You’ve inspected every nook and cranny of your home and feel confident that there are no holes. So why does your HVAC equipment still have to work extra hard just to make your indoors warm during winter and cool during summer?
The problem is probably thermal bridging.
What Is Thermal Bridging?
James Hardie® siding professionals explain that thermal bridging can account for up to 30% of a home’s heat loss. Thermal bridging is also known as cold bridging or heat bridging. It points to the path of least resistance that hot air takes to enter or escape your home.
Though you can’t find any observable holes, heat can still find its way through some “weaknesses” in your thermal envelope:
- Wall studs are notorious for thermal bridging
- The space between the door and the floor
- Junctions between the roof and the walls of your home
- Holes made for pipes and cables
There are many other weaknesses that might allow hot air to move through. Damage to your walls and siding can also result in thermal bridging. If your siding is weak, compromised or uninsulated, your walls are not receiving enough protection from the elements. James Hardie fiber cement siding is especially effective in sealing in your walls to keep your home properly insulated.
How Can Thermal Bridging Be Stopped?
Insulation is still the most effective answer to thermal bridging issues. During construction, ask your contractor to cover the wall studs with continuous insulation. They can also add complete wall insulation. You can even have an insulated foundation built.
However, if you’re working on a standing home, your best option is to replace poorly performing siding. Choose James Hardie plank siding or another Hardie siding with insulation. This will keep your walls and siding from becoming the weak link in your thermal envelope.
Ask your contractor about other products that address thermal bridging at junctions and other parts of your home.
DryTech Roofing LLC can install insulated James Hardie siding to reduce thermal bridging in your home. Call us today at (240) 491-5600 or fill out our contact form for an inspection and estimate. We work with homeowners in Maryland.