The Core Problem: Why Top-Floor Rooms Overheat In hot climates, rooftops routinely reach 60–70°C under direct solar exposure. This heat does not remain confined to the roof—it penetrates indoors through: Conduction across the roof slab. Radiation from the hot ceiling to the room interior. Thermal storage, where the slab releases heat even at night As a result, air conditioners must continuously remove not only incoming heat but also stored heat released after sunset. An Often

PROF. ANIMANGSU GHATAK Perils of overheated Homes in Summer The Health Risks of Overheated Homes in Summer As summer temperatures soar, residential buildings made of brick and mortar absorb and retain heat, turning living spaces into virtual heat chambers. Many people, unable to afford air conditioning, are forced to endure extreme indoor temperatures, which can have serious health consequences. 1. Risk of Heat Exhaustion & Heatstroke Prolonged exposure to high indoor tempera

In the face of growing water scarcity and rising temperatures, conserving water is more critical than ever. One often overlooked yet highly effective method of conserving water is  insulating rooftop water tanks . While commonly seen as a way to control water temperature, insulation also plays a crucial role in water conservation. Rooftop water tanks are exposed to direct sunlight throughout the day, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. This prolonged exposure can

When we think of microplastics, images of polluted oceans and discarded plastic bags come to our mind. However, an overlooked source might be right above us—our rooftop water tanks. The Summer Heat and Your Tank: A Dangerous Combo The rooftop water tanks are generally made using plastics like polyethylene. These tanks endure intense sunlight, UV radiation, and thermal stress due to fluctuating temperatures daily. Over time, this exposure leads to its degradation, both at its

Rooftop plastic water tanks are norm, in most Indian homes. They're convenient, require minimal maintenance and they are economical. However, there's a silent issue that we often fail to notice — how the rising of ambient temperature affects the quality of water, stored in these tanks. How much does the water heat up? During peak summer months, the temperature of rooftops on Indian homes can reach 40–60°C or even more. Under such harsh sunlight, the black or dark-colored plas