SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1987
STP18488S

Experiences in Identification of Thermal Bridging and Elimination of the Thermal Short

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Our experiences encompass basic laboratory studies using the guarded hot box, field identification of the building envelope defect, and correction of the problem based on proven techniques and products.

In the laboratory, a total of 24 wall configurations were tested using ASTM Test for Steady-State Thermal Performance of Building Assemblies by Means of a Guarded Hot Box (C 236-80). Comparing theoretical R versus actual R values enabled us to identify several causes of thermal shorts along with techniques to correct the defects.

This work was related to the field as we observed:

(a) thermal bridging due to construction design,

(b) insulation gaps due to workmanship defects, and

(c) inability of certain construction systems to recover from high humidity and condensation conditions.

Considerable attention was given to these factors during our introduction of two new fiberglass products. In both the retrofit and new construction field, examples illustrate how the insulation was used to correct the envelope defects as well as how to avoid the defects.

Author Information

McCaa, DJ
Thermal Testing Laboratory, Residential Projects Development, respectively, Insulation Group, Research and Development, CertainTeed Corp., Blue Bell, PA
Pentz, ED
Thermal Testing Laboratory, Residential Projects Development, respectively, Insulation Group, Research and Development, CertainTeed Corp., Blue Bell, PA
Carre, J
Thermal Testing Laboratory, Residential Projects Development, respectively, Insulation Group, Research and Development, CertainTeed Corp., Blue Bell, PA
Infante, LJ
Thermal Testing Laboratory, Residential Projects Development, respectively, Insulation Group, Research and Development, CertainTeed Corp., Blue Bell, PA
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Details
Developed by Committee: C16
Pages: 310–317
DOI: 10.1520/STP18488S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4998-4
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0493-8