A thermal bridge is a section of a building that conducts more heat than other sections, resulting in an uneven temperature distribution that can lead to condensation, increased energy usage, and reduced indoor comfort. These areas usually occur where there is a break in the insulation layer, such as where the roof meets the wall or where a window frame is attached to the building.
To address thermal bridges in building design, architects and engineers use a combination of insulation techniques and thermal modeling to determine where thermal bridges will occur and how to eliminate or minimize them. Some commonly used techniques to prevent thermal bridging include using insulation wraps and thermal breaks around structural elements, optimizing ventilation systems, and creating shading systems to reduce solar gain. By addressing thermal bridges in the design phase, architects and engineers can improve the energy efficiency, comfort, and durability of the building.
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