Expert: Brian McElroy - 7/2/2006

Question
Dear Brian,

I live in a block of maisonettes but none of us have access to the attic. There is no entrance square with ladders that  you can pull down.
As I write, I feel as if I was in an OVEN. The temperature in June and July ranges between 30 to 40 degrees CELSIUS.
I have used wallpaper paste to stick aluminum foil on the ceiling plaster board or sheetrock and have even covered most of the double glazed windows with the foil but to no avail. I am VERY SURPRISED since I would have thought the Al foil would reflect the infrared radiation and the temperature in my home would go down. I do not want to buy an expensive air conditioner because as far as I know it makes noise and I cannot stand noise. Not only that but using up more electricity would add to more carbon dioxide emission.
I am prepared to build a second ceiling with wood and 9 mm thick plaster board about 5 cms below the present ceiling and stick Al foil on the INSIDE of the second ceiling. But will this air layer and second Al foil work ?  
Is there a way of stopping the infrared radiation from getting through the ceiling ?
In the deserts of New Mexico, where the American air force work, where it gets equally hot, they must have solved this problem surely. But how ?
Once again try your hardest to help me PLEASE.
I would be truly grateful.

William  

Answer
Because of the outside ambient temperatures, and lack of efficient construction methods used for your building, there is no way to reduce the inside temperature below that level without some kind of air movement and mechanical cooling. You have created a solar oven by insulating in the manner you have done. Adding another ceiling level is merely going to add another layer of hot air. Also, the appliances in your home add to the heat factor. Fans are always running in the refrigerator, computers, etc., all creating additional heat sources. Even lighting causes heat generation. In the deserts, they use air conditers. They also are partially ot totally underground where the temperatures are much cooler If the structure had been built with R-49 exterior panels, reflective barriers and R-49 insulation in the ceiling, and triple glaze insulated low-E glass, you would still have a heat problem, but it would cool much quicker and retain the cool inside longer. I do not see a solution to your problem based on the location (above ground) the type of construction, etc. I suggest biting the bullet and buying an air conditioner, or build an energy efficient structure from the ground up, or down, as he case may be. Our technology has not kept up with demands for folks like you who want homes completely efficient. Good luck with a cure, but I doubt one will be found.