Külmasild

Külmasild is an Estonian term referring to a thermal bridge in building construction. It is an area within a building envelope where heat transfer is significantly higher than in surrounding areas. This occurs when materials with lower thermal resistance are present, creating a path for heat to escape or enter the building. Common locations for külmasild include structural elements like concrete beams, steel supports, window and door frames, and areas where insulation is discontinuous or compressed.

The presence of külmasild can lead to several problems. Firstly, it increases energy consumption as more heat is lost during colder months and gained during warmer months, requiring greater use of heating and cooling systems. Secondly, külmasild can cause condensation on interior surfaces. When warm, moist indoor air comes into contact with a cold surface created by the thermal bridge, water vapor can condense, leading to dampness, mold growth, and potential structural damage.

Identifying and mitigating külmasild is crucial for achieving an energy-efficient and healthy building. This can be done through careful design and construction practices, ensuring continuous insulation and minimizing thermal bridging at critical points. Techniques such as thermal breaks in metal components, using insulating materials at junctions, and proper sealing of the building envelope help to reduce or eliminate külmasild. Thermal imaging cameras are often used to detect areas of significant heat loss, pinpointing the location of külmasild for remediation.