Thermal bridge

Surveying buildings for thermal bridges is performed using passive infrared thermography (IRT) according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Automated analysis approaches, such as Laser scanning technologies can provide thermal imaging on 3 dimensional CAD model surfaces and metric information to thermographic analyses.

The UAV uses an infrared camera to generate a thermal field image of recorded temperature values, where every pixel represents radiative energy emitted by the surface of the building.

At a thermal bridge location, the surface temperature on the inside of the building envelope will be lower than the surrounding area.

[10] Despite insulation requirements specified by various national regulations, thermal bridging in a building's envelope remain a weak spot in the construction industry.

Moreover, in many countries building design practices implement partial insulation measurements foreseen by regulations.

Comparing thermal conductivities between different building materials allows for assessment of performance relative to other design options.

[15] Concrete, which may be used for floors and edge beams in masonry buildings are common thermal bridges, especially at the corners.

[15] The aluminum frame for most curtain wall constructions extends from the exterior of the building through to the interior, creating thermal bridges.

[17] Additionally, when the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor space is large and there is warm and humid air indoors, such as the conditions experienced in the winter, there is a risk of condensation in the building envelope due to the cooler temperature on the interior surface at thermal bridge locations.

This type of 1D model can substantially underestimate heat transfer through the envelope when thermal bridges are present, resulting in lower predicted building energy use.