Insulating Concrete Slabs for Summer and Winter
Super Therm® offers a totally different approach to slab “insulation” by focusing on heat block, not just resistance or mass. Here’s how it helps in both summer and winter:
Super Therm® is a ceramic-based heat block coating designed to stop 96.1% of total solar heat. Unlike traditional insulation, which slows heat transfer, Super Therm® prevents heat load altogether. When applied correctly, it transforms concrete slabs into passive temperature regulators for both summer and winter.
Key Benefits for Concrete Slabs
Summer:
- Blocks solar radiation from penetrating into the slab
- Prevents heat build-up, reducing internal temperature rise
- Reduces need for air conditioning by keeping surfaces cooler
- Keeps radiant reheat low during evening hours.
Winter:
- Minimises radiant heat loss from interior to exterior
- Enhances underfloor heating efficiency by reducing downward heat flow
- Supports thermal retention, making indoor spaces warmer longer.
Concrete Home in Unley, South Australia – Super Therm® Case Study
A solid concrete home in Unley, SA, was coated with Super Therm® during peak summer conditions.
- Ambient temperature: 31°C
- Surface temperature of the Super Therm®-coated concrete: 26°C
- Result:
- More than 50% cooler than surrounding uncoated built surfaces
- 7°C cooler than nearby shaded areas under mature trees
- Concrete’s thermal mass remained lower than ambient, proving that Super Therm® actively blocked heat load into the slab
Outcome: The home stayed cooler, more stable inside, and required significantly less energy to maintain comfort—demonstrating how Super Therm® turns high-mass materials like concrete into passive coolers, not heat batteries.
Application Layouts
1. Podium Slabs / Rooftops
Application Area: Top surface Purpose: Reflects solar heat, prevents slab heating and reduces building heat gain.
2. Exposed Concrete Balconies / Patios / Driveways
Application Area: Top surface Purpose: Prevents solar absorption and radiated heat from transferring into internal spaces or adjacent slab areas.
3. Underside of Suspended Slabs (e.g. car parks, mezzanines)
Application Area: Bottom surface Purpose: Blocks radiant heat loss from internal conditioned space to external environment.
4. Slab-On-Ground with Underfloor Heating
Application Area: Underside (during construction) or on insulation board facing downwards Purpose: Retains heat from underfloor system, reducing downward energy loss.
Complementary Measures
- Use with shading structures to maximise effectiveness
- Combine with vapour barriers for added moisture control
- Ideal for passive solar homes and energy-efficient commercial builds.
Key Comparison Points
| Feature | Traditional Slab Insulation | Super Therm® Coating |
|---|---|---|
| Continuity of Insulation | Must be perfectly continuous to avoid thermal bridging | Seamless ceramic membrane with no joins or gaps |
| Installation Timing | Requires integration during construction | Can be applied before or after construction |
| Heat Load from Sun (Summer) | Concrete absorbs solar heat through top surface | Blocks 96.1% of total solar heat before it enters the slab |
| Heat Loss in Winter | Heat escapes through slab edges/underside to ground | Reflects radiant heat inward, reducing heat loss |
| Thermal Bridging Risk | High if any concrete touches ground/air | None – ceramic layer acts as a complete thermal break |
| Surface Temperatures | Cold in winter, hot in summer | Maintains stable surface temperature year-round |
| Mould/Condensation Risk | High in cold corners (below 12°C surface temp) | Prevents cold spots by reducing heat loss |
| Moisture Sensitivity | EPS, XPS and fibreglass degrade with moisture | 100% moisture-resistant performance |
| Retains Thermal Mass | Often negated by topping insulation | Fully retained – thermal mass stays active inside envelope |
| Labour & Cost | High cost, complex slab detailing | Low-labour, lightweight, simple coating method |
| Real-World Performance | Rely on lab R-values (often drop with heat/moisture) | ASTM tested: Equivalent RSI ~3.3, performance proven globally |
Where Super Therm® Excels:
- Blocks radiant, conductive, and convective heat
- Works across extreme temperatures (-60°C to +120°C)
- Improves U-value performance by up to 80%
- Moisture-proof, mould resistant, non-combustible
- Keeps slabs cooler in summer and warmer in winter
- Ideal for slab-on-ground, suspended slabs, and retrofits
Summary
Concrete slabs can be a major source of heat gain or loss. Super Therm® redefines slab performance by eliminating surface heat load and helping retain internal warmth. With proper application, it turns any slab into an energy-efficient asset, year-round.
