RP-785 -- Building Insulation System Thermal Anomalies PDF

Thermal bridge" (TB) is the term describing that part of a construction assembly which has a higher rate of conductive heat transfer than the adjacent components of the building shell. They are most often the result of high-conductivity construction components interrupting insulation. Thermal bridges are commonplace in building shells, and Table 1.1 lists some of the thermal bridges most commonly found in residential and commercial construction.

The objectives of this research project are fourfold:

 - to evaluate the thermal performance (U-factors) of two commonly used wall assemblies and their thermal bridge characteristics;

 - to evaluate design and construction methods (in particular, sheathing) to ameliorate the impact of thermal bridging;

 - to evaluate current methods of predicting U-values of construction types and thermal bridging; and

 - to develop new or revise existing calculational methods.