When we think of comfort in a residence or dwelling, most of us picture nice decorative spaces, cool and comforting floors, nice natural light and air circulation, or quiet spaces.
But the reality of comfort goes much deeper. It’s not so much about how a space looks, but about how it feels over the course of the day and the seasons. This is exactly the role of Thermal Comfort.
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Thermal Comfort is the state in which people neither feel too hot nor too cold. It is affected by the materials used in the building, the insulated state of the building, the temperature outside of the building, and the ability of the material to regulate heat inside the building.
Two materials that, in modern construction, play a huge and often unrecognized role in thermal comfort are tile and concrete.
In this blog, we will look into how concrete and tile promote thermal comfort, the role these materials play in constructing buildings that energy-efficient buildings, and how Sakshi Chem Sciences facilitates, strengthens, and enhances thermal comfort through state-of-the-art construction chemicals.
Understanding Thermal Comfort in Buildings
To put it simply, Thermal Comfort is when people feel physically comfortable inside a space. There’s no excessive heat, no too cool to be comfortable air, just a properly balanced, comfortable indoor temperature.
There are a number of factors involved in thermal comfort:
- The way building materials gain or release heat.
- Tile finishes and how reflective they are.
- The thermal mass of concrete.
- The temperatures of the surfaces of walls, floors, and ceilings.
- The ventilation and levels of humidity.
Concrete and tiles have a major influence in this area because they regulate temperature so much better than many other building materials typically used.
How Concrete Helps Thermal Comfort?
Concrete is not just a structural material. Its natural thermal mass makes it one of the best materials for energy-efficient buildings. Thermal mass is the capacity of a material to absorb heat, store it, and then release it slowly as the temperature drops.
1. Concrete Moderates Temperature Changes
On hot days:
Concrete absorbs excess heat
Keeps the inside from getting too hot
Releases heat to the inside very slowly once the temperatures drop at night
On cold days:
Concrete can store heat collected from the sun during the day
And keep the side temperatures comfortable
In this way, concrete keeps the indoor temperature from fluctuating as much and requires less energy for cooling or heating, thereby lowering energy bills.
2. Enhanced Thermal Performance with Modern Concrete Technology
Contemporary concrete mixes are more engineered than ever. The right chemistry and composition greatly improve their ability to create thermal comfort.
Sakshi Chem Sciences provides solutions supporting:
• Low-heat hydration concrete mixes
• Durable, crack-resistant surfaces
• Lower thermal conductivity
• Better surface insulation and temperature control
Our admixtures, curing compounds, and performance enhancers keep concrete strong without sacrificing temperature.
3. Great for Indian and Global Climate Zones
India, as well as many countries where the population is growing, has:
• Hot summers
• High humidity
• Sudden swings of temperature
• Outdoor heat radiance
Concrete has a unique ability to moderate heat that makes it very useful–it keeps the interior cool in summer months and balanced in winter.
How Tiles Help Thermal Comfort
Tiles are more than just decorative finishes. They really can help affect how indoor temperatures feel throughout the day.
1. Tiles Are Naturally Cooler
Ceramic, porcelain, and vitrified tiles do not hold heat. They remain cool to the touch, especially in:
• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Halls
• Public Spaces
This ensures instant comfort, especially during those hot summer months.
2. Reflective Surfaces Help Energy Efficiency
Light color and reflective tiles:
• Prevent heat absorption
• Keep floors cool
• Lower indoor temperature
This makes them efficient for sun-exposed spaces such as balconies, terraces, and rooms with large windows.
3. Tiles Maintain Their Structural Integrity During Temperature Changes
Tiles, unlike wood floors or laminates, have the advantages of:
- No Warping.
- No Expansion or Contraction.
- Their Structure will Not Change.
- A Consistent Temperature on the Surface.
This adds to long-term thermal comfort and does not create long-term maintenance issues as temperature-sensitive materials do.
4. Ideal for Wet and High-Humidity Spaces
You will also notice tiles as a common flooring option in areas of the home such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas:
- They resist moisture.
- Are Consistent in Temperature.
- Reduce mold growth.
- Allow for cleanliness indoors.
- Tiles also support comfort while staying cool during humid conditions.
Concrete + Tiles = A Great Thermal Comfort Duo
The combination of concrete and tile flooring can deliver a significant advantage in long-term indoor stability of thermal comfort.
Here is the way they interact:
In Hot Climates
- Concrete absorbs heat slowly.
- Tiles reflect and resist absorbing heat.
- The combination allows for a 2–4°C cooler temperature in the interior living space.
In Moderate to Cold Climates
- Dark tiles absorb sunlight.
- Concrete absorbs the warmth and releases it very slowly.
- There is less heating required to maintain comfort in interior spaces.
The combination of concrete and tile flooring means less reliance on artificial means of temperature control and energy efficiency overall.
How Sakshi Chem Sciences Enhances Thermal Comfort in Buildings?
At Sakshi Chem Sciences, we create construction-grade chemicals that improve the performance of concrete and tile installations, longevity, and thermal efficiency.
1. High-Performance Concrete Additives
Our additives will improve:
• Workability
• Strength
• Thermal property
• Durability
• Water-resistance
Better-quality concrete will provide better insulation and temperature stability.
2. Tile Adhesives That Improve Surface Performance
Our cementitious tile adhesive will:
• Help tile make a secure bond built to last
• Prevent hollowness
• Minimize heat traps under the tile layer
• Keep a consistent surface temperature
An infallible tile surface is ultimately more comfortable to use.
3. Waterproofing Systems for Moisture Control
Humidity takes away thermal comfort. The properties of Sakshi waterproofing systems will:
• Eliminate dampness
• Control moisture penetration
• Ensure air temperatures remain stable
Drier walls yield cooler interiors in the summer and warmer spaces in winter.
4. Repair and Rehabilitation Products
When surfaces lose functionality from physical damage, thermal control is affected. Repair systems will restore:
• Cracked concrete surfaces.
• Worn-out tile surfaces.
• Weak flooring.
This will ensure that buildings outperform thermals for decades.
Thermal Comfort Benefits for Homeowners, Builders & Architects
For Homeowners
• Lower electricity bills
• Spaces that feel naturally comfortable.
• Cleaner, healthier indoor environment.
• Flooring and wall surfaces that last.
For Builders and Contractors
• Improved customer satisfaction.
• Structures that are built stronger and more durable.
Fewer complaints about cracks, heat, or dampness.
• Easier to meet green building standards.
For Architects and Designers
- Flexibility to design energy-efficient layouts.
- Achieve LEED, IGBC, and GRIHA green ratings.
- Integrate sustainable materials without compromising aesthetics.
Conclusion: Build Comfort That Lasts
Thermal comfort is no longer a luxury. It’s an essential part of creating homes and buildings that feel good, function intelligently, and consume less energy. By pairing the natural thermal properties of concrete and tiles, you can create spaces that stay cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and constantly comfortable throughout the year.
With the right construction chemical support from Sakshi Chem Sciences, builders can enhance the thermal performance of structures, reduce energy costs, and deliver lasting value to end-users.
FAQs About Thermal Comfort & Energy Efficiency
1. Can tiles really improve indoor cooling?
Yes. Tiles have low heat retention and reflect heat, making indoor floors cooler, especially in tropical and hot climates.
2. How does concrete support thermal comfort?
Concrete’s thermal mass reduces indoor temperature swings by absorbing heat during the day and releasing it gradually at night.
3. Does every building need special materials for thermal comfort?
Not necessarily, but using the right combination of concrete, tiles, and construction chemicals enhances energy efficiency significantly.
4. Is thermal comfort important in apartments?
Absolutely. Both high-rise apartments and independent houses benefit from materials that stabilize indoor temperatures.
Sagar Telrandhe is a Construction Engineer with a B.Tech in Construction Engineering & Management. Passionate about infrastructure development, project planning, and sustainable construction, he specializes in modern construction techniques, project execution, and quality management, contributing to efficient and innovative building.

