What does 'thermal bridging' refer to in building construction?

Thermal bridging refers to a pathway of increased heat transfer through a conductive material in building construction. This occurs when materials with higher thermal conductivity, such as metals, penetrate the insulation layer, allowing heat to bypass the insulating materials and flow more readily. This bridging can create areas in a building where heat loss or gain is more significant than in surrounding insulated areas, leading to increased energy consumption for heating or cooling. Identifying and mitigating thermal bridges is essential for improving a building's overall energy efficiency and maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.

In this context, the focus on enhanced heat transfer through conductive paths distinguishes thermal bridging from techniques related to insulation, air circulation, or energy monitoring, which do not adequately capture the phenomenon of excessive heat flow due to inefficient thermal barriers.