Good Practice Guide 183 Minimising thermal bridging when upgrading existing housing: a detailed guide for architects and building designers

Publication Year

1996

Document Status

Withdrawn

Abstract

The Guide examines six different forms of construction: solid bricks walls, traditional cavity wall construction, crosswall construction, concrete framed construction, no fines concrete and large panel systems. The Guide concentrates on masonry construction systems because they often result in thermal bridging problems. Thermal bridges are areas of the fabric where, because of the materials used or the geometry of the construction, heat flows are higher than through the rest of the building. This results in a higher energy requirement for the building but, more importantly, the higher heat flow through the thermal bridge leads to lower internal surface temperatures and an increased risk of mould growth. This can have a much greater impact on energy consumption, as attempts are made to cure the mould by raising internal temperatures or increasing ventilation rates. Moulds are a major source of distress for householders and can cause respiratory and other allergies to sensitive people.

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