20/06/2025
A thermal bridge in cladding occurs when a highly conductive material, like metal brackets or timber frames, penetrates the insulation layer in a building’s facade, creating a path for heat to flow between the interior and exterior. This reduces energy efficiency, increases heat loss (up to 5-20% of total envelope heat flow in some cases), and can cause cold spots, condensation, or mold growth. Common in cladding systems, especially ventilated facades, point thermal bridges form where anchors or fixings connect the cladding to the structure.
