What is thermal bridging in building design?

Thermal bridging refers to the phenomenon where heat flows more readily through certain materials that have higher thermal conductivity compared to surrounding materials. In building design, this typically occurs at points where insulation is interrupted or where structural elements such as beams, studs, or concrete can conduct heat more effectively than insulating materials.

When thermal bridging occurs, it creates pathways for heat loss, which can significantly impact the overall thermal performance of a building. These "bridges" effectively allow heat to escape more rapidly, leading to increased energy costs and potential comfort issues within the space. Understanding this concept is crucial for architects and builders to mitigate heat loss by strategically placing insulation and materials to reduce or eliminate these thermal bridges.

The other choices do not accurately describe thermal bridging. Reducing heating costs relates to budgeting or operational efficiency, while flow of heat through less conductive materials and insulation techniques focus on improving energy efficiency rather than specifically addressing the detrimental effects of thermal bridging itself.