Thermal bridges are an important instrument for identifying in more detail the heat losses from the building envelope. In highly efficient buildings such as Passive Houses, the influence of these losses has to be minimised. In ideal cases this is referred to as thermal bridge free connections or thermal bridge free design. Besides the heat losses, surface temperatures can also be determined with the aid of heat flow simulations, which allow conclusions to be drawn regarding thermal comfort, moisture development and the risk of mould growth.

Isothermenbild eines Balkonanschlusses

• Definition and effects of thermal bridges
• What defines thermal bridge free design
• Software for calculating thermal bridges
• Basic principle for calculating thermal bridges
• Examples of thermal bridge calculations

The procedures for calculating thermal bridges differ for the various areas of the building envelope. The different procedures are discussed below.

• Special features and characteristics of components in contact with the ground
• Recommended procedure for calculating thermal bridges of components in contact with the ground

• Exterior wall on floor slab
• Interior walls on floor slabs
• Heated basement
• Unheated basement

Windows are essential for the energy demand of a building. If not properly installed, it results in high thermal bridges, reducing the overall performance of the building's insulation and leading to unnecessary heat loss. Read more