5.1 What is a thermal bridge?

Site: Passive House Online Training | Passive House Institute
Course: Passive House Fundamentals, Teaser [English]
Book: 5.1 What is a thermal bridge?
Printed by: Guest user
Date: Wednesday, 9 October 2024, 1:57 AM
TO REMEMBER

  • Two kinds of thermal bridges

    - Geometrical
    - Constructive

  • Thermal bridge-free design

    - Connection rule
    - Avoidance rule
    - Penetration rule

  • Possible solutions

    - Self-supporting construction
    - Use thermal resistive materials
    - Slim wooden beams
    - Cover the window frame
      with insulation

Thermal bridging and foundations

The following video from Energy Quarter, shows a concrete Passive House construction site. This is a great opportunity to study several solutions regarding thermal bridges at walls, floors and foundations.



Thermal bridges

Heat makes its way from the heated space towards the outside. In doing so, it follows the path of least resistance. A thermal bridge can be described as a localised area of the building envelope, where the heat flow is different (usually increased) in comparison to adjacent areas.

In this article, you will learn more about what defines thermal bridge free design, the simplified thermal bridge free criterion and how to meet it.

Now that you know more about geometrical and constructive thermal bridges, as well as about potential solutions, you can test your knowledge with the following quiz: