When it comes to energy efficiency, most designers and builders understand the importance of insulation values and airtightness. But there’s another critical factor—often overlooked—that can dramatically impact real-world performance: thermal bridging.
Why Thermal Bridging Matters
Thermal bridges are areas where heat flows more easily through the building envelope—predominantly at junctions like where walls meet roofs, floors, or windows. Even if you have high R-value insulation, thermal bridges can bypass those gains, leading to higher heating and cooling costs, reduced comfort, and potential moisture issues.
Not All Thermal Bridging Analyses Are Equal
Thermal bridging analysis is required in most energy code compliance pathways. However, the method used can vary widely from one consultant to another.
Many consultants rely on the simplest calculation methods—quick to run and “good enough” about 80% of the time. But for the other 20%, the simplified method will typically rely on conservative assumptions that incur additional cost.
At Enforma, we use the powerful THERM software—a precision tool for modeling complex heat transfer in building components. This allows us to:
- Pinpoint exactly where and how thermal bridges occur.
- Quantify their true impact on performance.
- Provide clear, actionable recommendations for improving details while minimizing cost.
Real-World Example: Pre-Cast Sandwich Panels
Pre-cast sandwich wall panels are often marketed as high-performance solutions, consisting of:
- 2–3 inches of concrete
- 4–6 inches of rigid insulation (e.g., EPS or XPS)
- Another layer of concrete
On paper, they look great. But in practice, the way they’re installed—especially where the wall meets the ground or roof—can drastically reduce their effectiveness. We’ve seen designs where the real-world performance was less than half of the advertised R-value.
With THERM modeling, we can flag these issues early in the design phase and recommend adjustments—like better detailing or alternative connection methods—to protect your building’s thermal performance.
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
If thermal bridging isn’t properly analyzed:
- You risk under-insulating, leading to higher operating costs and possible compliance issues.
- Or, you risk over-insulating—spending more than necessary on materials and construction.
Either way, the result is a building envelope that’s not optimized for cost, performance, or long-term energy savings.
Enforma’s Advantage
Our role isn’t just to run the numbers—we help you:
- Understand the implications of the results.
- Find efficiencies that save on construction costs.
- Protect your design freedom while meeting or exceeding code.
By addressing thermal bridging properly from the start, you can deliver a building that performs as intended—without overspending on the envelope.