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Why don't we use awnings anymore (2022)

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413 points samclemens | 6 comments | 15 Oct 24 22:11 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source | bottom
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NathanKP ◴[16 Oct 24 00:14 UTC] No.41854398[source]▶
I think the builders of the past would be amazed by modern technology like argon filled double paned windows with advanced window films to reflect the heat instead of letting it in.

But yes, let's bring back the awnings too. Sometimes the low tech ways are easiest and best. I will say that I don't think awnings alone can save a stick built modern house from the heat. Part of the key to old houses staying cool was high thermal mass: lots of brick and stone that could stay cool during the day. As great as modern insulation is at keeping hot and cool separate, a modern insulated wall doesn't cool it's surroundings like a high thermal mass wall would.

Moving to a world where we combine passive cooling and high thermal mass construction with the benefits of modern tech will be key in my opinion.

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1. mmooss ◴[16 Oct 24 00:38 UTC] No.41854543[source]▶
> As great as modern insulation is at keeping hot and cool separate, a modern insulated wall doesn't cool it's surroundings like a high thermal mass wall would.

Why does modern insulation hold less thermal mass? Is it just that trapped air has less mass than stone?

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2. dotancohen ◴[16 Oct 24 00:50 UTC] No.41854607[source]▶
That's exactly the reason. Technically it's actually the amount of energy needed to heat a volume of material, not the physical mass, that is important. But for many materials the two go hand in hand.
3. smileysteve ◴[16 Oct 24 00:50 UTC] No.41854610[source]▶
Fiberglass insulation reduces convection but has no mass like rock wool
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4. PaulDavisThe1st ◴[16 Oct 24 03:32 UTC] No.41855347[source]▶
Rock wool works by reducing convection. It's mass is not a major factor in its functionality.

Adobe and stone are things with thermal mass, not insulating fiber thickness.

5. ◴[16 Oct 24 05:54 UTC] No.41856004[source]▶
6. asdfman123 ◴[16 Oct 24 06:48 UTC] No.41856258[source]▶
Touch a cold blanket and cold stone countertop and tell me which feels cooler, then do the same thing for a hot blanket and a hot countertop.

Sure, the stone is more conducive meaning you feel the temperature sooner. But it also has a lot of thermal mass, meaning it can give off or absorb more heat.