{"id":69096,"date":"2025-07-15T17:59:32","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T15:59:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/sin-categorizar\/puentes-termicos-que-son-como-resolverlos\/"},"modified":"2025-07-16T10:28:15","modified_gmt":"2025-07-16T08:28:15","slug":"thermal-bridges-what-they-are-and-how-to-solve-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/blog\/thermal-bridges-what-they-are-and-how-to-solve-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Thermal bridges in a building: What they are and how to solve them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text]In the field of construction, <strong>thermal bridges<\/strong> represent one of the main challenges for achieving <strong>efficient and comfortable buildings<\/strong>. Correctly identifying them, understanding their effects, and\u2014most importantly\u2014knowing the most effective solutions to eliminate them is essential for <strong>architects, builders<\/strong>, and any <strong>individual<\/strong> aspiring to a <strong>healthy, efficient, and durable home<\/strong>. Thermal bridges not only increase energy consumption but can also affect the longevity of materials and the quality of life of occupants. Therefore, considering them from the design and construction stages is key to <strong>achieving sustainable<\/strong> and <strong>comfortable buildings<\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column]<style>.ld_spacer_69d0e5da6023b{height:22px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d0e5da6023b\"><\/div>[vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"left\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 28px;\">What Is a thermal bridge?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69d0e5da6044f{height:42px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d0e5da6044f\"><\/div>[vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]A thermal bridge is an area of a building\u2019s thermal envelope where a variation in construction continuity occurs, resulting in a reduction of thermal resistance compared to the rest of the enclosure. The <strong>Spanish Technical Building Code<\/strong> (C\u00f3digo T\u00e9cnico de la Edificaci\u00f3n, CTE), in its <strong>Basic Energy Savings Document<\/strong> (DB-HE), establishes the <strong>obligation to minimize and properly address thermal bridges to ensure the energy efficiency of buildings<\/strong>. The presence of thermal bridges has direct consequences: they increase energy losses, promote the occurrence of surface and interstitial condensation, raise the risk of mold and material deterioration, and generate higher heating and cooling costs, reducing indoor thermal comfort.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]<style>.ld_spacer_69d0e5da604fd{height:22px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d0e5da604fd\"><\/div>[vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"left\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 21px;\">Why are thermal bridges relevant and what problems do they cause?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69d0e5da6057f{height:22px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d0e5da6057f\"><\/div>[vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;19716&#8243; img_size=&#8221;700&#215;370&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]The importance of thermal bridges lies in their direct <strong>impact on energy efficiency and building health<\/strong>. They can account for up to 30% of heat loss in <strong>poorly insulated homes<\/strong>, leading to higher energy consumption and, consequently, higher bills.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, thermal bridges can create cold spots indoors during winter, where air humidity condenses, favoring the<strong> growth of mold and fungi<\/strong>. This affects both the durability of materials and the health of occupants, especially those with respiratory issues or allergies. In summer, however, thermal bridges can result in heat gain.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]<style>.ld_spacer_69d0e5da6060b{height:22px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d0e5da6060b\"><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column]<style>.ld_spacer_69d0e5da60688{height:22px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d0e5da60688\"><\/div>[vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"left\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 28px;\">Types of thermal bridges and common locations in buildings<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69d0e5da60708{height:42px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d0e5da60708\"><\/div>[vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]Thermal bridges can be classified according to their origin and location in the building:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Structural:<\/strong> Occur in construction elements that penetrate the thermal envelope, such as columns, beams, or slabs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Geometric:<\/strong> Appear in areas where the building\u2019s geometry changes, such as corners, wall-to-slab connections, or junctions between the fa\u00e7ade and roof.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Due to insulation discontinuity:<\/strong> Arise when thermal insulation is not continuous, for example, around shutter boxes, window frames, or junctions between different materials.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]<style>.ld_spacer_69d0e5da60788{height:42px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d0e5da60788\"><\/div>[vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"left\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 21px;\">How to identify thermal bridges<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69d0e5da607fb{height:22px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d0e5da607fb\"><\/div>[vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3281\" data-end=\"3805\">Thermal bridges can be detected in several ways. <strong>Visual inspection<\/strong> is useful for locating areas with moisture stains, mold, or paint peeling, particularly at corners and window frames. However, for precise identification, <strong>infrared thermography<\/strong> is the most effective technique, as it allows visualization of temperature differences across the building envelope and <strong>pinpoints areas of highest heat loss<\/strong>. Temperature and humidity probes can also be used to monitor the thermal behavior of the enclosures and detect anomalies.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]<style>.ld_spacer_69d0e5da6086a{height:22px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d0e5da6086a\"><\/div>[vc_single_image image=&#8221;11363&#8243;]<style>.ld_spacer_69d0e5da608e4{height:22px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d0e5da608e4\"><\/div>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3812\" data-end=\"4053\"><em>In the comparative thermal image, two infrared photographs of the same building fa\u00e7ade are shown, taken at different times: before and after the installation of a ventilated fa\u00e7ade.<\/em><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4055\" data-end=\"4626\"><em>The <strong>image on the left corresponds to the fa\u00e7ade without thermal insulation<\/strong>. Horizontal bands with warmer colors (reddish, orange, and yellow tones) are clearly visible, <strong>indicating areas with higher heat loss<\/strong>. These bands correspond to the so-called thermal bridges, which typically occur at structural junctions, such as slabs between floors. The presence of these thermal bridges implies a loss of energy efficiency, as interior heat is transmitted outside, resulting in higher energy consumption and potential issues with condensation or moisture inside the building.<\/em><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4628\" data-end=\"5125\"><em>On the other hand, <strong>the image on the right shows the same fa\u00e7ade after installing a ventilated fa\u00e7ade<\/strong>, a construction solution that improves the building\u2019s thermal insulation. In this image, cooler tones (blues) predominate, indicating a more uniform and lower exterior temperature without signs of heat loss. The ventilated fa\u00e7ade acts as a thermal barrier, <strong>drastically reducing or eliminating thermal bridges<\/strong>, significantly improving the <strong>building\u2019s energy efficiency and indoor thermal comfort<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69d0e5da6095c{height:22px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d0e5da6095c\"><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column]<style>.ld_spacer_69d0e5da609c8{height:22px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d0e5da609c8\"><\/div>[vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"left\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 28px;\">Solutions for thermal bridges in buildings<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69d0e5da60a49{height:42px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d0e5da60a49\"><\/div>[vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;]<style>.ld_spacer_69d0e5da60abb{height:22px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d0e5da60abb\"><\/div>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p>The elimination or reduction of thermal bridges must be addressed from the <strong>design and construction stages<\/strong>, as well as during the renovation of existing buildings. Solutions vary depending on the type and location of the thermal bridge, but they should always aim to maintain the continuity of thermal insulation and reduce construction discontinuities.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most effective and versatile solutions for addressing thermal bridges in walls and fa\u00e7ades is the installation of a <strong>ceramic ventilated fa\u00e7ade<\/strong>. This system consists of placing an outer layer of ceramic material separated from the building structure by an air cavity and continuous thermal insulation. The ceramic ventilated fa\u00e7ade offers several key advantages:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69d0e5da60b32{height:22px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d0e5da60b32\"><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;68864&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Elimination of thermal bridges in fa\u00e7ades<\/strong>: By installing insulation on the exterior in a continuous manner, discontinuities in the envelope are removed, preventing structural elements (columns, slabs) from creating thermal bridges. This is particularly relevant in <strong>renovations<\/strong>, where the ventilated fa\u00e7ade allows for improved insulation without reducing interior space.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Improved thermal comfort and energy efficiency<\/strong>: The ventilated air cavity reduces heat transfer and helps maintain a more stable indoor temperature, both in winter and summer, lowering the building\u2019s energy demand and <strong>saving energy<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Prevention of condensation and associated issues<\/strong>: By avoiding cold spots indoors, the risk of condensation and mold growth is reduced, protecting occupant health and the durability of materials.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Durability and low maintenance<\/strong>: Ceramic panels are weather-resistant, require minimal maintenance, and retain their aesthetic appearance for decades, representing a long-term investment.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Regulatory compliance<\/strong>: The ceramic ventilated fa\u00e7ade facilitates compliance with the CTE requirements for energy efficiency and healthy living conditions, contributing to building <strong>sustainability<\/strong> thanks to the durability and recyclability of ceramic materials.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Aesthetics and modernity<\/strong>: It offers a wide range of finishes and colors, adapting to any architectural style\u2014from <strong>modern homes<\/strong> to more classic designs\u2014adding value in terms of design.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69d0e5da60bb9{height:17px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d0e5da60bb9\"><\/div>[vc_single_image image=&#8221;16736&#8243;]<style>.ld_spacer_69d0e5da60c61{height:17px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d0e5da60c61\"><\/div>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]In addition to ventilated fa\u00e7ades, there are other <strong>complementary solutions<\/strong> to address thermal bridges at <strong>critical points in the building<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Thermally broken windows<\/strong>: Choosing high-performance frames with integrated insulating materials is essential to prevent heat loss through openings.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Insulated shutter boxes<\/strong>: Opting for models with integrated thermal insulation and proper installation prevents the formation of thermal bridges in these elements.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Insulation in floors and ceilings<\/strong>: Continuity at slab-to-fa\u00e7ade junctions, as well as the connection between the roof and vertical enclosure, is essential to avoid energy losses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69d0e5da60cef{height:22px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d0e5da60cef\"><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<style>.ld_spacer_69d0e5da60d65{height:42px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d0e5da60d65\"><\/div>[vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"left\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 28px;\">The comprehensive solution for thermal bridges at FAVEKER\u00ae<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69d0e5da60dd3{height:22px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d0e5da60dd3\"><\/div>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]If you are looking for an effective, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing solution to address thermal bridges in your building, FAVEKER\u00ae offers its expertise and technology in ceramic ventilated fa\u00e7ades. This system not only eliminates thermal bridges but also contributes to the building\u2019s sustainability through the durability, recyclability, and <strong>low maintenance<\/strong> of ceramic materials. The ventilated fa\u00e7ade is the solution for energy <strong>renovation of a building<\/strong>: it optimizes efficiency while providing a contemporary and attractive design.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3844\" data-end=\"4442\">Our <strong>technical office<\/strong> supports you throughout the entire process, from technical advice to execution, ensuring personalized solutions tailored to each project. This is especially important in renovation projects, where resolving thermal bridges is essential to meet current efficiency and comfort standards. FAVEKER\u00ae positions itself as the ideal partner to achieve <strong>more sustainable, efficient buildings with renewed aesthetics<\/strong>. If your goal is to improve the thermal performance and appearance of your building, contact us to take the next step toward more responsible and efficient construction.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69d0e5da60e3f{height:42px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d0e5da60e3f\"><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the field of construction, thermal bridges represent one of the main challenges to achieving efficient and comfortable buildings. Correctly identifying them, understanding their effects, and\u2014most importantly\u2014knowing the most effective solutions to eliminate them is essential for architects, builders, and anyone seeking a healthy, efficient, and durable home. Thermal bridges not only increase energy consumption but can also affect the durability of materials and the quality of life of occupants. Therefore, considering them from the design and construction stages is key to achieving sustainable and comfortable buildings.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":72014,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"yes","_lmt_disable":"","wds_primary_category":24,"footnotes":""},"categories":[75],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-69096","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ceramic-solutions"],"acf":[],"modified_by":"faveker","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69096","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=69096"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69096\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/72014"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=69096"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=69096"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=69096"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}