Lesson 1Expanded and extruded polystyrene (EPS/XPS): thermal performance, compression, moisture resistance, use in walls and floorsThis section reviews EPS and XPS properties, including thermal performance, compressive strength, moisture resistance, and long-term durability, with guidance for use in walls, floors, and below-grade assemblies common in Botswana construction.
EPS vs XPS manufacturing and typesThermal resistance and aging effectsCompressive strength and creep limitsMoisture uptake and freeze–thawWalls, slabs, and below-grade detailsLesson 2Fire performance, VOCs, and indoor air quality considerations for insulation materialsThis section analyses fire performance, smoke and toxic emissions, VOC release, and their impact on indoor air quality, plus testing standards, labelling, and design strategies to reduce occupant exposure in Botswana homes.
Fire tests, Euroclass, and NFPA ratingsSmoke toxicity and halogenated foamsVOC sources in insulation productsEmission labels and certification schemesVentilation and enclosure strategiesLesson 3Thermal bridge mitigation materials: insulated plasterboard, thermal breaks, continuous insulation principlesWe examine materials and strategies that reduce thermal bridges, including insulated plasterboard, structural thermal breaks, and continuous exterior insulation, with detailing at slabs, balconies, and openings suited to Botswana buildings.
Identifying linear and point bridgesInsulated plasterboard use and limitsStructural thermal break materialsContinuous exterior insulation conceptsDetailing at balconies and slab edgesLesson 4Mineral wool (glass and rock wool): thermal conductivity, sound absorption, fire behaviour, typical applicationsThis section explains glass and rock wool composition, thermal conductivity ranges, sound absorption behaviour, and fire resistance, then links these properties to typical uses in walls, roofs, facades, and service cavities in local builds.
Glass wool vs rock wool compositionThermal conductivity ranges and testingSound absorption and density selectionReaction to fire and Euroclass ratingsTypical wall, roof, and cavity usesLesson 5Reflective and radiant barriers: how they work, when to use in hot climates, compatibility with ventilation and air gapsThis section explains reflective and radiant barriers, their dependence on emissivity and air gaps, suitable climates like Botswana's hot regions, installation pitfalls, and interaction with ventilation and moisture control.
Radiant heat transfer fundamentalsLow-emissivity surfaces and agingRequired air gaps and orientationsUse in hot roofs and attic spacesVentilation, dust, and moisture issuesLesson 6Acoustic panels and resilient channels: absorption coefficients, decoupling methods, placing in partitions and ceilingsWe explore acoustic panels, resilient channels, and decoupling systems, focusing on absorption coefficients, mounting conditions, flanking paths, and best practices for partitions, ceilings, and retrofit upgrades in Botswana homes.
Absorption coefficients and test methodsPorous vs panel absorber behaviorResilient channels and decoupling rulesControlling flanking transmission pathsPlacement in walls, ceilings, and studiosLesson 7Cellulose and natural fibre insulations: thermal/acoustic properties, hygroscopic behaviour, ecological considerationsThis section covers cellulose, wood fibre, and other natural insulations, highlighting thermal and acoustic behaviour, hygroscopic buffering, installation methods, durability, and ecological and life-cycle aspects relevant to Botswana.
Types of natural fiber insulationsThermal performance and heat capacityAcoustic behavior in light assembliesMoisture buffering and mold controlLife-cycle, sourcing, and recyclingLesson 8Vapour barriers, vapour control layers, and breathable membranes: sd-values, placement strategies for cold and mixed climatesWe clarify vapour barriers, vapour control layers, and breathable membranes, focusing on sd-values, diffusion vs air leakage, correct placement in mixed climates like Botswana's, and common failure modes.
Diffusion, permeability, and sd-valuesVapor barrier vs control layer rolesMembrane placement by climate zoneAirtightness, leaks, and drying pathsCase studies of moisture failuresLesson 9Polyurethane and PIR board: high R-value per thickness, flammability, vapor behaviour, use in roofs and thin retrofit situationsHere we study PUR and PIR boards, focusing on high R-value per inch, closed-cell structure, flammability and smoke, vapour resistance, and detailing for roofs, facades, and thin interior retrofits in Botswana settings.
Foam chemistry and blowing agentsR-value per thickness and agingFlammability, smoke, and fire codesVapor resistance and condensation riskRoof and retrofit detailing examples
