Kylmäsillat

Kylmäsillat, or cold bridges, are areas in a building's thermal envelope where heat flows more easily than in surrounding areas. This occurs due to a break or reduction in the insulation layer. Common examples include structural elements like concrete beams or steel supports that extend from the warm interior to the cold exterior, or gaps where insulation is not continuous, such as around windows, doors, or at junctions between different building components.

The presence of kylmäsillat can lead to several problems. They cause increased heat loss in winter, which translates to higher energy bills for heating. In warmer months, they can allow heat to enter the building, increasing cooling costs. More significantly, kylmäsillat can cause surface temperatures on the interior of the building to drop below the dew point of the indoor air. This condensation can lead to moisture buildup, promoting the growth of mold and mildew. Mold can degrade building materials and pose health risks to occupants.

Identifying and mitigating kylmäsillat is crucial for energy efficiency and maintaining a healthy indoor environment. Techniques for mitigation include ensuring continuous insulation, using thermal breaks in structural elements, and carefully detailing junctions and penetrations in the building envelope. Thermal imaging cameras are often used to detect these areas of higher heat transfer. Proper design and construction practices are essential to minimize the formation of kylmäsillat.