Thermal bridges in walls can reduce the overall energy efficiency performance of a building. In addition, ignoring thermal bridges can result in thinking the building is performing equal to or better than expected, yet have moisture condensation issues that ultimately lead to corrosion, mold, rot and more.

Jay Crandell, P.E., covers the basics of thermal bridging in wall assembly performance in his “Fundamentals of Thermal Bridging,” presentation, originally given at the 2018 ASHRAE Annual Conference.

The presentation also demonstrates methods of estimating the magnitude of the effect of thermal bridges using mathematical approaches to calculating assembly performance, and explains the pros and cons of various methods including clear-field, linear and point thermal bridges.

Crandell’s presentation can be downloaded from the ContinuousInsulation.org website along with numerous other excellent resources regarding Thermal Bridging and much more.