Preventing Thermal Bridging in Building Envelopes

Thermal Bridging

What is thermal bridging, and how can it affect the performance of a new building? This occurs when a structural (or non-structural member) of thermal conductivity causes heat to transfer through the building envelope. Various conditions can cause thermal bridging, including cantilevered structural members for awnings or exterior balconies, metal wall studs, shelf angles, or other non-structural discipline features. Specific materials, such as structural and architectural steel, is frequently the most significant player due to its high thermal conductivity (approximately 1,500 times that of typical insulation), large cross-section, and thickness.

Excessive heat flow and energy loss are not the only negative results of thermal bridges. More commonly, warm interior temperatures and cold exterior temperatures can result in visual condensation on exposed members in the form of frost or water drips. Down the road, this condition will likely require expensive remediation. In addition to visual, unsightly situations, thermal bridging can result in less obvious issues such as mold growth, minor heat loss, corrosion, or weakening of structural members.

Generally, design details do not include preventative measures against thermal bridging. To my knowledge, the design and installation of thermal breaks are not currently addressed in the current editions of the code provisions. Hence, many design professionals may not be aware of thermal break issues and, more importantly, how to prevent them.

Creating a Thermal Break

The best solution to prevent thermal bridging is to create a thermal break, where the structural member is “broken” at the insulation envelope. Finding the right balance between maintaining structural strength, stiffness, constructability, and the economy is challenging. Most of the time, the “broken” member must still be connected to the building’s structural system, often requiring additional street fasteners that can act as thermal bridges themselves.

Early in the design process, professionals from all disciplines must carefully consider and identify potential thermal breaks in the building envelope to prevent unwanted heat flow, energy loss, and other negative issues.

As with every project, we aim to provide the owner with a new building that will perform in the short and long term and serve all users for years to come.