A thermal bridge is a weak point in the building shell where heat escapes significantly faster to the outside than for an insulated component. This creates temperatures that are locally lower on the inside and warmer temperatures outside. This causes higher energy consumption, problems with moisture (condensation, danger of mold) and can cause structural damage due to frost.

Common thermal bridges

Projecting components

• Assure thermal insulation between a balcony and the adjoining ceiling.
• Balconies can be attached to the building via insulating baskets or supported by columns without penetrating the insulation.
• Likewise the ceiling of an integrated garage must be thermally insulated from the adjoining floor.

Foundation and ceiling connections

• Always thoroughly insulate ceiling connection points.
• Especially for single-layer masonry with heavy-duty thermal insulation, this thermal bridge is important.
• In the area of the foundation continue the insulating layer far  enough down, if necessary into the ground with moisture-resistant insulation.

 
Foundation, wall footing, attic, attic wall

• Just as outside walls, the foundation plate should also be insulated to the outside (inside insulation increases the danger of condensation and mold).
• We recommend laying the first row of bricks atop the basement with a material such as Ytong block or foam glass to minimize heat loss.
• Floor insulation should raised at the sides and flow into the facade insulation.
• On insulating the top ceiling, the insulation should not end at the attic wall but extend beyond it.
• Likewise the attic must must be insulated at the outside, top and inside.

 
Window lintel, window interface

• Concrete window header must be insulated from outside.
• Roller shutter encasements are particular weak points, even if they are insulated.
• Window sills that are not properly installed can cause thermal bridges.
• You absolutely should cover window embracement and window frames with insulation.

 
Outside walls

• Avoid all compromises of the insulating effect (e.g., massive wall anchors, wood frame members in the insulating layer, radiator niches).
• Studs and joists in wood frame construction can likewise become thermal bridges. Seek expert advice.
• For inside wall insulation, the connection to the inside wall is itself an interruption of the insulation. Therefore insulation should extend 1 m beyond it.