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: 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. At interior locations near thermal bridges, occupants may experience thermal discomfort due to the difference in temperature. Additionally, when the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor space is large and there is warm and humid air indoors, such as the conditions experienced in the winter, there is a risk of condensation in the building envelope due to the cooler temperature on the interior surface at thermal bridge locations. Condensation can ultimately result in mold growth with consequent poor indoor air quality and insulation degradation, reducing the insulation performance and causing insulation to perform inconsistently throughout the thermal envelope
Design Methods to Reduce Thermal Bridges
There are several methods that have been proven to reduce or eliminate thermal bridging depending on the cause, location, and the construction type. The objective of these methods is to either create a thermal break where a building component would span from exterior to interior otherwise, or to reduce the number of building components spanning from exterior to interior. These strategies include: