Thermal Bridging
Thermal bridging is the transfer of heat through a framing component such as a stud, header, sill, or truss, which has a lower thermal resistance (R value) than the insulating material. While the wall or ceiling cavity might be insulated to the proper R value, thermal bridging can significantly reduce the effective R value of the completed wall or ceiling assembly.
The solution to thermal bridging in walls is to install a layer of rigid insulation on the exterior surface, under the siding, completely enveloping the wall assembly. In new construction, further reductions in thermal bridging can be achieved by minimizing the amount of framing material.
For example:
- Frame at 24” O.C. instead of 16”
- Install window and door headers only where necessary to transfer load
- Minimize the number of studs by attempting to place windows and doors such that at least one side of the rough opening aligns with the natural placement of a stud
- In attics, thermal bridging is addressed either by using a blown-in insulating material completely covering the framing, or if insulating with fibreglass batts, by installing alternate layers in opposite directions to cover the gaps created by the framing.
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Sustainable housing is located in Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Oromocto, New Brunswick.
We provide energy evaluations and offer energy conservation consulting services in
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.
