Prevent infiltration with good drainage and snow removal from foundations

Thermal bridges are areas where a building’s insulation is less effective, leading to significant heat loss. These areas are often located at wall junctions, room corners or foundations. In the past, construction techniques did not always take these weaknesses into account, which is why many old buildings still suffer from them today. These energy losses are not only costly in terms of heating, they can also cause problems with humidity and condensation.

Condensation and humidity problems

When warm, humid air comes into contact with a cold surface caused by a thermal bridge, there is a high risk of condensation. This phenomenon is particularly visible in the corners of walls, on windows or at the bottom of poorly insulated foundations. Over time, this humidity can cause mold, which affects indoor air quality and can cause health problems for occupants.

Solutions to limit thermal bridges

To reduce the impact of thermal bridges, it is essential to improve the insulation of sensitive areas. In existing buildings, this can include adding insulation to wall junctions, installing waterproof membranes or insulating foundations, which were often neglected in the past. New constructions must integrate advanced techniques to avoid these defects, such as the use of thermal bridge breakers and high-performance materials.

The importance of a good thermal diagnosis

To identify thermal bridges in a house, a thermal analysis with an infrared camera can be carried out. This method makes it possible to precisely identify areas where heat escapes and where humidity problems could appear. Once these weaknesses have been detected, it becomes easier to implement suitable solutions to optimize thermal comfort and prevent water infiltration linked to condensation.

Thanks to better insulation and rapid management of thermal bridges, it is possible to improve the energy performance of a building while reducing the risks of condensation and mold.