Technics: Thermal bridges in buildings

Journal Article · Tue Dec 01 00:00:00 EST 1992 · Progressive Architecture; (United States)

OSTI ID:6681794

Tuluca, A

One of the biggest problems in buildings is also one frequently overlooked: the myriad paths by which heat can escape to the outside. Thermal bridges,' in particular, can greatly increase a building's operating costs over its life. Accordingly, the architect must know how and where thermal bridges occur and how to prevent them, when preparing the construction documents. The term thermal bridge is generally used to designate the zone of a wall, roof, of floor that loses much more heat than surrounding areas during the heating season. To spot a thermal bridge, the principles governing movement of heat across floors, roofs, and walls must be understood, as well as knowing what happens when heat loss is concentrated in small areas of the envelope. The article addresses the basic causes of thermal bridges, highlights the damage thermal bridges can cause, and suggests remedial measures.

• OSTI ID: 6681794
• Journal Information: Progressive Architecture; (United States), Vol. 73:12; ISSN 0033-0752
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
BUILDINGS
DESIGN
HEAT LOSSES
HEATING SYSTEMS
BRIDGES
BUILDING MATERIALS
CONSTRUCTION
DAMAGE
FLOORS
HEAT
HEATING
ROOFS
THERMAL INSULATION
WALLS
ENERGY
ENERGY LOSSES
LOSSES
MATERIALS
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
320107* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Building Systems- (1987-)