Title: Why Thermal Bridging and Thermal Breaks Matter in Construction | ECHOtape
Headings: Why Thermal Bridging and Thermal Breaks Matter in Construction
Why Thermal Bridging and Thermal Breaks Matter in Construction
What is Thermal Bridging?
How to Prevent A Thermal Bridge
Common Ways to Reduce Thermal Bridging in Construction

Content: How to Prevent A Thermal Bridge
So, if thermal bridging acts as a pathway for heat to escape the building more rapidly, a thermal break, or thermal barrier, helps block that pathway. Scientifically speaking, it’s an “element of low thermal conductivity placed in an assembly to reduce or prevent the flow of thermal energy between conductive materials.” For example, insulated glazing is the thermal break for windows. The air or gas between the panes stops the conductive thermal energy from passing through the glass. In metal and wood-framed buildings, wrapping a building’s envelope with a layer of continuous insulation cuts off thermal bridging. However, common issues to look out for include discontinuities in the insulation, particularly at junctions and around openings. Insulating materials such as rigid foam should be cut to fit tightly together and sealed with a thermal break tape to further prevent gaps. Common Ways to Reduce Thermal Bridging in Construction
There are a number of ways contractors and builders accomplish thermal breaking. Here are some of the most common: Use advanced framing techniques, which reduce the amount of wood by increasing the spacing between framing members.