Solve Thermal Bridging with Polyamide Break Strips | POLYWELL

Thermal bridging is a building science term describing the process of concentrated heat flow through a material or assembly that has a higher thermal conductivity than the surrounding insulation within a building envelope. It represents a weakness or a short-circuit in the thermal control layer of a structure. This process occurs when conductive elements—such as metal, concrete, or even dense masonry—create a continuous path from the conditioned interior to the unconditioned exterior. The driving force behind thermal bridging is the fundamental principle that heat energy moves from areas of high temperature to low temperature, and it will always follow the path of least resistance. In a building, the insulation is designed to provide high resistance, but when a thermal bridge is present, heat preferentially flows through it. This localized increase in heat transfer has several negative outcomes: it reduces the overall thermal efficiency of the building envelope, leading to higher energy bills; it causes the interior surface temperature at the bridge location to be significantly lower than the ambient room temperature, which can lead to condensation and mold growth; and it creates cold spots that cause occupant discomfort. Addressing thermal bridging is therefore a critical focus in high-performance building design, requiring meticulous detailing, the specification of thermally broken components, and the implementation of continuous insulation strategies to ensure a truly effective and durable building enclosure.