• The importance of thermal bridging

    The importance of thermal bridging

    What is a thermal bridge?

    A thermal bridge, also called a cold bridge, is an area of a building construction which has a significantly higher heat transfer than the surrounding materials. This is typically where there is either a break in the insulation, less insulation or the insulation is penetrated by an element with a higher thermal conductivity. Where the building is situated in a cold climate (such as the UK) this can result in additional heat loss at these points. An example of a thermal bridge is shown below, where timber penetrates the insulation and enables additional heat loss:

      

    As more stringent legislation and energy awareness lead to increased insulation levels in walls, roofs and floors, heat losses due to thermal bridging become increasingly important.

    Heat loss and energy performance

    As dwellings become better insulated, the importance of thermal bridging has increased. In very well insulated dwellings, the effect that thermal bridging can have on the overall thermal performance of a dwelling can be significant. Research undertaken has shown that thermal bridging can be responsible for up to 30% of a dwelling's heat loss.

    The heat loss associated with these thermal bridges is expressed as a linear thermal transmittance (Ψ-value) - pronounced as 'psi-value'.

    Surface temperature, mould growth and health

    The surface temperature factor (f) is also calculated as part of the assessment procedure, and is used to assess the risk of mould growth, which can have significant health implications.

    Moulds produce allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction), irritants and even toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mould spores may cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Moulds can also cause asthma attacks and other respiratory illnesses.

    Assessment

    Thermal bridges occur within the building fabric where, because of the geometry or the presence of high conductivity materials, heat flows are two or three dimensional.  For many situations, simple calculations are no longer sufficient to determine thermal performance correctly and it is necessary to analyse the construction using numerical modelling.  A number of numerical modelling software packages are available where these specify the geometry, the materials and the boundary conditions of the model in two- or three-dimensions as appropriate. 

    The current BRE BR 497 publication (Conventions for calculating linear thermal transmittance and temperature factors) details the conventions that should be followed by thermal modellers to produce consistent, reproducible results and so help the push towards ambitious energy improvements and healthier buildings. The conventions relate to the use of thermal modelling software to assess the ‘as designed’ thermal performance of building junction details, products or elements.

    Legislation

    BR 497 is referenced within England and Wales Building Regulations Approved Document Part L, and Scottish Technical Standards Section 6 (Energy).

    The industry (primarily developers and designers) relies on having thermal bridging values calculated and supplied from credible and reliable sources to ensure accurate figures are incorporated into the National Calculation Method tools SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) and SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model).

    For more information

    Call us on 0333 321 88 11 if you would like to know more, or email enquiries@bregroup.com.