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When designing a building, thermal bridges are the points where different materials meet, such as at junctions between walls and windows or floors and doors. These areas are prone to significant heat loss, which can reduce the overall energy efficiency of the building. This heat loss is referred to as linear thermal transmittance, Ψ (Psi) value, or cold bridges.
Optimising Building Efficiency and Reducing Heat Loss
Recent research has shown that thermal bridging can contribute to up to 30% of a building’s total heat loss. With each update to building regulations, thermal bridging has become increasingly important and will play a significant role in future iterations of the regulations.
The image below illustrates a thermal analysis of a balcony junction, where the cold (represented in blue) penetrates deeper into the wall construction through the metal structure. This creates a significant heat loss, contributing to higher energy consumption in the dwelling.
Why is Thermal Bridging Important?
Reducing thermal bridging is essential to meet the UK’s stringent energy efficiency standards. By addressing thermal bridges, you enhance a building’s overall energy performance and improve the long-term comfort of its occupants. This not only improves energy use but also supports the UK’s environmental goals, helping to reduce carbon emissions and meet sustainability targets.
How Are Thermal Bridges Calculated?
Thermal bridges are carefully measured and calculated as part of SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) assessments. The process includes:
- Individual evaluation of each junction, such as windowsills, floor-to-wall connections, etc.
- Measurement of the length of each thermal bridge and calculation of the associated heat loss through these junctions
- Accurate assessment of the total energy loss from all thermal bridges, providing a clearer picture of the building’s overall thermal performance
By using bespoke, real-world calculations, developers can:
- Make significant improvements in energy efficiency
- Ensure compliance with building regulations
Example Thermal Bridge Calculation
The heat loss value associated with each thermal bridge varies based on the materials used.
An older metal lintel allows more heat transfer compared to a modern thermally broken version, while poorly constructed junctions, like where an internal floor meets an external wall, can create significant thermal bridges.
Changing the density of building blocks from heavy to lightweight can reduce heat loss (Ψ value) by up to 65%, as shown in the images below.
While standardised minimum values are available for calculation, these are based on worst-case scenarios. By calculating the actual heat loss through specific thermal bridge junctions, you can achieve more accurate results, leading to substantial savings in SAP assessments and an easier route to building regulation compliance.
How Can We Help?
Our expert guidance and thermal bridging analysis ensure your building’s energy performance is optimised and compliant with regulations:
- Bespoke Thermal Bridging Values: We provide tailored values specific to your project, offering more accurate performance assessments
- Carbon Emissions Reduction: Our team recommends strategies to reduce carbon emissions, ensuring your building meets SAP 10 compliance
- Cost-Effective Solutions: Bespoke calculations often offer a more affordable alternative to increasing insulation levels or altering construction materials
- No Planning Amendments Required: Improving thermal bridging usually doesn’t necessitate changes to planning or major structural modifications
- Long-Term Savings: Purchasing a full set of thermal bridging values for commonly used constructions can result in significant cost savings for future projects
Benefits
- Tailored thermal bridging values specific to your project
- Simplified compliance process
- Avoid costly structural changes and material adjustments
- Enhance thermal performance, maximising energy efficiency and ensuring long-term savings
Start Your Thermal Bridging Analysis Today
Ready to optimise your building’s energy efficiency? Our experts are here to guide you through thermal bridging analysis and mitigation to ensure your project meets the latest regulations and delivers long-term savings.
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