Energy efficiency has always been a priority in the world of building design and construction, but the issue is becoming increasingly critical as we move into 2025 with factors such as rising energy costs and pressing sustainability challenges.
“The green transition of the building value chain can unlock $1.8 trillion in market opportunities globally according to the World Economic Forum and Boston Consulting Group, as well as significant social and environmental value.
“Energy efficiency is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to combat climate change, reduce energy costs for consumers, and improve the competitiveness of U.S. businesses. Energy efficiency is also a vital component in achieving net-zero emissions of carbon dioxide through decarbonization,” explains the U.S. Department of Energy.
As we strive to create more sustainable and comfortable structures, one challenge that continues to plague builders and designers is thermal bridging.
This phenomenon can significantly impact a building's energy performance, leading to increased costs and reduced comfort for occupants.
In this article, we'll explore the concept of thermal bridging, its implications, and how Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) offer an effective solution to this persistent problem.
Thermal bridging – also called “cold bridge” or “heat bridge” -- is essentially the area of a building where heat transfer is significantly higher than the surrounding materials, often because of breaks in insulation or components, creating a path for heat to easily escape or enter the building.
To put it another way, thermal bridging occurs when heat flows through a path of least resistance in a building's envelope, bypassing the insulation and creating a weak point in the thermal barrier.
This phenomenon typically happens where there's a break in the insulation or where materials with higher thermal conductivity penetrate or compress the insulating layer.
“The first thing to know about thermal bridging is that it’s nothing new,” writes Andy Lundberg for Passive House + Sustainable Building. “Early cave dwellers, who made excellent use of cliff-face orientation, thermal mass and form to create comfortable environments in all seasons, didn’t crack the thermal bridging issue either.”
Common examples of thermal bridges include:
In these areas, heat can easily transfer between the interior and exterior of a building, compromising its overall thermal performance.
“What we do know is that all buildings suffer from the effects of thermal bridging, and that is completely unavoidable. What we can do through knowledge, good design and use of finite-element analysis is reduce its effects insofar as reasonably practicable, sensible and affordable,” writes Lundberg.
Thermal bridging is typically quantified using two key metrics:
These values are calculated using specialized thermal modeling software, which analyzes the heat flow through building components and junctions.
Thermal bridging can also be determined through laboratory testing using heat flux sensors and thermography or via in-situ measurements using infrared thermography and heat flux meters.
Thermal bridging has a big impact on buildings from energy loss to comfort:
Energy Loss and Costs
Thermal bridging can account for up to 30 percent of a building's total heat loss. This significant energy leakage translates to higher heating and cooling costs, as HVAC systems must work harder to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
Comfort and Health Concerns
Beyond energy inefficiency, thermal bridges can create cold spots on interior surfaces, leading to condensation and potential mold growth. This not only affects occupant comfort but can also pose health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions.
Building Performance
Thermal bridging can significantly impact a building's overall energy performance. As building codes become more stringent and energy awareness increases, addressing thermal bridging becomes crucial for meeting regulatory requirements and achieving desired energy ratings.
The growing focus on thermal bridging stems from several factors:
“As more stringent legislation and energy awareness lead to increased insulation levels in walls, roofs and floors, heat losses due to thermal bridging become increasingly important,” says the BRE Academy, an institution that focuses on science-led training in sustainability.
Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) have emerged as a highly effective solution to the thermal bridging problem.
What Are IMPs?
IMPs are prefabricated building components consisting of two metal facings bonded to an insulating foam core. They serve as both the exterior and interior finishes while providing superior insulation.
Green Span Profiles American-made IMPs, for example, are built by a continuously poured-in-place process binding interior and exterior corrosion-resistant steel facings to a polyisocyanurate insulating foam core.
These innovative building components offer a range of benefits that address thermal performance and beyond.
IMPs offer some unique features compared to other traditional building materials:
Let’s examine how IMPs solve our thermal bridging problem:
“The buildings of today must satisfy a supreme standard; they are called upon to achieve high performance: to be resilient, healthy, and energy efficient,” says an IMP industry webinar. “Building science has given us a focused modern design emphasis on the building envelope in response to the movement of thermal, air, water, and vapor conditions. These demands elicit dramatic changes to building envelope designs and the components used within.”
As a leading manufacturer of American-made IMPs, Green Span Profiles is at the forefront of addressing thermal bridging challenges. Our state-of-the-art IMPs offer:
By choosing Green Span Profiles IMPs, you are investing in a comprehensive solution to thermal bridging that enhances energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and building performance.
Contact Green Span Profiles today to learn how our innovative IMP solutions can revolutionize your building's thermal performance and energy efficiency