Thermal Bridges
A Thermal Bridge is a thermally conductive material which penetrates or bypasses an insulation system; such as a metal fastener, concrete beam, slab or column
Heat will flow the easiest path from the heated space to the outside - the path with the least resistance. And this will not necessarily be the path perpendicular to the surfaces. Very often heat will "short circuit" through an element which has a much higher conductivity than surrounding material, which can be described as a thermal bridge.
Typical effects of thermal bridges are:
- Decreased interior surface temperatures; in the worst cases this can result condensation problems, particularly at corners.
- Significantly increased heat losses.
- Cold areas in buildings
Thermal bridge caused by structural beam below balcony window
Steel frame system frame elements viewed from inside
Thermal bridge caused by DIY concrete slab floor
The steel frame example also illustrates the potential for infrared imaging to identify structural elements.