Abstract

Thermal Bridge assessment is becoming increasingly important, as research shows that thermal bridging can account for up to 30% of all heat loss from buildings if no attempt is made to reduce it. As U-Values either side of a junction are improved, the thermal transmittance through the junction actually increases. Consequently, as insulation levels increase due to changes in legislation detailing at building junctions will take on extra significance. Currently, the published Accredited Construction Details and the Energy Saving Trust Enhanced Construction Details contain guidance and details, which if followed, help reduce heat loss at junctions of building elements in non repeating thermal bridges. This paper uses a case study of a dwelling, designed by the author, to compare and evaluate numerical results of construction details modelled under steady state conditions using Trisco software. The aim is to demonstrate how lower Ψ values, achieved through individual detailing of building elements, affect the overall heat loss and energy consumption in SAP 2005. This paper will be useful to Architectural Technologists, Architects, Designers and Contractors involved in the design and construction of buildings.