lämpösuojaus

Lämpösuojaus, known in English as thermal insulation or heat protection, refers to the techniques, materials, and systems employed to limit heat transfer between two areas of differing temperatures. The main goal is to maintain desired indoor climates, reduce energy consumption, and protect structures or equipment from temperature extremes.

Heat can be transferred by conduction, convection, and radiation. Thermal insulation primarily counteracts conduction and, to some extent, convection. Reflective coatings and reflective foils are used to diminish radiative heat exchange in high‑temperature environments. In building construction, insulation is installed between structural layers, around pipes, and in attics to keep heat inside during winter and outside during summer. Common residential materials include expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), polyurethane foams, and natural fibers such as cellulose or wool. Commercial and industrial settings may use high‑temperature-resistant mats, ceramic insulations, or phase‑change materials for dynamic thermal management.

In Finland, standards governing lämpösuojaus are specified in the Finnish Building Code (Rakennusmääräykset) and ISO 11855 for building envelopes. Energy audits often consider the thermal resistance (R‑value) of walls, roofs, and foundations. In transportation, thermal insulation protects refrigerated cargo, avionics, and electric vehicle batteries from overheating or excessive cooling.

Effective lämpösuojaus requires continual assessment of material durability, moisture resistance, and fire safety. Proper installation reduces the risk of thermal bridging, improves indoor air quality, and contributes to overall sustainability by lowering the carbon footprint of heating and cooling systems.