InstaBidsWhat is thermal bridging?
Thermal bridging is heat flowing through a more conductive part of a wall, roof or floor, bypassing the surrounding insulation. Framing, concrete slabs and metal attachments can carry heat outward in winter or inward in summer.
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What causes thermal bridging?
Thermal bridging happens where the insulation layer is interrupted or where a more conductive material carries heat across it. The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association identifies both material choice and gaps left during installation as causes. A steel connection or concrete slab can form this heat path even when insulation fills the surrounding spaces. “Thermal bridging is most often caused by improper installation or by material choice/building design.” Source: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association, read 2026-10-31.
What is thermal bridging according to building-science guidance?
Thermal bridging is heat transfer through a more conductive path across the building envelope, such as framing or an attachment connecting indoor and outdoor parts of a wall. The Building America Solution Center describes heat flowing from the warmer side toward the cooler side: outward in winter and inward in summer. “Thermal bridging can occur whenever framing members or attachment devices span through an assembly from within conditioned space to outside the thermal envelope.” Source: Building America Solution Center, read 2026-10-31. “These framing members or attachments can conduct heat from the hot side of the building to the cooler side, typically outside to inside in summer and inside to outside in winter.” Source: Building America Solution Center, read 2026-10-31.
How does thermal bridging impact energy performance?
Thermal bridges reduce the effective R-value of an entire assembly because heat can bypass the insulation between framing members. The Building America Solution Center gives wood about R-1 per inch, compared with roughly R-3 to R-7 per inch for insulation products. The insulation label alone therefore does not describe the thermal performance of the finished wall. “Thermal bridging can significantly decrease an assembly's effective R-value and adversely affect the thermal performance of the entire assembly.” Source: Building America Solution Center, read 2026-10-31. “For example, while insulation products have R-values varying from roughly R-3 to R-7 per inch, wood has an R-value of R-1 per inch, concrete has an R value of R-0.1, and steel has an R value of about R-0.003/inch.” Source: Building America Solution Center, read 2026-10-31.
Can thermal bridging cause condensation?
Yes. Thermal bridging can contribute to condensation and moisture damage, but the outcome depends on the assembly and its conditions. The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association lists condensation among the possible effects and cautions that not every thermal bridge produces severe damage. A visible bridge pattern alone does not establish that moisture damage has occurred. “The effects of thermal bridging may include increased heat loss, occupant discomfort, unanticipated expansion/contraction, condensation, freeze-thaw damage, and related moisture and/or mold problems for materials susceptible to moisture.” Source: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association, read 2026-10-31. “Not all thermal bridges cause these severe effects.” Source: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association, read 2026-10-31.
Can infrared thermography identify thermal bridges?
Yes, infrared images can reveal surface-temperature patterns associated with thermal bridging. The Building America Solution Center describes lighter areas on an exterior image taken on a cold day as possible signs of heat loss. Its example also includes air leakage and inadequate insulation, so a bright patch alone does not identify its cause. “A thermal x-ray uses an infrared camera that senses radiative surface temperatures rather than visible light.” Source: Building America Solution Center, read 2026-10-31. “For example, in an exterior image of a wall on a cold day, areas with inadequate insulation, significant air leakage, thermal bridging, or inefficient windows would appear with light colors exposing significant thermal losses.” Source: Building America Solution Center, read 2026-10-31.
Sources
- Reducing Thermal Bridging in Mass and Steel-Framed Multifamily Buildings — Building America Solution Center; read 2026-10-31.
- Infrared Camera Inspections — Building America Solution Center; read 2026-10-31.
- Thermal Bridges in Wall Construction (TEK 06-13B) — Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association; read 2026-10-31.