Combatting Thermal Bridging within the Building Envelope
Monday, May 1, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Thermal bridging is the transfer of thermal energy through connected conductive building materials and those systems, assemblies, or materials that interrupt the exterior thermal envelope. Reducing thermal bridging is required by the International Building Code (IBC), specifically the ASHRAE 90.1 Energy Standard. This standard stipulates that the effective R-value of the wall assembly must consider the effects of thermal bridging to be representative of actual thermal performance. Gale’s presentation will focus on strategic practical measures to mitigate transfer of thermal energy, which occurs through conduction at window fenestration sill pans, fenestration flashings, and cladding attachments.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand how the effects of integral thermal breaks at window sill pans, head flashings, etc. can be used to mitigate heat flow and condensation.
- Understand the effects of non-metallic girts and spacers on the effective R-value of typical insulated wall assemblies.
- Understand the effects of non-metallic girts and spacers on the required R-value of thermal insulation, within the wall assembly, to comply with Code.
- Learn about the currently available materials and methods to effectively reduce thermal bridging at cladding attachments and window sill pans, and fenestration flashings.
Brian Neely, AIA, CDT, BECxP
Gale Associates Inc., Weymouth, MA
Brian Neely, AIA, CDT, BECxPSM is a Senior Project Manager/Project Architect for Gale Associates’ Building Enclosure Design and Consulting Group. He performs building envelope evaluations and provides recommendations for building repair and restoration. He has experience in developing low-maintenance renovations to public and private facilities while retaining the historic building elements. Mr. Neely has been actively involved with supplying peer review analysis of designs for new construction projects relating to the building envelope. Many of the projects relate to educational and research type facilities. He has been a CSI member for 12 years and served as past President of the Boston CSI chapter. Mr. Neely is a seasoned presenter and has given educational seminars to several facility groups.