← Glossary
Building elements

Thermal bridge

A thermal bridge is a local area of the building envelope where heat escapes more easily than through the surrounding construction.

Also known as cold bridge, thermal bridging, heat bridge

Thermal bridges form where a more conductive material cuts through the insulation, such as a stud, a steel beam or a balcony slab, or where the insulation layer is broken at a junction or corner. The result is heat loss, cold interior surfaces and a risk of condensation and mould.

They are reduced by design (continuous insulation layers, thermally broken connections) and by careful workmanship, since small gaps and compressed insulation create bridges too. Steel frames need particular attention because steel conducts heat far better than timber.

Related terms
Building envelopeThe building envelope is the physical barrier between inside and outside: the external walls, roof, lowest floor, windows and doors. Blown-in insulationBlown-in insulation is loose insulation material (cellulose, glass or stone wool) blown into a cavity until it fills it to a specified density. Light gauge steel (LGS)Light gauge steel is thin, cold-formed steel sections used as an alternative to timber for the frames of walls, floors and roofs.
From term to production line

Talk to Randek

Building this at scale? Tell us what you produce and we’ll point you to the right system.

Talk to your team Back to the glossary
Talk to your team