Walls & thermal bridging

Heat and cold can easily pass through the walls of wood and steel-framed homes. In other words: the house's framing can be a cause of discomfort and higher energy bills. Wood and steel studs, but also the wiring, plumbing and ductwork present in walls, are common causes of thermal bridging.

And the problem is not limited to wood-frame walls or typical cavity walls. Solid walls aren’t better in terms of preventing thermal bridging. The fact that they are solid, doesn’t prevent unwanted heat and cold gains or losses.

See on this issue: Solid Masonry Wall Insulation.

Steel and wood studs

Steel is good at conducting heat and cold, causing enormous thermal bridging problems to steel-framed buildings. Wood frame construction is a little better situation, due to the lower conductivity of the wood, but the basic problem remains.

Common plywood sheathing also doesn't prevent energy losses. Plywood, OBS and other wood panel sheathing are permeable to thermal bridging, and may also cause moisture to move into the wall cavities.

Without proper insulation, hot and cold air will pass easily through the home’s walls, causing discomfort and higher energy bills.

Cavity wall insulation

Cavity wall insulation - well installed - can reduce thermal bridging and it is crucial to get comfort. But since it doesn't cover the studs, or the wiring and ductwork, it is not sufficient. Covering the surface of the exterior walls is also very important to get energy-savings and comfort.

Insulated sheathing

Plywood sheathing and other common sheathing do not prevent thermal bridging….

To truly avoid thermal bridging you should install a proper layer of thermal insulation, with structural strength, behind the siding and over the wood or steel studs, ductwork and wiring. See on these issues: Foam Insulated Sheathing.

Or, in new homes, you may consider new techniques and new wall materials like ICF/Insulated Concrete forms and SIP/Structural Insulated Panels.