What is Thermal Bridging? The Invisible Energy Thief in Your Home

Right now, there’s an energy thief lurking in your home – and you probably don’t even know it’s there.

It’s called thermal bridging, and it’s silently sneaking your comfort and money right out through your walls. But don’t worry – building science is on the case.

RetroFoam dealers across the country work with homeowners to fix the issues caused by thermal bridging. In this article, I’ll explain thermal bridging, explain how it works, and explain how to fix it.

Let’s get into it.

What is Thermal Bridging?

It might seem hard to define thermal bridging, but simply put, a thermal bridge is a break in your home’s insulation.

Think of it like a gap in a warm winter coat – where heat escapes and cold gets in. In your home, these “gaps” typically exist in the wooden framing or studs inside your walls.

Wood might seem solid, but when it comes to insulation, it’s actually a weak link. Thermal bridging occurs when heat transfers through these materials, bypassing your insulation altogether, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Why is Thermal Bridging a Problem?

Let’s talk comfort – and cash.

In the winter, thermal bridging allows that warm, cozy air you’re paying to heat out of your home. In the summer, it lets that sweltering outdoor air in. The constant energy loss from your HVAC trying to keep up drives up your utility bills and makes it harder to keep your home comfortable.

But wait – there’s more.

Thermal bridging also causes condensation. When warm air meets a cold surface, like those wooden studs, moisture forms. That trapped moisture inside your walls, floors, or attic can lead to mold growth and even structural damage. Yeah, not great.

So, thermal bridging isn’t just an energy issue – it’s a comfort, health, and home durability issue too.

How to Identify Thermal Bridging in Your Home

You don’t need fancy tools to spot the signs of thermal bridging.

In fact, your home might be trying to tell you everything you need to know.

Here are a few red flags.

• Melted stripes on your roof during the winter - These are areas where heat is escaping through the wood framing, melting snow in lines right above the studs.

• Ice dams forming near your gutters – These often occur when warm air escapes into the attic and melts the snow, only to have it refreeze at the edges.
  
  
• Mold spots on walls or ceilings – Little black specks could be condensation’s calling card, a result of excessive moisture sneaking in through thermal bridges.

If any of these sound familiar, your home may be suffering from this hidden culprit.

How to Fix Thermal Bridging

Okay, now for the good news: thermal bridging is fixable.

The best way to combat it? Add a continuous layer of insulation that covers those breaks in the building envelope. Foam insulation, like RetroFoam, is especially effective because it creates a continuous air barrier that seals every nook and cranny.

By insulating your home with foam, you eliminate those weak spots where heat and moisture like to travel. That means no more uncomfortable rooms, high energy bills, or surprise mold.

If you’re wondering where to start, check out the Find a Dealer page on our website. Our RetroFoam dealers across the country specialize in creating that continuous insulation layer your home needs.

Key Points:

• What is thermal bridging? A break in your home’s insulation where heat escapes through materials like wood framing.
• Why is it bad? It affects comfort, energy efficiency, and can lead to mold and home damage.
• Signs to watch for: Snow melting in strips on the roof, ice dams, and mold spots on ceilings or walls.
• How to fix it: Install continuous insulation like foam to seal gaps and prevent air and moisture movement.

Related Articles

How to Block Drafts and Fix a Drafty House

Understanding Moisture in Wall Cavities and How to Prevent it in Your Home

How to Save Energy at Home: Why Home Insulation is Essential No Matter the Season