A thermal bridge is the result of an interruption in the shape or material of a building's structure or in the thermal insulation. These situations cause a build-up in flow lines due to an increase in the heat exchange. In a building the amount of dissipation due to thermal bridges may exceed 30% of the total: theyare generally found in beams, pillars, floors, balconies and jutting-out parts. The extensive loss due to thermal bridges cool the building creating cold spots and hence giving rise to the risk that condensate and mildew can form. Moreover, changes in the surface temperature of the building lead to deterioration and crumbling of materials over time. The most appropriate product to limit the negative effects of thermal bridges is X-FOAM® EASY PIL,a solution specifically design for the purpose. The X-FOAM® EASY PIL panels have a rough surface and longitudinal grooves along the surface, ensuring the optimal gripping of plaster and easy shaping.They are applied directly to the structure with adhesives or placed in the disposable formwork during concrete casting. It is recommended to reinforce the facade with a mortar distributing the tension generated by the support's discontinuity.
Main effects of thermal bridges
1) Extensive heat loss can also have a major impact on the building's overall dispersion.
2) Dispersion causes a cooling of the structure and the risk of surface condensate.
3) Surface condensate can lead to the forming of mildew (particular types of fungi) in the presence of temperatures and a substrate favoring its development.
4) Cold spots near thermal bridges create cold areas with reduced thermal comfort.
5) The different temperatures lead to different degrees of dilation ruining the contact surface between the thermal bridge's structural elements.