NATURAL THERMAL INSULATORS IN THE PORTAL OF BÉLEN

On these dates it is tradition to decorate our home with Nativity scene portals but often these nativity scenes are not faithful to their historical context and location.. There are many things we don't know about the time, he home concept that was had, what the structures were like and above all, since it is the topic to be discussed, Did they use any type of thermal insulation?

BRIEF TOUR THROUGH THE ANCIENT HISTORY OF THERMAL INSULATORS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

Human beings have always needed protect yourself from cold and heat. The greatest discovery is fuego that coexists with the use of natural caves to protect yourself from winters. It's not until the year 1000 before Christ when the buildings begin to be built first cities. At first they barely protected from the weather but little by little their comfort improved until today..

The Egyptians increased the thickness of its outer walls, The Romans invented the three leaf wall and in medieval times they increased the thickness of the enclosures and they also placed the animals inside the house on the ground floor and these caused the upper floors to heat up.. It was not until the industrial revolution that the idea of thermal insulation as we know it today.

But, and in Bethlehem? What were the houses like??How did they protect themselves from the cold and heat??

If we go back to the year in which Jesus was born, we can discover that the concept of home is very different from the one we have today.. They hardly spent time in the houses since the inhabitants of Bethlehem were largely dedicated to grazing and many were nomads.

Their houses had the stone foundation and continued with adobe bricks. The roof had palm tree trunks pierced and was covered with straw.

Doing a little research, we can find out that They were not well insulated. It was very hot in summer and very cold in winter..

So in winter They put animals inside to heat the house and in summer they slept on the roof. The lifestyle was very different from what we have today in the West..

In the Jordan Valley you can clearly see a Mediterranean landscape so you can find vegetation similar to certain areas of our peninsula, like the pine and the olive tree. With the fibers of wood can be made thermal insulators so if Jesus' contemporaries had known, your way of life would have changed.

Also, The inhabitants of Bethlehem were largely dedicated to shepherding, as we mentioned previously.. Sheep wool is another great thermal insulator.. They did not use it that way either, although they did protect themselves with clothing made of this material..

WOOD FIBER AND SHEEP WOOL AS NATURAL THERMAL INSULATORS

Thermal insulators are materials that are used as a barrier between the exterior and interior environment., to prevent winter cold or summer heat from penetrating inside the home.

It is very important to choose natural materials to insulate our home., since it not only affects comfort but also health.

Good thermal insulation can save up to 60% of energy.

Natural thermal insulators are biodegradable. Its manufacturing uses little energy, have great thermal capacity , They allow the house to breathe and regulate humidity; And the best thing is that lasts for life.

Ultimately, It is the best option for healthier homes, natural and efficient.

BENEFITS OF WOOD FIBER AS AN INSULATOR

Retains heat during the day and releases it at night, hence temperature changes are not sudden.

It's more economic than other natural insulators.

Es easy to place and its application is very versatile. Can be used on facade, under tile, in upholstery and floor.

But there is a very important factor to take into account and that is the origin of wood fiber so that they do not have traces of glue or toxic additives that would be harmful to health.

BENEFITS OF SHEEP WOOL AS INSULATION

Sheep wool is breathable but without ceasing to fulfill its function of thermal regulation. Es one of the most durable natural insulation.

It must be taken into account How the sheep has been treated, That is, if insecticides or pesticides have been used because these could contaminate groundwater and also use wool from local sheep and not from distant territories such as Australia or India., to reduce CO2 emissions.

There are many other natural thermal insulators to take into account such as cork o linen that can be investigated and applied according to the case.

I hope you liked it.

Happy holidays.