kylmäsiltojen

Kylmäsilta is a Finnish term that translates to "cold bridge" in English. It refers to a thermal bridge in the building envelope, a location where heat can transfer more readily to the outside than in surrounding areas. This typically occurs at junctions where insulation is interrupted or less effective, such as around windows, doors, balconies, or structural elements that penetrate the insulation layer.

The presence of cold bridges can lead to several problems. They can cause a drop in the interior surface temperature, which may result in condensation and subsequent mold growth. This can negatively impact indoor air quality and the longevity of building materials. Additionally, cold bridges represent a loss of energy, increasing heating costs during colder months. Identifying and mitigating cold bridges is therefore an important aspect of energy-efficient building design and renovation. Techniques to reduce their impact include improving insulation continuity, using thermal breaks in structural connections, and ensuring proper sealing of the building envelope.