Thermal bridging is a component, assembly, or area of the building envelope that has noticeably higher thermal conductivity than the surrounding area.

Examples include metal window frames, balcony slabs, shear walls and steel studs

Depending on the size of the thermal bridge (or bridges) and its thermal characteristics, a reduction in the overall thermal insulation value of the envelope can result.

Thermal bridges can cause higher heat loss, increased space heating consumption, comfort problems and condensation-related indoor moisture problems.

How to reduce thermal bridging:

• Thermal bridging can be reduced by a continuous thermal barrier
• At the wall/ceiling, a high heel roof detail enables continuous insulation over the plate
• In an existing house, at the wall/ceiling transition, add more ceiling insulation and install attic baffles over wall top plates

Thermal Bridging and Windows

It is important to properly insulate around window openings, to reduce the amount of thermal bridging. A lot of energy (heat) is transferred from a home through the window opening frame as they contain additional studs for structural support. Therefore windows are an area of significant thermal bridging within homes.