Residential Construction Science 101: Part 4 – Thermal Bridging
A learning series created by the Paul Gray Homes team of residential construction experts.
This series is designed for construction students and early-career professionals who want to understand how residential homes truly perform. These lessons connect classroom concepts to real-world homebuilding across Wichita and the South-Central Kansas region.
Introduction: Why Thermal Bridging Matters
One of the most misunderstood concepts in residential construction is why a home can be well insulated and still feel cold, drafty, or uncomfortable.
The answer is often thermal bridging.
Thermal bridging occurs when heat bypasses insulation by traveling through solid materials like wood, steel, or concrete.
Even high insulation values can be undercut when framing members create direct paths for heat to escape.
What Is Thermal Bridging?
Thermal bridging happens when a material with lower insulating value allows heat to move around or through insulation.
In residential homes, common thermal bridges include:
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wall studs
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rim joists
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floor systems
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roof framing
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window and door headers
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concrete slabs and foundations
Because framing materials conduct heat better than insulation, they become “shortcuts” for energy loss.
Where Thermal Bridging Shows Up Most in Homes
Exterior Walls
Studs interrupt insulation every 16 or 24 inches, reducing overall wall performance.
Rim Joists
Rim joists are often thin, irregularly insulated, and highly exposed to outdoor temperatures.
Bonus Rooms Over Garages
Floor framing above unconditioned garages is a major source of heat loss and cold floors.
Window and Door Openings
Headers and framing around openings concentrate solid material and reduce insulation continuity.
Why Insulation Alone Is Not Enough
Insulation slows heat movement — but it does not stop heat from traveling through framing.
This explains why:
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rooms feel colder near exterior walls
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floors above garages are uncomfortable
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condensation forms on cold surfaces
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energy bills remain higher than expected
Effective construction science looks at both insulation AND how framing interrupts it.
Framing members conduct heat through insulated wall assemblies. This interruption of insulation is known as thermal bridging.
How Thermal Bridging Affects Home Performance
Uncontrolled thermal bridging can lead to:
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uneven indoor temperatures
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cold floors and walls
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higher heating and cooling costs
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condensation on windows and walls
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increased risk of moisture-related damage
Reducing thermal bridging improves comfort, efficiency, and durability.
How Paul Gray Homes Addresses Thermal Bridging
At Paul Gray Homes, we account for thermal bridging in every residential build across Wichita and South-Central Kansas.
Our approach includes:
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thoughtful framing layouts
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enhanced insulation strategies
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careful detailing at rim joists and floor systems
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coordination between framing, insulation, and air sealing
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designing floor systems to reduce cold rooms over garages
You can see these principles applied in our available homes.
Glossary — Key Terms From This Lesson
Thermal Bridging
Heat flow through solid materials that bypass insulation.
Continuous Insulation
Insulation installed without breaks to reduce thermal bridges.
R-Value
A measure of resistance to heat flow.
Rim Joist
The framing member at the perimeter of a floor system.
Internships for Students
Students studying construction, drafting, or project management can gain hands-on experience through internships with Paul Gray Homes.
Opportunities include:
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Drafting & Residential Plan Design
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Project Management & Field Coordination
To connect with our team directly:
👉 Contact Paul Gray Homes
How Students & Instructors Can Use This Series
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Students: Use this lesson to identify thermal bridges on job sites and plans.
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Instructors: You are welcome to reference or link to this series in coursework.
What’s Next in the Series
Residential Construction Science 101 Series
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Part 1: What Is Residential Construction Science?
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Part 2: The House as a System
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Part 3: Load Paths
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Part 4: Thermal Bridging (you are here)
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Part 5: Insulation vs. Air Sealing (coming next)
About Paul Gray Homes
Paul Gray Homes is a leading residential builder in Wichita and the South-Central Kansas region, specializing in high-performance, energy-efficient homes built with a science-first approach.
We also offer internship opportunities in drafting and project management for students and early-career professionals.
For more information, visit our contact page.
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