Title: Thermal bridge - Wikipedia
Headings: Thermal bridge
Thermal bridge
Contents
Concept
Identifying Thermal Bridges
Thermal Bridging in Construction
Masonry Buildings
Curtain Wall
Impacts of Thermal Bridging
Design Methods to Reduce Thermal Bridges
Analysis Methods and Challenges
See also
References
External links

Content: Floor-to-wall or balcony-to-wall junctions, including slab-on-grade and concrete balconies or outdoor patios that extend the floor slab through the building envelope
Roof/Ceiling-to-wall junctions, especially where full ceiling insulation depths may not be achieved
Window-to-wall junctions
Door-to-wall junctions
Wall-to-wall junctions
Wood, steel or concrete members, such as studs and joists, incorporated in exterior wall, ceiling, or roof construction
Recessed luminaries that penetrate insulated ceilings
Windows and doors, especially frames components
Areas with gaps in or poorly installed insulation
Metal ties in masonry cavity walls
Structural elements remain a weak point in construction, commonly leading to thermal bridges that result in high heat loss and low surface temperatures in a room. Masonry Buildings
While thermal bridges exist in various types of building enclosures, masonry walls experience significantly increased U-factors caused by thermal bridges. Comparing thermal conductivities between different building materials allows for assessment of performance relative to other design options. Brick materials, which are usually used for facade enclosures, typically have higher thermal conductivities than timber, depending on the brick density and wood type. Concrete, which may be used for floors and edge beams in masonry buildings are common thermal bridges, especially at the corners. Depending on the physical makeup of the concrete, the thermal conductivity can be greater than that of brick materials. In addition to heat transfer, if the indoor environment is not adequately vented, thermal bridging may cause the brick material to absorb rainwater and humidity into the wall, which can result in mold growth and deterioration of building envelope material. Curtain Wall
Similar to masonry walls, curtain walls can experience significantly increases U-factors due to thermal bridging. Curtain wall frames are often constructed with highly conductive aluminum, which has a typical thermal conductivity above 200 W/m·K. In comparison, wood framing members are typically between 0.68 and 1.25 W/m·K. The aluminum frame for most curtain wall constructions extends from the exterior of the building through to the interior, creating thermal bridges. Impacts of Thermal Bridging
Thermal bridging can result in increased energy required to heat or cool a conditioned space due to winter heat loss and summer heat gain.