In energy audits, what does the term "thermal bridging" refer to?

In energy audits, "thermal bridging" specifically refers to the phenomenon where heat is lost through areas of a building that are less insulated compared to surrounding materials. This typically occurs at points where building materials with differing thermal properties meet, such as wall studs, floor joists, or the interfaces between different building systems. These less insulated areas allow for increased heat flow compared to the well-insulated areas, ultimately leading to greater energy loss and decreased overall efficiency of the thermal envelope of the building.

Understanding thermal bridging is crucial because it helps identify areas that may contribute significantly to a building’s heat loss, thus influencing the design of insulation strategies and energy-saving measures. Addressing thermal bridges can improve comfort within the building and reduce energy consumption, making it a key focus during energy audits.