Denise Martin
Oculus Engineering
Thermal bridging and thermal bridge solutions
Thermal bridges are localised areas in the external envelope of a building that have a higher heat flow density than the neighboring undisturbed components. In terms of thermal insulation, these areas are a weak point in the construction, since increased heat losses from transmission occur here.
With the growing demands on the insulation of the enveloping surfaces of a building, the special importance of the thermal bridge as a thermal weak point needs to be recognised.
The higher heat flow density of the thermal bridge not only means higher energy losses in this area, but can also lead to moisture and condensation problems.
We will review and discuss commonly found thermal bridges and discuss heat loss and surface temperature of:
- Windows and window installation
- Interior wall connections to exterior wall, or midfloor junctions
- Perimeter and foundation
- Connections of projecting components, such as balconies or canopies
- Penetration points of supply lines.
About Denise Martin:
Denise Martin is a consulting building analyst in the residential and commercial building sectors of New Zealand and Australia. She founded BEO Ltd and is now the Principal Analyst for Oculus Engineering Ltd.
Her experience spans several aspects of building science, such as energy efficiency and building performance through computer modelling, hygrothermal detail analysis using WUFI, isothermal detail analysis, and building envelope permeability testing using the Minneapolis Blower Door.
Denise has extensive knowledge of Passive House and is a Passive House Certifier as well as a Level 2 tester of ATTMA. Denise conducted the first, final and qualifying blower door test on the first Passive House in New Zealand.
In 2020, Denise advised the Australian government on measures to be adopted in the building code to mitigate risks of condensation in residential buildings, particularly in regard to mitigating impacts of condensation on occupant health.
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