LOW ENERGY SERVICES: Thermal Bridge Modelling
What are thermal bridges?
Thermal bridges are weak points in a building’s envelope that cause significant heat loss—up to 30% even in well-insulated buildings. To prevent this, careful design is essential.
For new builds, thermal bridge calculations are required to ensure accurate SAP energy ratings and avoid lower default values. These calculations assess heat loss at junctions and the effectiveness of insulation.
In retrofits, avoiding thermal bridging isn’t always possible, so a balanced approach considers insulation, ventilation, and moisture management. Good thermal design reduces energy use, improves indoor comfort, and enhances regulatory compliance.
Calculating & Reducing Thermal Bridges
We use 2D modelling tools to calculate ‘Psi’ values, which measure linear heat loss at junctions. This creates a heat transfer model that identifies temperature variations and potential risks like condensation or mould. We then refine the design to eliminate or reduce these risks.
These calculations also help improve overall energy performance by ensuring better insulation and reducing heat loss.
How can we help?
The LEAF team can provide design stage Thermal Bridge Modelling for your projects. We work with clients to meet their additional targets and comply with the building regulations to provide designs that achieve the energy performance targets for dwellings.
Get in touch to find out how we can help with Thermal Modelling