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redundant due to the impact of thermal bridging? Paul Beech, Director of thermal break specialists, Armatherm, discusses the future of modular construction and how to ensure structures created with this technique continue to pave the way for efficient building.
Modular construction is often praised for its precision and sustainability. Built in controlled environments, modules are carefully insulated, airtight, and designed to meet stringent energy efficiency standards. However, while these individual sections may perform exceptionally well in isolation, the way they connect on-site can create serious inefficiencies through thermal bridging and the impressive accreditations they’ ve earned as individual elements can prove ineffective once in situ.
Thermal bridging occurs when highly conductive materials, like steel which is often a go-to in modular projects, form a pathway for heat to escape through a building’ s structure. In modular buildings, this is particularly problematic at the points where the modules are joined to create a full structure. The steel framework acts as a bridge, creating a pathway for heat transfer, bypassing the insulation and undermining the energy efficiency of the entire building.
So, although it can be easy to assume that factory-built structures can perform just as well on-site, we can see that this is not always the case. The connections where steel framework joins can present opportunities for thermal bridging, causing a whole host of detrimental issues.
Thermal bridging is a flaw that can lead to increased energy consumption, higher bills, and even long-term structural issues within a build. When energy is given the opportunity to transfer at these joints, it forces heating and cooling systems to work even harder to create and maintain required temperatures, increasing energy usage. For example, cold storage units need to be kept at low temperatures, if these are in warmer climates there’ s opportunity for heat to enter via thermal bridging and vice versa with buildings that need to be kept warm in cooler environments.
When conflicting temperatures meet, the resulting humidity can create condensation on interior surfaces. Left unchecked, this excess moisture can lead to significant structural issues, including dampness and the gradual degradation of building materials. Over time, this weakens the integrity of the structure, leading to costly repairs and potentially shortening the building’ s lifespan. Beyond structural concerns, condensation also creates the ideal environment for mould growth, which poses serious health risks to occupants, particularly those with respiratory conditions. Additionally, the increased need for heating and cooling systems to counteract heat loss or gain through thermal bridges leads to skyrocketing energy bills, reducing
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