, without the danger of falling in earthquakes
- Make your bathroom out of adobe for that Spa Feel, and effect!
- Wall in your patio with adobe walls for a cooler outdoor space in summer
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