Your building envelope creates a thermal barrier critical to energy efficiency and occupant comfort. However, there are several components of your envelope and building structure that can create “thermal bridging” that reduces energy efficiency. Here we look at the causes of thermal bridging and how they impact your building’s performance.
What is a thermal barrier?
Your building envelope is composed of several components including the thermal barrier that prevents heat transfer between the interior and exterior. The insulating materials found in the walls, roof, windows, and doors of your building create the essential components of your thermal barrier helping to manage thermal energy transfer and prevent energy loss.
What is thermal bridging?
Thermal bridging occurs when heat generated inside the building escapes to the exterior. Some common conductors that create thermal bridging include:
- Metallic or wooden studs that disrupt insulation continuity
- Junctions that create insulation gaps between walls, flooring, and ceilings
- Air leaks in fenestration such as poorly installed or insulated door/window frames and sashes
- Floor and ceiling joists that create heat flow conduits
- Concrete balconies and parapets lacking proper insulation
- Breaches caused by utility installations such as ducting, wiring, and piping that disrupt insulation layering or continuity
What are the negative effects of thermal bridging?
Thermal bridges have the following negative effects on building comfort and energy efficiency:
- Increased heat outflow that reduces internal temperatures and increases demand on energy consumption
- Cold surfaces interacting with warm, moist interiors creating condensation, mould growth and poor indoor air quality
- Structural damage caused by moisture related to thermal-conductivity condensation
What areas should be inspected to identify thermal bridging?
A restoration contractor can conduct inspections to identify thermal bridging issues. The most common areas assessed for thermal bridging include:
- Parapets
- Concrete slab balconies
- Intermediate floors
- Window installations
- Below grade structures
- Sections of spandrel
- Roof curb
- Roof anchor
How to prevent thermal bridging
Regular building assessment is an essential element of proper preventative building maintenance strategies. By taking a proactive approach, you can identify issues and make repairs as required.
Some examples of effective thermal bridge mitigation include:
- Creating continuous insulation whenever possible
- Using advanced framing techniques
- Using less conductive, innovative materials in areas that tend to interrupt heat flow paths
- Increasing insulation measures in areas where thermal bridging is inevitable
- Installing multi-pane glazing in windows
- Ensuring air-tight door installation
- Ongoing maintenance to repair sealants and cracks in cladding, roofs, walls, etc.
- Replacing/repairing weatherstripping and caulking around windows and doors
Complete building restoration
Complete building restoration is required on aging buildings where preventative steps have failed to negate thermal bridging. However, poor planning and material selection can compromise the effectiveness of your restoration process.
When thermal bridges are not addressed during the planning stage of restoration, trying to improve insulation after the fact will not produce the same benefits. You can also see significant reductions in energy efficiency if the builders fail to follow current energy and building standards. Working with a contractor experienced in building envelope restoration will ensure they understand the proper steps and install the most advanced materials to minimize thermal bridges.
WellDone Inc. is a building restoration company specializing in building improvements for commercial and multi-unit residential buildings throughout the GTA. We offer thermal barrier expertise to reduce thermal bridges, improve occupant comfort, and reduce energy consumption. Reach out to our team today.