What is 'thermal bridging'?

Thermal bridging refers to the phenomenon where heat is transferred through conductive materials, such as metal studs or other structural components, that are less insulated than the surrounding areas. This can create paths for heat loss or gain, undermining the overall energy efficiency of a building. When these conductive materials bridge the thermal insulation, they can create cold spots in the building envelope and lead to increased heating and cooling demands.

Understanding thermal bridging is crucial for those involved in building design and energy efficiency because it emphasizes the importance of a continuous and effective air barrier along with the insulation. By recognizing where thermal bridges occur, professionals can implement design solutions that mitigate these issues, ensuring that the building envelope performs as intended without unnecessary energy loss.

The other options, while related to building performance and materials, do not accurately define thermal bridging. For example, moisture transfer through non-porous materials pertains to water management, air moving through insulation relates to air permeability, and cooling through air circulation does not connect specifically to the concept of heat transfer through conductive materials.