Do you have a random “cold spot” in your dining room or perhaps in an area where a sweater is always needed, no matter how high the thermostat is set? Thermal bridges may be at play.
If you don’t work in or around construction, you may have never heard the term “thermal bridging”–but you’ve likely felt its effects. In a nutshell, it’s the movement of heat across an object that is more conductive than the materials around it.
Thermal bridging not only causes a loss of heat within the space, it can also cause the warm air inside to cool down. As we approach the coldest season of the year, this means higher utility costs and potentially uncomfortable shifts in temperature inside your home or building.
Keep reading to find out exactly how thermal bridging works and what you can do to stop it:
What is thermal bridging?
When heat attempts to escape a room, it follows the path of least resistance. Likewise, the same process occurs during the summer, only in reverse, allowing heat to enter your otherwise cool building.
Thermal bridging happens when a more conductive material allows an easy pathway for heat flow–usually where there is a break in (or penetration of) the insulation. Some common locations include:
- The junctions between the wall and the floor, roof, or doors and windows.
- The junction between the building and the deck or patio
- Penetrations in the building envelope to include pipes or cables
- Wood, steel, or concrete envelope components such as foundations, studs, and joists
- Recessed lighting
- Window and door frames
- Areas with gaps in insulation
Impacts and risks assumed due to thermal bridging
What does all of this mean for you? In addition to poor climate control, there are several other lesser-known (but still serious) effects caused by thermal bridging.
Thermal bridges can increase the risk of condensation on internal surfaces, and also cause condensation within the walls. Both can lead to mold growth, which in turn can cause unpleasant odors, poor air quality, and most importantly long-term health problems. Additionally, unchecked condensation may eventually cause rot and structural damage.
Thermal Bridging in windows
Thermal bridging can have a significant effect on the energy efficiency of windows. The frames and spacers are the primary culprits. Spacers are the, typically metal, “strip” that goes between and separates the glass on double and triple pane windows. Different materials have different conductivity and impact the performance of the windows differently. Condensation on a double pane window is generally due to the spacers.
With retrofit situations, knowing exactly how old a window is, as well as the component materials, can provide you with a general idea of its efficacy. Unfortunately, if your windows are rather dated or just poorly made, it is nearly impossible to add thermal breaks into an existing framing system.
Issues with roofs and foundations
By their very nature, roofs and foundations present a large number of challenges in terms of maintaining a thermal boundary. Drains, vents, and holes for pipes and wires (amongst other things) create unavoidable penetrations in the building envelope and insulation. Heat transfers from the building into the ground or from the building into the air are often inevitable, though they can be minimized.
Strategies and methods to reduce thermal bridges in buildings
Bottom line? In new construction, design it right which a whole topic in itself. With existing homes, if you suspect there is thermal bridging occurring in your space, you need to eliminate or reduce the effects as much as possible.
Proper planning, design, and construction can help remedy thermal bridges in new structures. However, if you live in an older home, there are still steps you could take. These strategies include:
- Performing an energy audit to identify thermal bridges in your home
- Installing double or triple pane windows with argon or krypton gas, better spacers and insulated frames
- Updating and/or adding insulation to your home – ideally adding a continuous insulation layer.
- Installing storm doors (especially if you have metal doors)
- The ultimate remedy is to complete a deep energy retrofit that addresses everything and more than mentioned in this blog
Studies show that in an otherwise airtight and insulated home, thermal bridges can account for a heat loss of up to 30%. Whether you’re building a new home or retrofitting an existing structure, care should be taken to avoid unnecessary breaks or penetrations so that the possibility of thermal bridging decreases.
If you’re looking for ways to minimize thermal bridges in your next project or existing home, contact us today.