When people become homeowners for the first time, they often find themselves learning all kinds of new terms they never knew before. This is normal! Homeownership comes with a lot of responsibilities that simply don’t exist when you’re renting or still living with your parents. One term you might’ve heard, but may not fully understand even now, is “thermal bridging.”
“Thermal bridging” describes the process that occurs when heat moves across an object that is made of a more conducive material than its surroundings are. The conducive object creates a bridge for heat, hence the “thermal bridging” moniker. In houses, thermal bridging can be a huge source of heat loss in the wintertime. For our clients in Charlotte, NC, and the surrounding area, this can lead to significantly higher utility bills during the colder months of the year.
If you think you might be experiencing thermal bridging issues in your home, don’t fret too much. There are, fortunately, plenty of steps you can take to reduce the negative impact this problem can have. Hiring a professional contractor to assist you with implementing these preventative measures is a great idea.
Cover Studs With Insulation
Even if your home is well-insulated with fiberglass insulation, it is probably only placed between the studs. While this will certainly help heat stay in your house, it will not completely solve a thermal bridging problem. Because studs are more conducive than fiberglass insulation, heat will still exit your home at a shockingly rapid rate.
To halt the thermal bridge, you need to have a contractor insulate over your studs, not just between them. One of the best ways to do this is to have insulated vinyl siding installed on your home. The layer of insulation attached to the siding will cover the studs, thus breaking the thermal bridge.
Insulate Door Frames and Window Frames
Continuous insulation around door frames and window frames can also go a long way toward stopping thermal bridging. Whether you choose to use fiberglass insulation, cellulose, or foam insulation around these openings, make sure you select a reputable contractor who understands the importance of fully insulating these areas, so there are no studs or gaps left exposed. The number of thermal bridges in your house can quickly add-up when doors and windows are not attended to.
At Hatch Homes, our skilled team wants you and your family to be comfortable in your home all year long. If you believe you have a thermal bridging issue in your residence, call us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experts. Someone will come to your house to assess the situation and provide you with options to fix it.
We take great pride in consistently delivering quality services to all of our clients. You can rest assured that Hatch Homes will get rid of your thermal bridge the first time; you won’t have to worry about follow-up repairs when you choose us. We are looking forward to working with you to make your home more functional for you and your loved ones!