Thermal Bridging Examples & Solutions with Polyamide Strips

Examples of thermal bridging are prevalent in both residential and commercial construction, highlighting the pervasive nature of this challenge. A classic and highly impactful example is the concrete balcony slab. When the concrete slab extends uninterrupted from the interior floor through the insulated wall to form an exterior balcony, it creates a massive thermal bridge. The concrete, with its relatively high conductivity, conducts heat directly outside, leading to a cold spot on the interior ceiling and floor at the junction, often resulting in condensation and mold. Another very common example is the aluminum window frame without a thermal break. The metal frame acts as a direct conduit, making the inside of the frame cold to the touch in winter. Structural elements provide further examples: steel columns or beams that are exposed on the exterior or embedded within an insulated wall assembly will channel heat outside. Even smaller details can be significant. Metal wall ties used in brick veneer cavity walls, although small in cross-section, are numerous and can collectively create a substantial thermal bridge. Roof penetrations for structural supports and the junctions where interior walls meet exterior walls are also typical areas where insulation is often compromised, creating linear thermal bridges. Recognizing these examples is the first step toward implementing targeted solutions, such as using structural thermal breaks for balconies, specifying thermally broken windows, and employing continuous exterior insulation to wrap and isolate structural framing, thereby preserving the integrity of the building's thermal envelope.