• Thermal Bridges

    Calculating areas of heat loss within a building’s envelope

Thermal Bridges in heat loss elements

A thermal bridge is an area of a heat loss element within a building envelope which has a higher thermal conductivity than the majority of the materials within the build-up of a thermal element. (E.g. timber stud in a timber frame wall)

Thermal Bridging Calculations

Within a SAP calculation there are 2 options for imputing the Y-Value for thermal brides. Either the default Y-Value of 0.15W/m2K or by calculating out the specific Y-Value for that dwelling through measuring the length of junctions and using the associated Psi value for that junction build up as specified by the architect. Building control have a certified list of junctions and associated Psi value to work from. In most cases undertaking the thermal bridging calculation will result in a 50% improvement in Y-Value and give you greater flexibility in the remaining specification of your project to show compliance with energy requirements.

Thermal Junction Modelling (PSI Values)

Not all thermal junctions are standard. If this is the case with your project, ‘360 Energy’ will be able to provide simple and complex details in 2D and 3D to determine the Psi value for that junction and advise if there are areas within the junction which need to be addressed or improved upon.

How Can We Help

Our Role:

  • Project goals – The first thing we do is try to ascertain what motivates our client and tailor our advice accordingly. Every job is different and the motives of a builder building budget housing and a family who want to extend a family home they intend to occupy for the next 20 years are clearly at opposite ends of the spectrum. The earlier we can become involved in any particular project the better. Even before an architect is appointed we can get a steer for which end of the energy scale you want to be at and how you intend to use the building.
  • Continuity – As we provide the entire package including building testing at the end of the project there are guaranteed to be no unfortunate surprises when the time comes to seek final approval
  • Cost – Being involved at an early stage avoids clients paying twice for the same service as we cover all services in house.
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