A thermal bridge, also known as a cold bridge, is a point of increased heat transfer within a building envelope. These bridges occur when a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal or concrete, connects the interior and exterior of a building, allowing heat to flow through more easily. Thermal bridges can cause a range of problems, including increased energy consumption, condensation, and reduced indoor comfort. One common type of thermal bridge is a balcony or cantilevered slab, which can create a direct path for heat transfer between the interior and exterior of a building. Another type of thermal bridge is a window or door frame, which can allow heat to escape through the frame and reduce the overall efficiency of the window or door. To address thermal bridging, designers and builders can use a range of strategies, including insulation, thermal breaks, and careful detailing. Insulation can help to reduce heat transfer through thermal bridges, while thermal breaks, such as the use of insulating materials or air gaps, can interrupt the flow of heat through a material. Careful detailing, such as the use of continuous insulation and airtight construction, can also help to reduce the impact of thermal bridging. Overall, thermal bridging is an important consideration in building design and construction, as it can have a significant impact on energy consumption, indoor comfort, and building durability. By using effective strategies to reduce thermal bridging, designers and builders can create more energy-efficient and comfortable buildings that are better able to withstand the challenges of the built environment.
thermal conductivity, energy consumption, insulation, thermal breaks, building envelope
A thermal bridge is an area of a building envelope where thermal energy is allowed to pass through more easily than other areas of the envelope, resulting in a higher rate of heat loss or gain. Thermal bridges are caused by structural elements that form a direct path of heat conduction between the interior and exterior of a building, such as wall-to-floor connections, horizontal or vertical structural elements, window and door frames, and balconies. In order to reduce heat losses or gains, thermal bridges need to be addressed through effective design, construction, and insulation strategies. Proper insulation of the thermal bridge, the elimination of thermal bridges with the use of airtight and insulated building envelope assemblies, and the use of thermally broken frames can all help reduce the impact of thermal bridging.
Thermal bridging, thermal resistance, insulation, R-value, U-value.
Thermal bridge, also known as a cold bridge, is a thermal short circuit between two building elements, typically between two external wall components. These bridges disrupt the insulation of the wall elements, and can cause condensation and heat loss. Thermal bridges occur when two components of a wall are not properly isolated by insulation, creating energy-inefficient connections. Examples of thermal bridges are metal-to-metal junctions, openings in the walls and the use of metal components in the construction of a wall. In order to reduce thermal bridging and increase the overall energy efficiency of a building, it is important to ensure that the wall elements are properly insulated and air sealed.
Thermal bridge, thermal short circuit, insulation, condensation, heat loss.
CITATION : "Lauren Moore. 'Thermal Bridge.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=197726 (Accessed on May 16, 2025)"
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