Reducing thermal bridging at junctions when designing and installing solid wall insulation FB 61

BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.

Reducing thermal bridging at junctions when designing and installing solid wall insulation (FB 61) was written by Caroline Weeks, Tim Ward and Colin King and published by BRE on 19 December 2013.

Improving the energy efficiency of the existing building stock is one of the biggest challenges facing the UK. In particular, traditional solid wall homes are more difficult and more costly to improve than more modern, cavity wall constructions.

Current practice during refurbishment does little or nothing to minimise the effects of thermal bridging or inconsistencies in the thermal performance of the building envelope.

This guide sets out clear principles and methods that should be considered during the design and installation of solid wall insulation to reduce thermal bridging effects, and to minimise carbon dioxide emissions and the risk of condensation. The effect of installing external and internal wall insulation in typical solid wall homes has been modelled for junctions with windows, eaves, floors and party walls. Potential problems are considered, and examples are given from recent refurbishment projects in which BRE has been involved.

This report will be useful for public and private clients looking to improve the performance of their properties and for architects and other designers, specifiers and installers.

Its contents are:

• Executive summary.
• Introduction.
• Background-Risks associated with thermal bridging.
• Detailing of external wall insulation.
• Detailing of internal wall insulation.
• Comparing the overall thermal performance of external and internal insulation.
• References.

--BRE Group

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Accredited construction details ACDs.
• BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
• BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
• BRE Buzz.
• BREEAM.
• Building fabric.
• Building Research Establishment.
• Solid wall insulation.
• Thermal bridging in buildings.
• Thermographic survey.