Thermal bridging

Thermal bridging is heat loss, typically caused by metal, poor insulation or a cold void.

Heat loss can result in condensation and mould growth, especially when accompanied by excess humidity and poor ventilation.

Top tips for identifying thermal bridges

  1. Use a thermal imaging camera when it is cold, or a laser thermometer, to identify thermal bridges.
  2. Look for mould and signs of condensation.
  3. Consider where there are:
    • eaves,
    • a chimney void,
    • Rolled Steel Joist (RSJ), wrought iron attachment, cold water pipe or other connected to the outside,
    • poorly applied or laid out insulation,
    • an extension or attachment,
    • removed chimney breast (look at similarly built properties for clues to the original structure),
    • change in pattern of bricks, render or external paintwork,
    • under floor void, such a garage,
    • coldness to the whole or section of neighbours, such as an unheated entrance, off-set to a terrace, of heat loss at the base of a wall for terraces built on a hill,
    • poor or flanking masonry paint, damaged or cracked render or spalled bricks (frost damaged),
    • rainwater causing heat loss, but not necessarily penetrating damp.

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