What are thermal bridges, and why are they so critical?
Thermal bridges are invisible weak spots in the building envelope where heat escapes more quickly than in surrounding areas. This not only leads to higher energy consumption but also to colder interior surfaces, which in turn can promote premature structural damage, for example, due to moisture and mold formation.
Typical thermal bridges in buildings are:
- Balconies
- Parapets and roof connections
- Building corners
- Roller shutter boxes
- Windows and doors
A distinction is made between three types of thermal bridges: material-related, geometric, and structural.
- Material-related thermal bridges occur when materials with different thermal conductivities are used within a component. This results in uneven heat flow and a temperature drop in the weaker part of the component.
- Geometric thermal bridges refer to areas where the geometry of a component changes (geometric discontinuity), such as corners and edges. In these areas, the heat-emitting surface is larger than the heat-absorbing surface, also known as the “fin effect.”
- Structural thermal bridges arise as a combination of the other two types in projecting components or structural connections that penetrate the building façade, such as balconies.
Effects of thermal bridges
Regardless of type, thermal bridges cause not only increased energy losses but also a range of additional problems, including:
- Higher heating costs due to constant temperature adjustments
- Long-term damage to the building structure caused by condensation
- Mold growth due to moisture and condensation
- Health risks and allergies resulting from mold formation
In well-insulated buildings, the impact of thermal bridges becomes even more significant: the better the insulation of external walls, the more noticeable these weak points become.
Structural thermal bridges, such as balconies, in particular, have a major impact on energy efficiency and heating costs. Depending on the thcikness of façade insulation, environmental conditions, and the number of balconies, up to 20% of heating energy can be saved solely by reducing thermal bridges.
Thermal optimization of balcony connections
With TEBEA®, Peikko has developed a load-bearing thermal break element that combines the requirements of modern architecture, energy efficiency, and safety in a single solution. The system is based on more than 30 years of experience from the European market and sets new standards for thermal separation.
What makes TEBEA® unique as a load-bearing thermal insulation element?
Thermally optimized for maximum energy savings
- Standard insulation thickness of 120 mm
- Optimal thermal performance
Modular design for versatile applications
- Flexible configuration with a 250 mm length grid alignment
- Suitable for all types of reinforced concrete balconies (cantilevered, supported, arcaded walkwayloggias, parapets)
- Applicable for both cast-in-place and precast solutions
Non-combustible insulation made of stone wool
- Mineral, breathable, hydrophobic insulation material from ROCKWOOL
- Integrated fire resistance of up to 90 minutes
- Can act as a fire barrier
- Meets the energy law requirements
Seamless integration with other Peikko systems
- DELTABEAM® Composite Beams
- ATLANT® Composite Columns
- MODIX® Coupler System
- PSB® Punching Reinforcement
Certified for maximum design reliability
- ETA assessed
- CE marked
- Passive House certification – one of the highest standards for energy-efficient construction
Digital design tool: Peikko Designer® Balcony Connection
- Simple and fast design process
- 3D visualization
- FEM-based calculations
- PDF report and DXF export functions
Conclusion: Minimizing thermal bridges means building more efficiently
Thermal bridges are among the largest, yet often underestimated sources of energy loss in buildings. Optimized thermal separation, such as the TEBEA® load-bearing thermal insulation element from Peikko, reduces energy losses, protects the building structure, and stabilizes the indoor climate over the long term.
