What is the thermal bridge?
The thermal bridge occurs when the insulating envelope of the building is penetrated by a component made of non -member or thermally conductive material. The heat is transmitted by this bridge greater than the heat in the surrounding areas. This threatens the expected performance of the insulating material and ensures uneven surface temperatures. The thermal bridge is sometimes referred to as a cold bridge.
There are a number of places in the building where the thermal bridge is likely to occur. The corners and intersections of windows and doors, places where walls and roof meet, and the interface between the walls is particularly susceptible to this problem. The structural elements that are assembled during the structure can create thermal bridges due to components used in joining elements. Ventilation equipment and balconies can also penetrate insulating layers.
The effects of the thermal bridge are generally related to the quality and energy performance of the building. The relative amount of heat exchange due to bridging is relatively low in buildings where thermal protection was not importantthe factor in the design or has been poorly implemented. In modern buildings, where the bonus for efficient energy use is determined, thermal bridges may be the primary factor in undesirable heat transfer.
Heat exchange resulting from the heat bridge is more concerned than just the efficiency of the interior control. As a result, the lower internal surface temperature may result in. This can lead to problems with condensation in corners and at the intersections of floor and walls, especially in humid climate. Moisture accumulation can directly lead to mold growth and may be unnoticed if it occurs on non -exposed surfaces.
Design and construction procedures have been developed to minimize heat transfer for Bridging. Attention is paid to the walls to the wall and mechanical carpenters of the structural elements do not penetrate the wall of the cavity or insulating envelope. Extension of the floor plate behind the envelope, uncovered lens and the use of concrete members NEbo steels that are combined into the outer walls. Can be avoided. The bias of two planes, such as walls and corners, can be made by a more reliable selection of material and assembly methods.
The use of infrared display to detect uneven surface temperatures indicating the thermal bridge has become common. The three -dimensional computer analysis of heat flow in building elements has also become a powerful tool. This software expands to one -dimensional models that are usually used to estimate the thermal properties of buildings.