Title: THERMAL BRIDGES IN WALL CONSTRUCTION - NCMA
Headings: THERMAL BRIDGES IN WALL CONSTRUCTION
THERMAL BRIDGES IN WALL CONSTRUCTION
INTRODUCTION
THERMAL BRIDGING
Causes
Effects
Requirements
SINGLE WYTHE MASONRY WALL
CONCRETE MASONRY CAVITY WALL
MASONRY VENEER WITH STEEL STUD BACKUP
SLAB EDGE & PERIMETER BEAM
MASONRY PARAPET
References

Content: Thermal bridges, and the subsequent damage, can be avoided by several strategies which are best implemented during the design stage, when changes can be easily incorporated. After construction, repairing thermal bridges can be both costly and difficult. THERMAL BRIDGING
A thermal bridge allows heat to “short circuit” insulation. Typically, this occurs when a material of high thermal conductivity, such as steel framing or concrete, penetrates or interrupts a layer of low thermal conductivity material, such as insulation. Thermal bridges can also occur where building elements are joined, such as exposed concrete floor slabs and beams that abut or penetrate the exterior walls of a building. Causes
Thermal bridging is most often caused by improper installation or by material choice/building design. An example of improper installation leading to thermal bridging is gaps in insulation, which allow heat to escape around the insulation and may also allow air leakage. For this reason, insulation materials should be installed without gaps at the floor, ceiling, roof, walls, framing, or between the adjacent insulation materials. Further, insulation materials should be installed so that they remain in position over time. Although thermal bridging is primarily associated with conduction heat transfer (heat flow through solid materials), thermal bridging effects can be magnified by heat and moisture transfer due to air movement, particularly when warm, moist air enters the wall.