What role do thermal bridges play in building performance?

Thermal bridges significantly affect building performance by reducing insulation effectiveness and increasing energy loss. A thermal bridge occurs when a part of a building's envelope, such as walls, roofs, or windows, has a higher thermal conductivity than the surrounding materials. This difference allows heat to bypass insulated areas, resulting in unwanted thermal transfer.

In the winter, heat escapes through these bridges, leading to increased heating demands and higher energy bills. Conversely, during hot weather, thermal bridges can allow more heat to enter conditioned spaces, elevating cooling loads. Because of their ability to facilitate heat flow, thermal bridges undermine overall energy efficiency by compromising the building’s thermal resistance.

Addressing thermal bridging involves careful design and the use of thermal breaks or improved insulating materials to enhance the overall energy performance of the building. Therefore, understanding the detrimental effects of thermal bridges is crucial for maintaining energy efficiency in building design and renovations.