Beyond basic insulation: Why eliminating thermal bridges is critical for a healthy home
We know that insulation is important, but many of us don't realise that even a well-insulated home can still be losing significant heat through what we call 'thermal bridges' or areas where heat finds an easy path to escape through the building structure.
Think of heat flow like water — it will always find the path of least resistance. In traditional construction, up to 35% of a wall's surface area can be timber framing rather than insulation, creating countless paths for heat to escape.
In a typical New Zealand home, thermal bridges commonly occur through timber framing, window frames, and any place where building materials create a direct path between the interior and exterior. Even when walls are filled with insulation, these bridges can significantly affect your home's thermal performance, wasting energy and creating cold spots that lead to condensation and mould growth, and, in turn, unhealthy living conditions.
The New Zealand building code states the R-value or minimum thermal performance that’s needed to build a new home, focusing on insulation as the primary way to meet that minimum target. But thinking in terms of components isn’t the right approach. True thermal efficiency requires thinking about your home as a complete system, where every component works together to maintain healthy, consistent temperatures.
Our approach is inline with Passive House or PassivHaus standards. Our goal is creating an airtight envelope, in which insulation and elimating thermal bridging play a critical role. We found that the most cost-effective way to do that is to build using a panel system that’s designed specifically to create an airtight envelope that eliminates thermal bridges and optimises insulation. Paired with a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system, our homes maintain comfortable temperatures with minimal energy input for heating and cooling.
The benefits extend beyond just comfort and energy savings. Proper thermal control:
Prevents condensation and mould growth by keeping surface temperatures consistent
Reduces the strain on heating and cooling systems
Creates more usable space near windows and exterior walls
Improves overall air quality by reducing moisture-related issues
Contributes to the long-term durability of your home
When combined with our airtight building envelope and mechanical ventilation systems, proper insulation and thermal bridge elimination form a crucial part of what makes a truly healthy home. It's an investment in your family's comfort and health that pays dividends through reduced health and energy bills and improved living conditions for generations to come.
