Thermal Bridging Calculations
We can run thermal bridging calculations to detect any weak spots in insulation and pin-point the parts of your building that are more prone to heat loss. By doing this, we can help you take the necessary steps to reduce energy expenditure and make your home or business more efficient.
Did you know that we also offer a range of other services?
What are Thermal Bridging Calculations?
Our team of knowledgeable experts are well-versed in thermal bridging, a prime culprit for heat loss in buildings. We design efficient solutions to identify and eliminate thermal bridges, which ultimately protects your SAP rating and indoor climate comfort. As Accredited Construction Details (ACD) have been removed starting 2022, it’s now critical that all builders and designers create third-party calculations for each proposed junction or thermal bridge within the dwelling. Failing to do this will result in poor default values being assumed during the SAP process – compromising your chances of meeting minimum fabric efficiency standards.
At its core, thermal bridging calculations estimate how much warmth is lost through contact points with an external structure. These evaluations not only measure a building’s ability to keep interior temperatures comfortable but also provide guidance on what kind and size of insulation to install for utmost efficacy. Thermal bridging computations additionally reveal areas where more insulation or other measures may be needed to prevent heat from escaping too swiftly.
Using specialist software such as Physibel Trisco modelling software our professionals can accurately simulate how heat transfers through a building structure taking into account materials used, geometry and boundary conditions amongst other details. The output from these simulations provides us with graphs indicating temperature distribution across the building structure along with changes over time; thus helping us detect hotspots immediately so necessary steps can be taken without delay!
When constructing a new home, there are some common thermal bridges that need to be taken into account. These include junctions between the ground floor and wall, openings around windows and doors, roof at eaves or gable ends, flat roof perimeters, internal and external corners as well as parapets. It is also important to consider party wall or floor junctions. Our experienced team of professionals can provide you with information about all these details so your home is energy-efficient from the start!
Thermal Bridging in SAP and SBEM Calculations
Accounting for thermal bridging with precision can save resources during the construction process. Using SBEM to assess commercial buildings, opting for the default value leads to an increase in insulation levels; resulting in higher costs and decreased accuracy of the calculation.
As SAP10 will soon eliminate ‘Accredited Construction Details,’ a thorough thermal bridging calculation is essential for successful domestic building design. With our expertise, we are here to provide informed guidance through this critical step of development.
Certification
Your thermal bridge calculation certificate will provide two important figures for energy performance calculations: PSI (ψ) and temperate factor (ƒRsi). The PSI value indicates the amount of heat loss from the junction, while the temperate factor should be above 0.75 to guarantee risk-free surface condensation. Rest assured that our team of experts employ only the best Physibel Trisco modelling software for all our calculations.
Thermal Bridging and Approved Document Part L1 2021
In order to meet the revised standards of Part L 2021 of the Building Regulations, Accredited Construction Details (ACDs) are no longer utilised for thermal bridging junctions. Although a default thermal bridging value can be used, this route results in an unavoidable penalty that may cause SAPs to miss the mark when it comes fabric energy efficiency.
With homes becoming more insulated, it’s important to take note that up to 30% of heat loss could occur due to thermal bridges formed by highly conductive elements such as metal studs within the wall construction.
By proactively addressing this issue, there is potential for a significant improvement in CO2 performance and energy efficiency – around 17% and 23%, respectively! Consulting with Focus 360 Energy will ensure compliance while remaining cost-effective at the same time.
Get your Thermal Bridging Calculation quote today …
Helpful information you may need to supply?
- Floor plans, elevation drawings, section drawings and a site plan.
- Detailed construction details which confirm the specific materials being used and how they connect, abut or interface with one another.
- Architects construction drawings and construction notes if available
Please call 0333 772 2798 if you have any questions.
What is included?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to undertake these calculations?
Thermal bridging calculations are not always mandatory, but they can be an important part of building energy efficiency and compliance with codes and standards. In some jurisdictions, thermal bridging calculations may be required as part of the building permitting process, particularly for commercial and multi-family buildings. Thermal bridging occurs when a material with high thermal conductivity, such as steel or concrete, creates a pathway for heat to escape from a building. This can result in energy loss, increased heating and cooling costs, and potential moisture problems. By conducting thermal bridging calculations, builders and designers can identify areas of the building envelope that may be susceptible to heat loss and develop strategies to mitigate this loss. This can include using insulation or materials with lower thermal conductivity, as well as changes to the building’s design and orientation. Overall, while thermal bridging calculations may not always be mandatory, they can play an important role in improving building energy efficiency and reducing long-term costs.
Do I have to undertake these calculations?
Developers who are building the same specification across multiple units can benefit from significant cost savings on insulation when it comes to meeting Building Regulations. Doing the calculations just once will save time and effort, and can be applied to each building with that junction type. If you want an even better result, use these calculations for improved SAP/EPC results. And if you’re aiming for Passivhaus certification, this is an essential step in creating a thermal bridge free construction process — so don’t forget to consider these calculations as part of your design!
What happens if my result is poor?
Our certified experts are available to help you explore how you can increase the thermal efficiency of your property. With years of experience and in-depth knowledge, we’ll provide tailored advice on the best way forward for you.
How is a thermal bridging survey carried out?
We use passive infrared thermography (IRT) to survey buildings for thermal bridges, in compliance with International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) guidelines. Utilising infrared thermography of buildings helps us detect heat leaks and identify any potential thermal signatures. Our knowledgeable team will always provide friendly and expert advice throughout the process.
Why Choose Us?
- Professional and reliable
- Flexible appointments to suit you
- Friendly, practical advice
- Same day quote
- Dedicated account handler
- Booking within 24-48hrs
- 10 years’ experience in the industry
- We work with you every step of the way
- Affordable pricing