How to Cut Thermal Bridging

Thermal bridging commonly occurs when the outside temperature is given a path through the wall insulation via framing members, concrete foundations and walls, and floor and ceiling joists. This greatly reduces the effectiveness of the home's insulation, which results in higher heating and cooling costs. Reducing thermal bridging is best done during the design and construction of the home. Careful planning and execution of how a home is insulated will result in a home that uses less energy and will only cost a small amount more.

Polystyrene board insulation
Spray foam insulation
Loose fill insulation

Instructions

- 1
  Install extruded polystyrene board on both the exterior and interior walls of the foundation. The thicker the insulation the more you reduce thermal bridging. Make sure this insulation is uniform and goes all the way from the top to the footing.
- 2
  Install polystyrene board below the basement concrete floor pad before it is poured. This prevents the cold ground from drawing heat from the home.
- 3
  Construct double-framed 2 by 4 exterior walls with an air gap between the two walls. A double-framed wall has two independent walls constructed with a space between. The space provides the gap needed to remove the thermal bridging across the exterior framing members.
- 4
  Apply expanded polystyrene boards along the entire exterior of the vertical wall framing members. This provides a first line of defense against the exterior temperatures.
- 5
  Blow in loose fill insulation in the attic so it extends well above the ceiling joists. The insulation above the joists reduces thermal bridging.
- 6
  Apply foamed-in-place insulation where the floor and ceiling joints meet the exterior wall.

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