When a highly-conductive material allows easy passage across a thermal barrier, such as the wall studs within your insulated walls, it’s called a thermal bridge. Heat moves through the bridge far more easily than it would move through the insulation, which is why this problem can undermine all the effort and expense of properly insulating your home.

Despite the efforts of building science professionals and building codes, thermal bridging continues to be a significant factor in home energy losses. The problem often occurs in areas where the insulation does not fill its intended cavity, which can occur when fasteners or service openings cut through the insulation and create a pathway for heat to move to cooler elements.

Thermal Bridging in Attics Explained: Causes and Solutions

Another common source of thermal bridging is where wood framing and joists penetrate the insulated wall or ceiling, and thereby allow cold exterior air to move freely in. These penetrations often result in the telltale blackish-colored specks that can be seen through cathedral ceilings.

The best way to combat thermal bridging is with spray foam insulation. Rigid insulation panels — such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), and graphite polystyrene (GPS) — firmly installed under the siding on your new house provide a tight building envelope to help reduce energy loss and eliminate condensation problems that can damage your walls and ceilings. Adding a full inch of rigid foam under your exterior siding can also help reduce thermal bridging between the metal fasteners and the wood joists inside your wall cavities.

Keystone Premier Spray Foam Insulation
8 Azalea Dr, Windsor, PA 17366, United States
717-501-3718