FIRST OF ALL… WHAT IS A THERMAL BRIDGE?
A thermal bridge is a break in the thermal resistance between two insulating materials. This causes heat loss to the outside of your home. In other words, a thermal bridge means an UNCOMFORTABLE situation for the occupants in winter time in addition to CONDENSATION problems on the cold spots (which can eventually lead to mold problems).
Thermal bridges can be caused by faulty installation, an aging property or poor quality materials. In all cases, thermal bridges automatically affect the energy efficiency of a house and cause significant heat loss.
WHAT DOES A THERMAL BRIDGE LOOK LIKE?
For the average person, identifying a thermal bridge can be difficult. Here are some clues that your home has thermal bridges:
- Cold surfaces
- Condensation formation (windows)
- Moisture stains on the walls
Often thermal bridges are found in these different parts of the house; walls, roofs, ceilings, balconies, floors and the different openings of your building (doors, windows, veranda, etc.)
We recommend that you call a professional to inspect your home and make a diagnosis using an infrared camera (thermography). This will allow to show temperature differences and therefore to solve the problem directly at the source. Please note that an infrared camera is useless if you are not equipped to analyze the results. Call on our thermography services to solve your heat loss problems.
HOW TO ELIMINATE A THERMAL BRIDGE?
Several techniques can be used to treat thermal bridges. Insulating the exterior of your home is the best solution to reduce potential damage. Insulation of the floor and foundations, installation of thermal breakers and replacement of windows are elements to consider. For a new house, it is essential to choose quality materials and qualified and certified contractors. Also, a construction process that minimizes energy loss through the walls and their junctions.
