The effect of thermal bridging has been well known in the design profession and construction industry for a long time. Balconies, floor/wall interfaces, shelf angles, canopies/ overhangs, penetrations, and parapets have a significant impact upon energy performance, condensation resistance, building durability, and occupant comfort. This session will explore the importance of thermal bridging in Massachusetts and warmer climates further south. It will also go over current codes and standards, including upcoming revisions to the ASHRAE 90.1 energy standard. The speakers will also address multiple building types, wall construction, and costs, showing real-world/built examples of how thermal bridging can be mitigated at areas all around the building skin.
Learning Objectives:
Examine the impact that thermal bridging can have on energy performance, condensation resistance and building durability, and occupant comfort.
Discuss standards and other code provisions (i.e., ASHRAE 90.1), both current and in-development, that account for thermal bridging in continuous insulation.
Design and detail thermal breaks to increase energy efficiency, decrease condensation potential, and meet continuous insulation code requirements.
Identify products, standard kit-of-part materials, and detailing methods that are available to mitigate the impact of thermal bridging.
