Understanding Thermal Bridging and Its Impact on Building Efficiency

What is Thermal Bridging?

Thermal bridging occurs when a conductive material, such as metal or concrete, directly connects the inside and outside of a building, creating a “bridge” for heat transfer. This bridge allows valuable heat to escape in winter and unwanted warmth to enter during summer, reducing a building’s overall energy efficiency and comfort. In high-performance buildings, minimizing thermal bridges is essential to maintain insulating effectiveness and reduce energy loss.

For example, a typical balcony can act as a significant thermal bridge if it extends as a cantilevered slab from the building’s floor. The balcony, being in direct contact with the interior floor, allows heat to flow outwards, negating the benefit of interior heating systems. This unwanted energy flow impacts both energy costs and interior comfort, especially in climates with extreme temperatures.

Consequences of Thermal Bridging

Energy Loss and Higher Utility Costs

Thermal bridges reduce the effectiveness of insulation by allowing heat to bypass insulating layers, leading to higher heating and cooling demands. This inefficiency translates directly into increased utility costs for residents and building owners. According to research, thermal bridging can contribute to over 30% of energy loss in poorly managed buildings. Addressing these “energy leaks” is crucial in Net-Zero or Passive House buildings, where energy conservation is prioritized.

Condensation and Mold Risks

When cold outdoor elements directly connect with warm interior surfaces, condensation can form where these temperature differences meet. Over time, this moisture creates a risk for mold growth and other structural issues that could compromise building longevity and indoor air quality. By eliminating thermal bridges, buildings maintain more consistent temperatures, significantly reducing condensation risks and promoting a healthier indoor environment.

Reduced Indoor Comfort

Thermal bridges can create “cold spots” on floors, walls, or near windows, which impact indoor comfort levels. Cold surfaces can lead to uncomfortable drafts and uneven room temperatures, requiring additional heating to maintain a cozy environment. A well-insulated, thermally broken structure provides a more uniform indoor climate, minimizing cold spots and improving overall comfort.

Kiwi Newton’s Solution to Thermal Bridging

Thermally Broken Balconies and Façade Mounting Systems

Kiwi Newton addresses thermal bridging challenges by using innovative thermally broken designs. A common issue arises with balconies, which in many designs act as an extension of the building floor. Instead of a cantilevered balcony that would create a continuous thermal path, Kiwi Newton uses a separate precast balcony slab supported externally by columns or wing walls.

In this approach, the balcony structure is structurally independent of the main building envelope, ensuring a thermal break that prevents heat transfer. Columns or wing walls are thermally separated from interior walls, which prevents the balcony from acting as a thermal bridge and preserves the building’s energy integrity.

Advantages of Thermally Broken Structures

Thermally broken balconies and façade mounts offer several advantages in high-performance buildings:

• Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Reducing thermal bridges minimizes unwanted heat transfer, making buildings more energy-efficient and reducing utility costs.
• Improved Comfort: Thermally broken structures create consistent indoor temperatures by eliminating cold spots and reducing drafts.
• Longevity and Structural Health: By limiting condensation risks, these designs reduce the likelihood of moisture-related issues, protecting the building’s integrity over time.

Why Thermal Breaks are Critical in High-Insulation Buildings

Maintaining the High Insulating Value

For high-performance buildings, every detail that touches the exterior has the potential to affect insulation quality. Thermal breaks in structural elements maintain the continuous insulating layer around the building. By separating interior and exterior structural elements, insulation can work effectively without being undermined by external elements that transfer temperature differences.

Enhancing Passive House and Net-Zero Building Goals

Thermal breaks are integral to Passive House and Net-Zero building standards, which focus on achieving high levels of energy efficiency. In Passive House buildings, a highly insulated, airtight building envelope is essential, as is the elimination of thermal bridges. This approach complements renewable energy sources by maximizing the efficiency of heating and cooling systems. In Net-Zero buildings, thermal breaks ensure that minimal energy is lost, helping to achieve or maintain energy neutrality.

Application of Thermally Broken Elements in Various Building Components

Balconies and Decks

Balconies and decks are particularly prone to creating thermal bridges. Kiwi Newton’s precast slab-supported balconies, thermally separated from the main structure, ensure that these outdoor features do not compromise the building’s thermal performance. This innovative approach also allows for design flexibility, accommodating different balcony shapes and sizes without risking energy efficiency.

Mounting Systems for Facades

Facade mounts can act as thermal bridges if not properly managed. To prevent this, Kiwi Newton uses thermally broken mounting systems that ensure external elements like cladding or decorative facades are isolated from the building’s interior structure. This approach reduces the risk of heat loss through external mounting fixtures while maintaining the building’s aesthetic and functional integrity.

Window and Door Frames

Doors and windows are common points for energy loss, especially if frames are not adequately insulated. High-performance windows with thermally broken frames provide a solution by preventing heat transfer through the frame material itself. Kiwi Newton uses high-efficiency framing materials and triple-pane glazing to ensure optimal performance. These elements reduce both thermal bridging and condensation risks, ensuring windows contribute to the building’s overall energy efficiency.

How Kiwi Newton Supports Sustainable Building Design

Comprehensive Insulation and Airtightness

Kiwi Newton focuses on building tight envelopes with high R-values, ensuring that insulation is continuous and effective throughout the structure. Air barriers and sealants are meticulously installed to eliminate leaks that compromise energy efficiency. A well-insulated, airtight structure helps prevent thermal bridging and contributes to sustainable building design.

Precast Building Solutions with Embedded Thermal Breaks

In addition to traditional insulation, Kiwi Newton’s precast concrete solutions are designed with thermal breaks embedded in key areas. These precast components simplify construction while supporting high-performance goals, making them ideal for sustainable building projects. The precast system’s thermally efficient elements allow for faster construction timelines and reduced energy loss.

Key Benefits of Eliminating Thermal Bridges

• Energy Savings: By maintaining high insulation levels and reducing thermal transfer, buildings can achieve lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact.
• Improved Comfort: Elimination of cold spots and drafts creates a more comfortable living environment year-round.
• Structural Health and Longevity: Reduced condensation protects against mold and moisture damage, contributing to a healthier building.
• Sustainability: Energy-efficient buildings help reduce carbon emissions and support green building standards, enhancing the sustainability of urban environments.

The Path Forward for Energy-Efficient Buildings

Kiwi Newton’s approach to thermally broken balconies and facade mounting systems represents a forward-thinking solution to the issue of thermal bridging. By preventing unwanted heat transfer, these structures maintain high insulation values, support energy efficiency, and create a comfortable indoor environment. As more buildings aim for Net-Zero and Passive House standards, innovations like thermally broken structures will become increasingly essential.

With a focus on sustainability, Kiwi Newton is committed to providing solutions that not only enhance energy performance but also contribute to the long-term health and efficiency of our built environment.