Thermal Bridges Catalogue Phi 1.1 Full-Version

Thermal Bridges Catalogue
Passive House Institute

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2
Contents
1 Introduction ................................................................................................ p. 04
2 Instructions ................................................................................................ p. 10
3 Catalogue ................................................................................................... p. 18
External wall – outer corner (EWEC01)
External wall – inner corner (EWIC01)
Roof ridge (roof inclination 30°,45°,60°) (RORI01)
Roof eaves (roof inclination 30°,45°,60°) (ROEA01)
Roof verge (ROVE01)
Balcony (BALC01)
Porch roof (BALC02)
Roof parapet (FRRP01)
External wall - ceiling (EWCE01)
Window bottom (WIBO)
Floor slab – external wall (FSEW01)
Basement ceiling – external wall (BCEW01)
Basement ceiling – internal wall (BCIW01)
References
Imprint and Disclaimer
3
1 Introduction
4
Goal of the study
The calculation of an energy balance is required for all buildings in the Passive House planning phase.
To calculate the thermal heat losses through the envelope, the U-value is the commonly used concept,
being an easy to handle and straightforward method. Thermal bridge effects, defined by the Ψ-value, oc-
cur for every building due to geometric effects (e.g. corners) or penetrations (e.g. balconies). One of the
Passive House principles is “thermal bridge free-design”. As a result, thermal bridges due to penetrations
and connections, which cause interruptions to the thermal envelope, need to be avoided. However, this
principle cannot always be applied in practice and in cases such as retrofits or projects in seismic areas,
different solutions must be found.
There are many factors which determine which thermal bridges have to be considered in detail and whether
they can be estimated from tables or must be calculated individually. Since the Ψ-value changes according
to the insulation thickness of a specific detail when the insulation thickness is varied, several calculations
can be necessary.
In order to speed up the Passive House planning process and to reduce the costs and time needed for
thermal bridge calculations, the Passive House Institute evaluated approximately 1.200 thermal bridges,
varying a number of parameters that affect both the Ψ-value and the fRsi factor, relevant for hygiene rea-
sons. The outcome is a catalogue of Ψ-values and fRsi factors for the different cases, which can be used to
determine a value for a particular detail or to estimate the value of a similar case.
Architectural details
Two different solid wall construction systems were chosen for evaluation in all of the Passive House clima-
te zones (Zones 1-7), according to the international EnerPHit criteria [1]. The two solid wall construction
systems are:
A brick wall construction of 240 mm thickness and λ = 0.42 W/(mK), as typically found in European building
stock. The uninsulated wall shows an U-Value of about 1.30 W/(m²K).
A concrete wall construction of 120 mm thickness and λ = 2.10 W/(mK), as very often found in developing
countries. The uninsulated wall shows an U-Value of about 4.00 W/(m²K).
Please keep in mind that the two construction systems chosen for the research represent average qualities
or geometries of the components. Thickness and thermal conductivity of brick or concrete walls in specific
projects may differ and the thermal bridge coefficients of the connection details needs to be evaluated
accordingly. For example, in concrete constructions in Germany thicker wall thicknesses and the use of
reinforced concrete (λ = 2.3 W/(mK)) are common.
Connection details were calculated for insulation thicknesses increasing in 25 mm steps (roughly 1 inch),
starting with 0 mm of insulation (the existing building wall) up to 400 mm of insulation.
5
The graduations in insulation thickness were applied to both construction types (brick wall and concrete
wall). The lambda value of the insulation was also varied and λ = 0.025 W/(mK), λ = 0.035 W/(mK) and λ =
0.045 W/(mK) were used for the study to allow a quick estimation of the Ψ-value of the connection.
The scope of this study only includes improvements which do not modify the underlying nature of the
wall structure. Retrofits or new buildings in seismic areas require solutions such as thermal breaks in the
wall structure, but these cannot be practically applied. In these situations, the most practical solution is to
apply flanking insulation to reduce the thermal bridge effect caused by the penetrations in the insulation
layer e.g. a balcony. In non-seismic areas thermal breaks should be considered as solutions to reach the
“thermal bridge free-design” goal.
6
Figure 1: Floor plan, cross section and longitudinal section showing the typical connections in a building and the codes assigned
in the “Criteria and Algorithms for Certified Passive House Components: Opaque construction systems” [2].
The connections were evaluated to determine two parameters:
• Ψ-value, for an energy evaluation of the detail;

• fRsi factor, for a hygiene evaluation of the detail.
Energy Evaluation
The Ψ-value is a means to evaluate the linear heat losses that occur through the connection caused by a
thermal bridge effect. In a Passive House, the aim is to reach Ψ ≤ 0.01 W/(mK), which means “thermal brid-
ge free design”. However, there is no limit for the Ψ-value that would prevent the building being defined as
a Passive House. The Ψ-value must be taken into account when calculating the total transmission losses
through the envelope, because it will have an influence on the overall energy balance.
Hygiene Evaluation
For each connection, the minimum surface temperature was calculated as well. The results are displayed
through the fRsi factor, which is determined as follows:
(θsi-θe)
fRsi= _____
(θi-θe )
where θsi is the minimum interior surface temperature, θe is the minimum outside temperature (assumed
to be -10°C) and θi is the interior temperature (assumed to be 20°C). The θsi is calculated considering Rsi
= 0.25 (m²K)/W as the internal surface resistance.
7
The fRsi factor is the parameter chosen to easily identify the risk of mould growth and condensation.
A hygiene criterion was established for each climate zone. The hygiene criterion identifies the minimum fRsi
factor that a component can tolerate in relation to the risk of mould growth.
The fRsi factor limit in each climate zone for the hygiene criterion according to the “Criteria and Algorithms
for Certified Passive House Components: Opaque construction systems” [2] are as follows:
Hygiene criterion
No Climate Zone
(fRsi = 0.25 m²K/W)
01 Artic 0.80
02 Cold 0.75
03 Cold-Temperate 0.70
04 Warm-Temperate 0.65
05 Warm 0.55
06 Hot -
07 Very Hot -
The Climate Zones are defined according to the map shown in Figure 2.
arktisches Klima │ arctic
kaltes Klima │ cold
kühl gemäßigtest Klima │ cold temperate
warm gemäßigstest Klima │ warm temperate
warmes Klima │ warm
heißes Klima │ hot
sehr heißes Klima │ very hot
Figure 2: Assignment of the regions with identical requirements, based on studies by Passive House Institute.
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9
2 Instructions
How to read the catalogue
10
Detail drawing
The analysed connection is re-
ported with specifications about
the materials of the assemblies
and the boundary conditions as-
signed to the internal and ex-
ternal surfaces for the thermal
bridge calculation (temperature
[°C] and surface resistance [W/
(mK)]). The figure reported in this
section of the catalogue sheet
shows the connection geometry
when a 200 mm insulation layer
is applied.
Heat flow analysis (200 mm in-

sulation thickness)
The connection is shown with
a colour infrared diagram. The
outside temperature is indica-
ted in blue (-10 °C) and the inter-
nal temperature in red (20 °C). A
scale is reported to easily identify
the relation between each colour
and the temperature in the com-
ponent (-25 to 25°C).
The point on the interior surface

with the lowest temperature is
marked in the diagram. The value
of the minimum temperature de-
pends on the thickness of the in-
sulation layer in the assembly.
11
Ψ value graph
The graph reports the results of
all the thermal bridge simulations
for the detail. The insulation thick-
ness applied to the components
is on the x-axis. The Ψ-value re-
sults are on the y-axis.
The Ψ-values were calculated for

different insulation thicknesses
(from 0 mm to 400 mm) and for
three different insulation conduc-
tivities (0.025 W/(mK), 0.035 W/
(mK), 0.045 W/(mK)). The results
are displayed in three curves on
the graph.
When the detail can be impro-

ved through the addition of flan-
king insulation, the results of the
simulations are displayed with a
yellow curve. In these cases the
details were simulated conside-
ring a flanking insulation layer
with varying insulation thicknes-
ses (0-400 mm). The insulation
conductivity for the flanking insu-
lation is assumed to be 0.035 W/
(mK).
12
Ψ-value optimisation
When detail optimization is pos-
sible, a drawing showing how to
apply the additional insulation is
shown. Notice that thermal brid-
ges created by a geometric effect
cannot be improved. The optimal
thickness of the flanking insulati-
on is chosen according to the stu-
dies in “Protokollband” Nr.16 [3]
and Nr.24 [4].
13
Thermal bridge characteristics
Each connection is identified th-
rough a code, as in the “Criteria
and Algorithms for Certified Pas-
sive House Components: Opa-
que construction systems”.
Thermal bridges can be classified

as geometric (caused by a chan-
ge in the shape of a component),
structural (when there is a dis-
continuity in the material used),
and mixed (when both geometric
and structural discontinuities are
present). For each connection,
information about the category to
which the connection belongs is
reported.
With reference to the classifica-

tions reported in PHPP, the ther-
mal bridges are identified as fol-
lows:
A) interior against ambient air;

B) interior against the ground or
basement;
P) thermal bridge at the perime-
ter against the ground.
This classification is important for

the calculation of the heat losses
caused by the thermal bridge.
In fact, different categories will
lead to different degree-days (Gt
[kWh/a]) to be taken into account
in the final transmission heat los-
ses balance.
14
fRsi factor graph
The graph reports the results
of the fRsi factor. The insulation
thickness applied to the compo-
nents is on the x-axis. The fRsi
factor results are on the y-axis.
The fRsi factor was calculated
using the minimum internal sur-
face temperature determined in
each case.
The simulations were calculated

for three different insulation con-
Passive House Instute
Thermal bridges catalogue
ductivities (0.025 W/(mK), 0.035
Balcony - BW W/(mK), 0.045 W/(mK)) and dis-
Passive House Instute played through three different
Balcony - BW curves.
Cool Artic
temperate
Cool-
Warm-temperate When the detail can be optimi-

Warm zed through the addition of flan-
king insulation, the results of the
simulations are displayed with a
yellow curve. The insulation con-
ductivity for the case is assumed
to be 0.035 W/(mK).
fRsi factor graph
fRsi factor graph
The graph also shows an orange

The study of the Ψ-value showed remarkable behavior depending on the insulaon thickness. First the Ψ-value
The study of the Ψ-value showed remarkable behavior depending on the insulaon thickness. First the Ψ-value
increases to 0.65 W/(mK) for 50 mm of insulaon and then it decreases by approximately 0.02 W/(mK) for every
area, which represents the hy-
addional 25 mm of insulaon. These results are for a reinforced concrete penetraon (conducvity 2.1 W/(mK))
addional with
25 mm of insulaon.
a width of 150 mm. These results are for a reinforced concrete penetraon (conducvity 2.1 W/(mK)) giene criterion. When a point of
with a width of 150 mm.
The resultant Ψ-value is quite high for all of the cases and therefore, a correcon for the thermal bridge through
the addion of flanking insulaon is required. It is applied on and under the balcony slab and is only 50 mm thick.
the curve lays in this area, it me-
Theofinternal
the addion flankingsurface temperatures
insulaon of a balcony
is required. It isconnecon willand
applied on fulfilunder
the requirements of the
the balcony hygiene
slab and criterion.
is only 50 mm thick. ans that the hygiene criterion is
For the flanking insulaon soluon, the Ψ value reduces to approximately 0.30 W/(mK). Noce that in all of the
The internal surface temperatures of a balcony connecon will fulfil the requirements of the hygiene criterion.
cases studied the flanking insulaon is 50 mm thick. When the wall insulaon is 25 mm thick, the flanking insula-
on should be defined accordingly.
fulfilled. The steps in the hygie-
cases studied the flanking insulaon is 50 mm thick. When the wall insulaon is 25 mm thick, the flanking insula- ne criterion areas represent five
on should
No. be definedClimate
accordingly.
different climate zones. Conside-
U-value Ψ-value Hygiene fRsi factor
requirement Criterion
No.
01
Climate
Arcc 0.09 W/(m²K)
U-value
0.43 W/(mK)
Ψ-value
0.80
Hygiene
0.85
fRsi factor ring the concrete wall and brick
wall construction systems, when
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K)
requirement 0.48 W/(mK) 0.75Criterion 0.83
03 0.70
01 Arcc Cool-Temperate 0.15 W/(m²K)
0.09 W/(m²K) 0.53 W/(mK)
0.43 W/(mK) 0.80 0.8
0.85
04 Warm-Temperate 0.30 W/(m²K) 0.60 W/(mK) 0.65 0.76
a certain insulation thickness is
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) 0.48 W/(mK) 0.75 0.83
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.60 W/(mK) 0.55 0.72 applied, a certain U-value can be
03 Cool-Temperate 0.15 W/(m²K) 0.53 W/(mK) 0.70 0.8
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.60 W/(mK) - 0.72 determined. A step in the hygie-
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.59 W/(mK) - 0.77
ne criterion area marks that the
05 Exisng Warm 0.50 W/(m²K)
4.00 W/(m²K) 0.60
0.45 W/(mK)
W/(mK) 0.55 0.60 0.72
Building
U-value minimum requirement is
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.60 W/(mK) - 0.72
fulfilled according to the EnerPHit
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.59 W/(mK) - 0.77
component method for a certain
Exisng
Building
4.00 W/(m²K) 0.45 W/(mK) 0.60
climate zone.
15
Balcony - BW

Balcony - BW
fRsi factor graph
fRsioffactor
The study graph showed remarkable behavior depending on the insulaon thickness. First the Ψ-value
the Ψ-value
addional 25 Themm ofofinsulaon.
study the Ψ-value These
showedresults arebehavior
remarkable for a reinforced
depending onconcrete penetraon
the insulaon thickness. (conducvity
First the Ψ-value2.1 W/(mK))
with a widthincreases
of 150tomm.0.65 W/(mK) for 50 mm of insulaon and then it decreases by approximately 0.02 W/(mK) for every
addional 25 mm of insulaon. These results are for a reinforced concrete penetraon (conducvity 2.1 W/(mK))
Table The resultant Ψ-value

with is150
a width of quite
mm.high for all of the cases and therefore, a correcon for the thermal bridge through
the addion of flanking insulaon is required. It is applied on and under the balcony slab and is only 50 mm thick.
The table summarizes the main The internalthe addiontemperatures
surface of flanking insulaon
of a isbalcony
required.connecon
It is applied on andfulfil
will underthe
therequirements
balcony slab and of
is only
the50 mm thick.
hygiene criterion.
The internal surface temperatures of a balcony connecon will fulfil the requirements of the hygiene criterion.
results for each climate zone. For the flanking insulaon soluon, the Ψ value reduces to approximately 0.30 W/(mK). Noce that in all of the
cases studied the flanking insulaon is 50 mm thick. When the wall insulaon is 25 mm thick, the flanking insula-
The limit U-value of the compo- cases studied the flanking insulaon is 50 mm thick. When the wall insulaon is 25 mm thick, the flanking insula-
on should on
be defined
should be accordingly.
defined accordingly.
nent is defined by the EnerPHit

No. No. Climate Climate U-value
U-value Ψ-value
Ψ-value HygieneHygiene fRsi factor fRsi factor
criteria. This translates into a cer- requirement
requirement
Criterion
Criterion
01 Arcc 0.09 W/(m²K) 0.43 W/(mK) 0.80 0.85
tain insulation thickness, if the 01 Arcc 0.09 W/(m²K) 0.43 W/(mK) 0.80 0.85
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) 0.48 W/(mK) 0.75 0.83
components (e.g. wall) are de- 02 03 Cold Cool-Temperate 0.120.15
W/(m²K)
W/(m²K) 0.48W/(mK)
0.53 W/(mK) 0.70 0.75 0.8 0.83
fined similarly to those used in 03 04 Cool-Temperate

Warm-Temperate 0.150.30
W/(m²K)
W/(m²K) 0.53W/(mK)
0.60 W/(mK) 0.65 0.70 0.76 0.8
this research (240 mm brick wall, 04 05 Warm

Warm-Temperate 0.50 W/(m²K)
0.30 W/(m²K) 0.60 W/(mK)
0.60 W/(mK) 0.55
0.65 0.72
0.76
0.42 W/(mK); 120 mm concre- 05

06
Warm
Hot 0.50 W/(m²K)
0.50 W/(m²K)
0.60 W/(mK)
0.60 W/(mK)
-
0.55
0.72
0.72
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.59 W/(mK) - 0.77
te wall, 2.1 W/(mK)). The main 06 Exisng Hot 0.50 W/(m²K)
4.00 W/(m²K)
0.60 W/(mK)
0.45 W/(mK)
-
0.60
0.72
element influencing the U-value

Building
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.59 W/(mK) - 0.77
of the component will be the in- Exisng 4.00 W/(m²K) 0.45 W/(mK) 0.60
Building
sulation layer. Therefore, the re-
sults of this study can be used
also to estimate the Ψ-value and
fRsi factor of details with construc-
tion systems similar to the ones
studied here. However, it is highly
recommended to apply a safety
margin to the values.
For each connection in which the

wall component is characterized
by a limit U-value, the Ψ-value
and the fRsi factor are reported.
The fRsi factor limit values to fulfil
the hygiene criterion are reported
in the table as well.
16
17
3 Catalogue
18
Passive House Ins tute
External wall – outer corner - BW
Insula$on (λ= 0.035 W/(mK))

Internal Render (λ= 0.70 W/(mK))
External Render (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Brick Wall (λ= 0.42 W/(mK))
Tint = 20°C
Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W Tmin
Text = -10°C
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W
Detail drawing — Heat flow analysis
Ψ-value graph
geometrical ambient [A]

structural perimeter [P]
mixed floor slab/
basement ceiling [B]
Geometrical thermal bridges are caused by the
shape of the building. In this case, the Ψ-value
cannot be improved through addi$onal flanking
insula$on.
Ψ-value op misa on Thermal bridge characteris cs [EWEC01]

External wall – outer corner - BW
fRsi factor graph
The Ψ-value of the uninsulated external corner is quite good (nega ve, therefore a bonus in the energy balance
calcula on), approximately a factor of 10 mes be!er than the Ψ-value of typical Passive House Components in
Central Europe. However, this posi ve effect will be negated by the bad performance of the uninsulated wall. The
Ψ-value of the internal wall corner (not shown here) gets be!er (lower) with every inch of insula on.
The examina on of the surface temperatures for this connec on shows that a minimum insula on thickness let
the hygiene criterion be fulfilled.
No. Climate U-value Ψ- value Hygiene fRsi factor

01 Arc c 0.09 W/(m²K) -0.06 W/(mK) 0.94
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) -0.06 W/(mK) 0.93
03 Cool-Temperate 0.15 W/(m²K) -0.07 W/(mK) 0.92
04 Warm-Temperate 0.30 W/(m²K) -0.10 W/(mK) 0.86
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.15 W/(mK) 0.79
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.15 W/(mK) 0.79
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) -0.08 W/(mK) 0.88
Exis ng 1.30 W/(m²K) -0.63 W/(mK) 0.57

Building
External wall – outer corner - CW
Insula on (λ= 0.035 W/(mK))

Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Concrete Wall (λ= 2.1 W/(mK))
Tint = 20°C
Tmin
Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W
Text = -10°C
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W
Ψ-value graph

mixed floor slab/
cannot be improved through addi onal flanking
insula on.
Ψ-value op misa on Thermal bridge characteris cs [EWEC01]

External wall – outer corner - CW
fRsi factor graph
The Ψ-value of the uninsulated external corner is quite good (nega ve, therefore a bonus in the energy balance
calcula on), about a factor of 10 mes be!er than the Ψ-value of typical Passive House Components in Central
Europe. However, this posi ve effect will be negated by the bad performance of the uninsulated wall. The Ψ-
value of the internal wall corner (not shown here) gets be!er (lower) with every inch of insula on.
The examina on of the surface temperatures for this connec on shows that a minimum insula on thickness (25
mm)let the hygiene criterion be fulfilled.
No. Climate U-value Ψ-value Hygiene fRsi factor

01 Arc c 0.09 W/(m²K) -0.05 W/(mK) 0.80 0.96
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) -0.05 W/(mK) 0.75 0.95
03 Cool-Temperate 0.15 W/(m²K) -0.06 W/(mK) 0.70 0.94
04 Warm-Temperate 0.30 W/(m²K) -0.06 W/(mK) 0.65 0.88
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.08 W/(mK) 0.55 0.79
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.08 W/(mK) - 0.79
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) -0.06 W/(mK) - 0.90
Exis ng 4.00 W/(m²K) -0.93 W/(mK) 0.24

Building
External wall – inner corner - BW

Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Text = -10°C
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W
Tint = 20°C
Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W
Ψ-value graph

mixed floor slab/
insula on.
Ψ-value op misa on Thermal bridge characteris cs [EWIC01]

External wall – inner corner - BW
fRsi factor graph
The results show an opposing effect compared to the external corner case. The geometric effect causes extre-
mely high Ψ values for minimum insula on thicknesses and low posi ve values for higher insula on thicknesses.
The Ψ-value drops from 0.07 W/(mK) to 0.04 W/(mK) when 25 mm of insula on is added, but when more than
25 mm of insula on is added the Ψ-value remains constant at approximately 0.03 W/(mK).
The study of moisture problems shows that even in cases of minimum insula on thicknesses the connec on is
saved from mould growth.

01 Arc c 0.09 W/(m²K) 0.02 W/(mK) 0.80 0.98
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) 0.02 W/(mK) 0.75 0.97
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.05 W/(mK) 0.55 0.89
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.05 W/(mK) - 0.89
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.03 W/(mK) - 0.94
Exis ng 1.30 W/(m²K) 0.22 W/(mK) 0.72

Building
External wall – inner corner - CW

Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Text = -10°C
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W
Tint = 20°C
Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W
Ψ-value graph

mixed floor slab/
insula on.
Ψ-value op misa on Thermal bridge characteris cs [EWIC01]

External wall – inner corner - CW
fRsi factor graph
The results show an opposing effect compared to the external corner case. The geometric effect causes extre-
mely high Ψ values for minimum insula on thicknesses and low posi ve values for higher insula on thicknesses.
The Ψ-value drops from 0.07 W/(mK) to 0.04 W/(mK) when 25 mm of insula on is added, but when more than
25 mm of insula on is added, the Ψ-value remains constant at approximately 0.03 W/(mK).
The study of moisture problems shows that even in cases of minimum insula on thickness (25 mm) the connec-
on is saved from mould growth.

01 Arc c 0.09 W/(m²K) 0.02 W/(mK) 0.80 0.98
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) 0.02 W/(mK) 0.75 0.97
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.04 W/(mK) 0.55 0.86
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.04 W/(mK) - 0.86
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.03 W/(mK) - 0.94
Exis ng 4.00 W/(m²K) 0.53 W/(mK) 0.33

Building
Roof Ridge (30°)
Text = -10°C
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W
Tmin
Tint = 20°C
Rsi = 0.10 (m2K)/W
30°

Wood (λ= 0.13 W/(mK))
Ψ-value graph

mixed floor slab/
insula$on.
Ψ-value op misa on Thermal bridge characteris cs [RORI01]

Roof Ridge (30°)
fRsi factor graph
The roof assembly is made of wood beams (100x120) placed every 625 mm. The insula$on is first added between
the beams and, for thicknesses greater than 120 mm, on top of the beams.
Two sets of simula$ons were conducted. The first set considers only the roof component, modelled as a mix of
wood and insula$on material. The roof component must be analysed to calculate an equivalent conduc$vity
which can then be used to represent it in further analysis. In the second set of simula$ons the en$re connec$on
is analysed and the roof component is modelled by a single material layer, using the conduc$vity previously cal-
culated, with the same thickness as the real component. The procedure follows the recommenda$ons reported
in the norm ISO 10211:2007.
The Ψ-values are nega$ve for every insula$on thickness, the same as for the generic wall corner case. The hygie-
ne criterion is fulfilled only when the insula$on is applied on top of the wood beams.

01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) -0.03 W/(mK) 0.80 0.94
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) -0.03 W/(mK) 0.75 0.93
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.04 W/(mK) 0.55 0.78
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.04 W/(mK) - 0.78
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) -0.03 W/(mK) - 0.88

Roof Ridge (45°)
Text = -10°C
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W
Tmin
Tint = 20°C
Rsi = 0.10 (m2K)/W
45°

Wood (λ= 0.13 W/(mK))
Ψ-value graph

mixed floor slab/
insula$on.

Roof Ridge (45°)
fRsi factor graph

01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) -0.05 W/(mK) 0.80 0.92
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) -0.05 W/(mK) 0.75 0.91
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.04 W/(mK) 0.55 0.74
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.04 W/(mK) - 0.74
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) -0.05 W/(mK) - 0.85

Roof Ridge (60°)
Text = -10°C
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W
Tmin
Tint = 20°C
Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W
60°

Wood (λ= 0.13 W/(mK))
Ψ-value graph

mixed floor slab/
insula$on.

Roof Ridge (60°)
fRsi factor graph

01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) -0.09 W/(mK) 0.80 0.90
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) -0.09 W/(mK) 0.75 0.89
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.09 W/(mK) 0.55 0.70
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.12 W/(mK) - 0.70
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) -0.09 W/(mK) - 0.82

Roof Eaves (30°) - BW
Text = -10°C
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W
30°
Tmin
Tint = 20°C
Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W

Wood (λ= 0.13 W/(mK))
Wood (λ= 0.29 W/(mK))
Concrete (λ= 2.2 W/(mK))
Plaster (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Ψ-value graph
ambient [A]
perimeter [P]
geometrical
The thermal bridge effect is not due just to a geo- floor slab/
structural basement ceiling [B]
metrical effect but also to the penetra$on of the
wood beam into the insula$on layer. The detail is
op$mized when the wood beam stops on the wall
and the insula$on layer is not interrupted. How-
ever, this alterna$ve was not calculated because it
is not commonly used for structural reasons.
Ψ-value op misa on Thermal bridge characteris cs [ROEA01]

fRsi factor graph
The conduc$vity of the wood beam is assumed to be λ = 0.13 W/(mK) when the heat flow is perpendicular to the
wood fibers and λ= 0.29 W/(mK) when the heat flow is parallel to the wood fibers.
The two assemblies (wall and roof) are assumed to have the same U-value; therefore, the roof was modelled
with an insula$on layer 50 mm thicker than the insula$on layer of the wall assembly.
Two sets of simula$ons were conducted. The first set considers just the roof component, modelled as a mix of
wood and insula$on material. The roof component is analysed separately so an equivalent conduc$vity for the
component can be calculated. In the second set of simula$ons, the en$re connec$on is analysed and the roof
component is modelled as a single-material layer, using the conduc$vity previously calculated, with the same
thickness as the real component. The procedure follows the recommenda$ons reported in the norm ISO
10211:2007.
The Ψ-values are approximately zero. The hygiene criterion is fulfilled for all cases.

01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) -0.03 W/(mK) 0.80 0.98
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) -0.03 W/(mK) 0.75 0.97
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.01 W/(mK) 0.55 0.89
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.01 W/(mK) - 0.89
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) -0.02 W/(mK) - 0.94
Exis ng 1.30 W/(m²K) (wall)

Building 0.94 W/(m²K) (roof)
Text = -10°C
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W
45°
Tmin
Tint = 20°C
Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W

Wood (λ= 0.13 W/(mK))
Wood (λ= 0.29 W/(mK))
Ψ-value graph
ambient [A]
perimeter [P]
geometrical

fRsi factor graph
10211:2007.
The Ψ-values are approximately zero. The hygiene criteria is fulfilled for all cases.

01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) -0.02 W/(mK) 0.80 0.98
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) -0.02 W/(mK) 0.75 0.97
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.01 W/(mK) 0.55 0.89
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.01 W/(mK) - 0.89
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) -0.01 W/(mK) - 0.94

Text = -10°C
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W
60° Tmin
Tint = 20°C
Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W

Wood (λ= 0.13 W/(mK))
Wood (λ= 0.29 W/(mK))
Ψ-value graph

The thermal bridge effect is not due just to a geo- mixed floor slab/
metrical effect but also to the penetra$on of the basement ceiling [B]

fRsi factor graph
10211:2007.

01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) -0.02 W/(mK) 0.80 0.98
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) -0.02 W/(mK) 0.75 0.97
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.00 W/(mK) 0.55 0.89
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.00 W/(mK) - 0.89
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) -0.01 W/(mK) - 0.94

Roof Eaves (30°) - CW
Text = -10°C
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W
30° Tmin
Tint = 20°C
Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W

Wood (λ= 0.13 W/(mK))
Wood (λ= 0.29 W/(mK))
Ψ-value graph
ambient [A]
perimeter [P]
geometrical

fRsi factor graph
10211:2007.

01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) -0.02 W/(mK) 0.80 0.98
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) -0.02 W/(mK) 0.75 0.98
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.04 W/(mK) 0.55 0.89
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.04 W/(mK) - 0.89
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) -0.02 W/(mK) - 0.96

Text = -10°C
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W
45° Tmin
Tint = 20°C
Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W

Wood (λ= 0.13 W/(mK))
Wood (λ= 0.29 W/(mK))
Ψ-value graph
ambient [A]
perimeter [P]
geometrical

fRsi factor graph
10211:2007.

01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) -0.02 W/(mK) 0.80 0.98
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) -0.02 W/(mK) 0.75 0.98
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.03 W/(mK) 0.55 0.89
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.03 W/(mK) - 0.89
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) -0.02 W/(mK) - 0.96

Text = -10°C
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W
60°
Tmin
Tint = 20°C
Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W

Wood (λ= 0.13 W/(mK))
Wood (λ= 0.29 W/(mK))
Ψ-value graph
ambient [A]
perimeter [P]
geometrical

fRsi factor graph
10211:2007.

01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) -0.03 W/(mK) 0.80 0.98
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) -0.03 W/(mK) 0.75 0.98
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.02 W/(mK) 0.55 0.89
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.02 W/(mK) - 0.89
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) -0.03 W/(mK) - 0.96

Roof Verge - BW
Text = -10°C
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W
Tmin
Tint = 20°C
Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W

Wood (λ= 0.13 W/(mK))
Ψ-value graph

Geometrical thermal bridges are caused by the mixed floor slab/
shape of the building. In this case, the Ψ-value basement ceiling [B]
insula$on. This detail can be considered as mixed;
due to the penetra$on of the wall into the insula$-
on layer.
Ψ-value op misa on Thermal bridge characteris cs [ROVE01]

Roof Verge - BW
fRsi factor graph
The roof assembly is made of wood beams (100x120) placed every 625 mm. The insula$on is added first between
The two assemblies (wall and roof) are assumed to have the same U-value; as a consequence, the roof was mo-
delled with an insula$on layer 50 mm thicker than the insula$on layer of the wall assembly.
In the studied case, if the insula$on is only placed between the wooden beams, the thermal envelope will not be
con$nuous and this translates into high Ψ-values. If the insula$on layer is not interrupted (insula$on thickness >
120 mm), the Ψ-value will be approximately zero because of the geometrical effect, such as the „External wall –
outer corner“ case.
The hygiene criterion is always fulfilled.

01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) 0.00 W/(mK) 0.80 0.93
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) 0.00 W/(mK) 0.75 0.91
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.25 W/(mK) 0.55 0.61
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.25 W/(mK) - 0.61
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) -0.01 W/(mK) - 0.81
Exis ng 1.30 W/(m²K) (wall) -0.04 W/(mK) 0.55

Roof Verge - CW
Text = -10°C
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W
Tmin
Tint = 20°C
Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W

Wood (λ= 0.13 W/(mK))
Ψ-value graph

Geometrical thermal bridges are caused by the mixed floor slab/
shape of the building. In this case, the Ψ-value basement ceiling [B]
insula$on. This detail can be considered as mixed;
due to the penetra$on of the wall into the insula$-
on layer.
Ψ-value op misa on Thermal bridge characteris cs [ROVE01]

Roof Verge - CW
fRsi factor graph
The roof assembly is made of wood beams (100x120) placed every 625 mm. The insula$on is added first between
The two assemblies (wall and roof) are assumed to have the same U-value; as a consequence, the roof was mo-
delled with an insula$on layer 50 mm thicker than the insula$on layer of the wall assembly.
In the studied case, if the insula$on is only placed between the wooden beams, the thermal envelope will not be
con$nuous and this translates into high Ψ-values. If the insula$on layer is not interrupted (insula$on thickness >
120 mm), the Ψ-value will be approximately zero because of the geometrical effect, such as the „External wall –
outer corner“ case.
The hygiene criterion is fulfilled when the insula$on layer is placed on top of the wood beams of the roof struc-
ture.

01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) -0.03 W/(mK) 0.80 0.94
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) -0.02 W/(mK) 0.75 0.92
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.62 W/(mK) 0.55 0.50
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.62 W/(mK) - 0.50
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.00 W/(mK) - 0.84
Exis ng 3.44 W/(m²K) (wall) 0.25 W/(mK) 0.31

Balcony - BW

Text = -10°C Tint = 20°C Internal Render (λ= 0.70 W/(mK))
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W External Render (λ= 0.87 W/(mK)) Tmin
Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Concrete Slab (λ= 2.1 W/(mK))
Impact Sound Insula$on (λ= 0.04 W/(mK))
Screed (λ= 1.05 W/(mK))
Parquet (λ= 0.13 W/(mK))
Glue (λ= 0.7 W/(mK))
Tiles (λ= 1 W/(mK))
Ψ-value graph

Internal Render (λ= 0.70 W/(mK)) geometrical ambient [A]
External Render (λ= 0.87 W/(mK)) structural perimeter [P]
Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK)) mixed floor slab/
Brick Wall (λ= 0.42 W/(mK)) basement ceiling [B]

Screed (λ= 1.05 W/)mK))
Ψ-value op misa on Thermal bridge characteris cs [BALC01]

Balcony - BW
fRsi factor graph
The study of the Ψ-value showed remarkable behavior depending on the insula$on thickness. First the Ψ-value
increases to 0.65 W/(mK) for 50 mm of insula$on and then it decreases by approximately 0.02 W/(mK) for every
addi$onal 25 mm of insula$on. These results are for a reinforced concrete penetra$on (conduc$vity 2.1 W/(mK))
The resultant Ψ-value is quite high for all of the cases and therefore, a correc$on for the thermal bridge through
the addi$on of flanking insula$on is required. It is applied on and under the balcony slab and is only 50 mm thick.
The internal surface temperatures of a balcony connec$on will fulfil the requirements of the hygiene criterion.
For the flanking insula$on solu$on, the Ψ value reduces to approximately 0.30 W/(mK). No$ce that in all of the
cases studied the flanking insula$on is 50 mm thick. When the wall insula$on is 25 mm thick, the flanking insula-
$on should be defined accordingly.

01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) 0.43 W/(mK) 0.80 0.85
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) 0.48 W/(mK) 0.75 0.83
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.60 W/(mK) 0.55 0.72
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.60 W/(mK) - 0.72
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.59 W/(mK) - 0.77
Exis ng 4.00 W/(m²K) 0.45 W/(mK) 0.60

Building
Balcony - CW

Text = -10°C Tint = 20°C
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W
External Render (λ= 0.87 W/(mK)) Tmi
Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK)) n

Ψ-value graph


Screed (λ= 1.05 W/)mK))

Balcony - CW
fRsi factor graph
The study of the Ψ-value showed remarkable behavior depending on the insula$on thickness. First the Ψ-value
increases to 0.75 W/(mK) for 50 mm of insula$on and then it decreases by approximately 0.02 W/(mK) for every
addi$onal 25 mm of insula$on. These results are for a reinforced concrete penetra$on (conduc$vity 2.1 W/(mK))
The resultant Ψ-value is quite high for all of the cases and therefore, a correc$on for the thermal bridge through
the addi$on of flanking insula$on is required. It is applied on and under the balcony slab and is only 50 mm thick.
The internal surface temperatures of a balcony connec$on will fulfil the requirements of the hygiene criterion.
For the flanking insula$on solu$on, the Ψ value reduces to approximately 0.30 W/(mK). No$ce that in all of the
cases studied the flanking insula$on is 50 mm thick. When the wall insula$on is 25 mm thick, the flanking insula-
$on should be defined accordingly.

01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) 0.42 W/(mK) 0.80 0.87
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) 0.50 W/(mK) 0.75 0.84
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.73 W/(mK) 0.55 0.69
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.73 W/(mK) - 0.69
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.67 W/(mK) - 0.77
Exis ng 4.00 W/(m²K) -0.29 W/(mK) 0.40

Building
Porch Roof - BW

Text = -10°C Tint = 20°C External Render (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Tmin
Ψ-value graph


Porch Roof - BW
fRsi factor graph
A penetra$on connec$on which can be found frequently in refurbished buildings is at the porch roof. A concrete
overhang above windows or doors prevents the insula$on layer being con$nuous, causing a thermal bridge
effect.
The Ψ values are in the same range as the values for the balcony connec$on case. However, the thermal bridge
effect is decreased due to the reduced thickness of the slab (100 mm).
The moisture study for a porch roof connec$on showed that the hygiene criterion was fulfilled as soon as insula-
$on is applied.

01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) 0.30 W/(mK) 0.80 0.82
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) 0.35 W/(mK) 0.75 0.79
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.43 W/(mK) 0.55 0.65
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.43 W/(mK) - 0.65
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.43 W/(mK) - 0.72
Exis ng 1.30 W/(m²K) 0.26 W/(mK) 0.51

Building
Porch Roof - CW

Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W
Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Concrete (λ= 2.1 W/(mK)) Tmin
Ψ-value graph


Porch Roof - CW
fRsi factor graph
A penetra$on connec$on which can be found frequently in refurbished buildings is at the porch roof. A concrete
overhang above windows or doors prevents the insula$on layer being con$nuous, causing a thermal bridge
effect.
The Ψ values are in the same range as the values for the balcony connec$on case. However, the thermal bridge
effect is decreased due to the reduced thickness of the slab (100 mm).
The moisture study for a porch roof connec$on showed that the hygiene criterion was fulfilled as soon as insula-
$on is applied.

01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) 0.37 W/(mK) 0.80 0.85
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) 0.44 W/(mK) 0.75 0.82
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.71 W/(mK) 0.55 0.64
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.71 W/(mK) - 0.64
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.62 W/(mK) - 0.73
Exis ng 4.00 W/(m²K) 0.09 W/(mK) 0.32

Building
Roof Parapet - BW
Text = -10°C Tint = 20°C Tmin

Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W (wall)
Rsi = 0.10 (m2K)/W (roof)

Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Cover (λ= 1 W/(mK))
Ψ-value graph

mixed floor slab/

Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Ψ-value op misa on Thermal bridge characteris cs [FRRP01]

Roof Parapet - BW
fRsi factor graph
The parapet on a flat roof is an element which creates an interrup on in the insula on layer and, therefore, it is
considered a penetra on thermal bridge.
In the studied case, the penetra on is due to a parapet 500 mm high and 120 mm thick. The element is made of
bricks (0.42 W/(mK)) and as a consequence the Ψ-value does not reach very high values.
With the addi on of 25 mm of insula on the hygiene criterion is met.

01 Arc c 0.09 W/(m²K) 0.05 W/(mK) 0.80 0.90
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) 0.06 W/(mK) 0.75 0.89
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.04 W/(mK) 0.55 0.72
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.04 W/(mK) - 0.72
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.08 W/(mK) - 0.82

Roof Parapet - CW
Tmin
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W (wall)
Rsi = 0.10 (m2K)/W (roof)

Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Cover (λ= 1 W/(mK))
Ψ-value graph

mixed floor slab/

Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Ψ-value op misa on Thermal bridge characteris cs [FRRP01]

Roof Parapet - CW
fRsi factor graph
The parapet on a flat roof is an element which creates an interrup$on in the insula$on layer and, therefore, it is
considered a penetra$on thermal bridge.
In the studied case, the penetra$on is due to a parapet 500 mm high and 120 cm thick and made of concrete.
The hygiene criterion is met with approximately 25 mm of insula$on.

01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) 0.33 W/(mK) 0.80 0.82
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) 0.37 W/(mK) 0.75 0.79
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.44 W/(mK) 0.55 0.62
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.44 W/(mK) - 0.62
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.08 W/(mK) - 0.82

External Wall — Ceiling - BW
Text = -10°C Tint = 20°C Insula$on (λ= 0.035 W/(mK))

Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W Internal Render (λ= 0.70 W/(mK))
External Render (λ= 0.87 W/(mK)) Tmin
Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Ψ-value graph

The Ψ-value is rela$vely high for the case structural perimeter [P]
without insula$on, because the masonry mixed floor slab/
is interrupted by a material with higher basement ceiling [B]
conduc$vity. As soon as the insula$on
layer is applied, this thermal bridge effect
is reduced, because the insula$on layer is
applied with no interrup$on and therefore
no op$miza$on is advised for this case.
Ψ-value op misa on Thermal bridge characteris cs [EWCE01]

External Wall — Ceiling - BW
fRsi factor graph
This case is formally defined as a thermal bridge due to the discon$nuity in the wall material. However, as soon
as a con$nuous insula$on layer is applied, the thermal bridge effect is highly reduced. In par$cular, when an insu-
la$on layer thicker than 50 mm is applied the Ψ-value decreases to lower than 0.01 W/(mK) and, therefore, the
connec$on can be defined as „thermal bridge free-design“.
For the reasons stated above, the hygiene criterion is fulfilled for all insula$on thicknesses.

01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) 0.00 W/(mK) 0.80 0.98
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) 0.00 W/(mK) 0.75 0.98
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.01 W/(mK) 0.55 0.91
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.01 W/(mK) - 0.91
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.00 W/(mK) - 0.96
Exis ng 1.30 W/(m²K) 0.07 W/(mK) 0.76

Building
External Wall — Ceiling - CW

Text = -10°C Tint = 20°C External Render (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK)) Tmin
Ψ-value graph

The Ψ-value is rela$vely high for the case structural perimeter [P]
without insula$on, because the masonry mixed floor slab/
is interrupted by a material with higher basement ceiling [B]
conduc$vity. As soon as the insula$on
layer is applied, this thermal bridge effect
is reduced, because the insula$on layer is
applied with no interrup$on and therefore
no op$miza$on is advised for this case.
Ψ-value op misa on Thermal bridge characteris cs [EWCE01]

External Wall — Ceiling - CW
fRsi factor graph
This case is formally defined as a thermal bridge due to the discon$nuity in the wall material. However, as soon
as a con$nuous insula$on layer is applied, the thermal bridge effect is highly reduced. In par$cular, when an insu-
la$on layer thicker than 50 mm is applied the Ψ-value decreases to lower than 0.01 W/(mK) and, therefore, the
connec$on can be defined as „thermal bridge free-design“.
For the reasons stated above, the hygiene criterion is fulfilled for all insula$on thicknesses.

01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) 0.00 W/(mK) 0.80 0.98
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) 0.00 W/(mK) 0.75 0.97
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.00 W/(mK) 0.55 0.88
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.00 W/(mK) - 0.88
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.00 W/(mK) - 0.95
Exis ng 4.00 W/(m²K) -0.13 W/(mK) 0.42

Building
Window BoBom - BW
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W 400 mm Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W
Tmin

1010 mm

Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Uw equivalent λ= 0.106 W/(mK))
Timber (λ= 0.045 W/(mK))
Stone (λ= 3.5 W/(mK))
Uw= 0.898 W/(m²K)
Ψ-value graph

50 mm

mixed floor slab/
External Render (λ= 0.87 W/(mK)) basement ceiling [B]
Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Frame Timber (λ= 0.106 W/(mK))
Insula$on material (λ= 0.045 W/(mK))
Ψ-value op misa on Thermal bridge characteris cs [WIBO]

Window BoBom - BW
fRsi factor graph
The method followed to calculated the Ψ-value is a simplified procedure reported in the 21st Passive House Con-
ference 2017 proceedings. The frame is modelled as a single layer panel with an equivalent conduc$vity (Upanel =
Uframe) to calculate the Ψ-installa$on thermal bridge. The study showed that the simplified method leads to re-
sults on the safe side for aluminium and $mber-aluminium frames and underes$mates the thermal bridge effect
for $mber and PVC frames. The Ψ-value difference between the precise and the simplified calcula$on method
was not higher than ± 0.01 W/(mK). In conclusion, the simplified method provides sufficient reliable results for
the purposes of the „Thermal Bridges Catalogue“.
Not all the insula$on thicknesses allow for the op$miza$on of the window installa$on in the insula$on layer. It
was assumed that any insula$on thickness equal to or greater than 150 mm would lead to a window installed in
the insula$on layer and not on the exis$ng external wall surface. Insula$on thicknesses lower than 150 mm
would lead to the installa$on of the window flush with the exis$ng wall surface. As a consequence, the results
show a large discon$nuity between 125 mm and 150 mm of insula$on thickness. The window connec$on is op$-
mized when the window frame is par$ally covered by insula$on (50 mm). This solu$on leads to a large improve-
ment when the window is installed in the wall layer, but also a reasonable improvement when the window is
installed in the insula$on layer. As soon as insula$on is applied the fRsi factor fulfills the hygiene criterion.

01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) 0.03 W/(mK) 0.80 0.92
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) 0.03 W/(mK) 0.75 0.91
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.09 W/(mK) 0.55 0.82
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.09 W/(mK) - 0.82
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.11 W/(mK) - 0.85
Exis ng 1.30 W/(m²K) 0.09 W/(mK) 0.67

Building
Window BoBom - CW
Text = -10°C 400 mm Tint = 20°C

Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W
Tmin

1010 mm
Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))

Uw equivalent λ= 0.106 W/(mK))
Timber (λ= 0.045 W/(mK))
Uw= 0.898 W/(m²K)
Ψ-value graph

50 mm
Internal Render (λ= 0.70 W/(mK)) mixed floor slab/

Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Frame Timber (λ= 0.106 W/(mK))
Insula$on material (λ= 0.045 W/(mK))
Ψ-value op misa on Thermal bridge characteris cs [WIBO]

Window BoBom - CW
fRsi factor graph
The method followed to calculated the Ψ-value is a simplified procedure reported in the 21st Passive House Con-
ference 2017 proceedings. The frame is modelled as a single layer panel with an equivalent conduc$vity (Upanel =
Uframe) to calculate the Ψ-installa$on thermal bridge. The study showed that the simplified method leads to re-
sults on the safe side for aluminium and $mber-aluminium frames and underes$mates the thermal bridge effect
for $mber and PVC frames. The Ψ-value difference between the precise and the simplified calcula$on method
was not higher than ± 0.01 W/(mK). In conclusion, the simplified method provides sufficient reliable results for
the purposes of the „Thermal Bridges Catalogue“.
Not all the insula$on thicknesses allow for the op$miza$on of the window installa$on in the insula$on layer. It
was assumed that any insula$on thickness equal to or greater than 150 mm would lead to a window installed in
the insula$on layer and not on the exis$ng external wall surface. Insula$on thicknesses lower than 150 mm
would lead to the installa$on of the window flush with the exis$ng wall surface. As a consequence, the results
show a large discon$nuity between 125 mm and 150 mm of insula$on thickness. The window connec$on is op$-
mized when the window frame is par$ally covered by insula$on (50 mm). This solu$on leads to a large improve-
ment when the window is installed in the wall layer, but also a reasonable improvement when the window is
installed in the insula$on layer. As soon as insula$on is applied the fRsi factor fulfills the hygiene criterion.

01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) 0.03 W/(mK) 0.80 0.93
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) 0.02 W/(mK) 0.75 0.93
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.14 W/(mK) 0.55 0.79
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.14 W/(mK) - 0.79
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.16 W/(mK) - 0.84
Exis ng 4.00 W/(m²K) -0.09 W/(mK) 0.44

Building
Floor Slab — External Wall - BW

Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W Tmin
Ground (λ= 2.0 W/(mK))
Lean Concrete (λ= 0.2 W/(mK))
Ψ-value graph

Insula$on (λ= 0.035 W/(mK)) structural perimeter [P]
Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
500 mm
Ψ-value op misa on Thermal bridge characteris cs [FSEW01]

Floor Slab — External Wall - BW
fRsi factor graph
The calcula on model used to determine the Ψ-value of this connec on refers to the standard DIN EN ISO 10211.
The final Ψ-value is given by the following:
where L2d is the heat flow [W/(mK)] calculated by a so/ware simula on, Lew accounts for the propor on of the
heat lost through the wall and Lfs accounts for the propor on of the heat lost through the floor slab and the
ground beneath it. More informa on can be found on Passipedia: h4ps://passipedia.org/basics/
building_physics_-_basics/thermal_bridges/tbcalcula on/examples/ewfs
The study of the floor slab connec on detail shows nega ve Ψ-values for insula on thicknesses up to 200 mm
and posi ve values for greater insula on thicknesses. This behaviour is due to the presence of the ground under
the floor slab, which reduces the thermal bridge effect because the temperature difference between the interior
and exterior surfaces of the connec on (ground) is less than 30 K. However, for larger insula on thicknesses, the
penetra on in the insula on envelope becomes relevant and, as a result, the Ψ-values become posi ve and the
impact on the total energy balance increases.

01 Arc c 0.09 W/(m²K) 0.04 W/(mK) 0.80 0.85
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) 0.03 W/(mK) 0.75 0.84
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.12 W/(mK) 0.55 0.78
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.12 W/(mK) - 0.78
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.01 W/(mK) - 0.79

Building 0.57 W/(m²K) (floor)
Floor Slab — External Wall - CW

Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Text = -10°C Tint = 20°C Impact Sound Insula on (λ= 0.04 W/(mK))
Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W Screed (λ= 1.05 W/(mK)) Tmin
Ψ-value graph

Insula on (λ= 0.035 W/(mK)) structural perimeter [P]
Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
500 mm Concrete (λ= 2.1 W/(mK))
Impact Sound Insula on (λ= 0.04 W/(mK))
Ψ-value op misa on Thermal bridge characteris cs [FSEW01]

Floor Slab — External Wall - CW
fRsi factor graph
The calcula on model used to determine the Ψ-value of this connec on refers to the standard DIN EN ISO 10211.
The final Ψ-value is given by the following:
where L2d is the heat flow [W/(mK)] calculated by a so/ware simula on, Lew accounts for the propor on of the
heat lost through the wall and Lfs accounts for the propor on of the heat lost through the floor slab and the
ground beneath it. More informa on can be found on Passipedia: h4ps://passipedia.org/basics/
building_physics_-_basics/thermal_bridges/tbcalcula on/examples/ewfs
The study of the floor slab connec on detail shows nega ve Ψ-values for insula on thicknesses up to 80 mm and
posi ve values for greater insula on thicknesses. This behaviour is due to the presence of the ground under the
floor slab, which reduces the thermal bridge effect because the temperature difference between the interior and
exterior surfaces of the connec on (ground) is less than 30 K. However, for larger insula on thicknesses, the pe-
netra on in the insula on envelope becomes relevant and, as a result, the Ψ-values become posi ve and the
impact on the total energy balance increases.

01 Arc c 0.09 W/(m²K) 0.15 W/(mK) 0.80 0.82
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) 0.14 W/(mK) 0.75 0.79
04 Warm-Temperate 0.30 W/(m²K) 0.11 W/(mK) 0.74
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.00 W/(mK) 0.55 0.70
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.00 W/(mK) - 0.70
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.10 W/(mK) - 0.76

Basement Ceiling — External Wall - Ψew - BW
Insula$on (λ= 0.035 W/(mK)) 0.0° 0.1° 0.3° 0.4° 0.5° 0.6° 0.8° 0.9° 1.0°
Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Text = 0°C Tint = 1°C

Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W
Tint = 1°C
Rsi = 0.17 (m2K)/W (floor)
Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W (wall)

Ψ-value graph

Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
mixed floor slab/
500 mm

Ψ-value op misa on Thermal bridge characteris cs [BCEW01]

Basement Ceiling — External Wall - Ψew - BW
This connec$on was calculated according to the procedure described in Protocol Volume n.27 of the Research
Group for Cost Effec$ve Passive Houses. This method is a simplified version of the standard DIN EN ISO 13370
and it gives two different thermal bridge values as result (Ψew. and Ψbas. ceil.). The conductances Lie and Liu are cal-
culated within this method using a temperature difference of 1 K between the interior of the building (1°C) and
the exterior (0°C) and the exterior plus the ground floor (1 °C) and the unheated basement (0°C), respec$vely.
The first simula$on evaluates the heat flow from the heated volume and the exterior ambient to the unheated
basement (Ψew).
The conductance Lie is assigned to the exterior wall. The effect of this thermal bridge is therefore expressed by
the following:
Where lew is the dimension of the exterior wall, from the ground to the adiaba$c boundary condi$on, and Uew is
the U-value of the wall.
This value is then entered in the „Area“ worksheet in PHPP as a normal thermal bridge.
More informa$on can be found on Passipedia: h8ps://passipedia.org/basics/building_physics_-_basics/
thermal_bridges/tbcalcula$on/examples/unheatedb
No. Climate U-value Ψew-value Ψew-value Ψew-value Ψew-value

requirement (λ = 0.025 W/(mK)) (λ = 0.035 W/(mK)) (λ = 0.045 W/(mK)) op misa on
01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) 0.23 W/(mK) 0.20 W/(mK) 0.18 W/(mK) 0.02 W/(mK)
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) 0.24 W/(mK) 0.21 W/(mK) 0.19 W/(mK) 0.01 W/(mK)
03 Cool-Temperate 0.15 W/(m²K) 0.24 W/(mK) 0.21 W/(mK) 0.19 W/(mK) 0.00 W/(mK)
04 Warm-Temperate 0.30 W/(m²K) 0.20 W/(mK) 0.18 W/(mK) 0.16 W/(mK) -0.02 W/(mK)
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.12 W/(mK) 0.05 W/(mK) -0.02 W/(mK) -0.10 W/(mK)
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.12 W/(mK) 0.05 W/(mK) -0.02 W/(mK) -0.10 W/(mK)
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.21 W/(mK) 0.19 W/(mK) 0.17 W/(mK) -0.01 W/(mK)
Exis ng 1.30 W/(m²K) (wall) -0.90 W/(mK) -0.90 W/(mK) -0.90 W/(mK) -0.90 W/(mK)
Basement Ceiling — External Wall - Ψbas.ceil. - BW
Insula$on (λ= 0.035 W/(mK)) 0.0° 0.1° 0.3° 0.4° 0.5° 0.6° 0.8° 0.9° 1.0°
Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Tint = 1°C Tint = 1°C

Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W
Tint = 0°C

Ψ-value graph

Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
mixed floor slab/
500 mm


Basement Ceiling — External Wall - Ψbas.ceil. - BW
culated within this method with a temperature difference of 1 K between the interior of the building (1°C) and
The second simula$on evaluates the heat flow from the heated volume and the exterior ambient to the unhea-
ted basement. In the end, this procedure will lead to the Ψ-value as a propor$on of the floor slab (Ψbas.ceil.).
The conductance Liu is therefore assigned to the floor slab:
Where B‘ is the characteris$c dimension of the floor slab, given by PHPP in the „Ground“ worksheet and Ubas.ceil. is
the U-value of the basement ceiling.
This value is then entered in the „Ground“ worksheet in PHPP as a correc$on of the basement ceiling U-value:
where P is the perimeter of the basement [m] and A is the respec$ve area [m²].
No. Climate U-value Ψbas.ceil.-Value Ψbas.ceil.-Value Ψbas.ceil.-Value Ψbas.ceil.-Value

04 Warm-Temperate 0.30 W/(m²K) 0.10 W/(mK) 0.06 W/(mK) 0.04 W/(mK) 0.12 W/(mK)
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.04 W/(mK) -0.01 W/(mK) -0.03 W/(mK) 0.04 W/(mK)
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.04 W/(mK) -0.01 W/(mK) -0.03 W/(mK) 0.04 W/(mK)
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.11 W/(mK) 0.05 W/(mK) 0.03 W/(mK) 0.11 W/(mK)
Basement Ceiling — External Wall - fRsi - BW
Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Tint = -10°C Tint = 20°C

Tint = 2°C

fRsi factor graph

Internal Render (λ= 0.70 W/(mK)) ambient [A]
External Render (λ= 0.87 W/(mK)) perimeter [P]
Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK)) geometrical floor slab/
Brick Wall (λ= 0.42 W/(mK))) structural basement ceiling [B]
500 mm


Basement Ceiling — External Wall - fRsi - BW
It is very difficult to determine any conclusions about the temperatures that occur in unheated basements, as the
fRsi factor is the result of steady-state calcula$ons and does not consider heat storage and phase shiTs in the
ground. The PHI, however, recommends the following procedure:
A temperature correc$on factor of fx = 0.6 is considered:
The θbas. is then used as a boundary condi$on for the temperature in the basement. A heat transfer resistance of
Rsi = 0.25 m2K/W is also considered.
An fRsi factor with three boundary condi$ons is not defined in the standards. The standard DIN EN ISO 10211 re-
quires temperature correc$on factors in order to establish the minimum surface temperature. In this case, the
basement temperature is related through the factor, fx to θi and θe , so an fRsi factor can be determined.
No. Climate U-value Hygiene fRsi factor fRsi factor

requirement Criterion op misa on
01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) 0.80 0.83 0.88
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) 0.75 0.83 0.87
03 Cool-Temperate 0.15 W/(m²K) 0.70 0.79 0.85
04 Warm-Temperate 0.30 W/(m²K) 0.65 0.75 0.82
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.55 0.70 0.79
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) - 0.70 0.79
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) - 0.76 0.83
Exis ng 1.30 W/(m²K) (wall) 0.67 0.67

Basement Ceiling — External Wall - Ψew - CW
Insula$on (λ= 0.035 W/(mK)) 0.0° 0.1° 0.3° 0.4° 0.5° 0.6° 0.8° 0.9° 1.0°
Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))

Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W
Tint = 1°C

Ψ-value graph

Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
mixed floor slab/
500 mm


Basement Ceiling — External Wall - Ψew - CW
culated within this method using a temperature difference of 1 K between the interior of the building (1°C) and
The first simula$on evaluates the heat flow from the heated volume and the exterior ambient to the unheated
basement (Ψew).
The conductance Lie is assigned to the exterior wall. The effect of this thermal bridge is therefore expressed by
the following:
Where lew is the dimension of the exterior wall, from the ground to the adiaba$c boundary condi$on, and Uew is
the U-value of the wall.
This value is then entered in the „Area“ worksheet in PHPP as a normal thermal bridge.
No. Climate U-value Ψew-value Ψew-value Ψew-value Ψew-value

03 Cool-Temperate 0.15 W/(m²K) 0.29 W/(mK) 0.26 W/(mK) 0.23 W/(mK) -0.01 W/(mK)
04 Warm-Temperate 0.30 W/(m²K) 0.28 W/(mK) 0.26 W/(mK) 0.25 W/(mK) -0.04 W/(mK)
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.26 W/(mK) 0.23 W/(mK) 0.19 W/(mK) -0.06 W/(mK)
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.26 W/(mK) 0.23 W/(mK) 0.19 W/(mK) -0.06 W/(mK)
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.30 W/(mK) 0.27 W/(mK) 0.25 W/(mK) -0.03 W/(mK)
Basement Ceiling — External Wall - Ψbas.ceil. - CW
Insula$on (λ= 0.035 W/(mK)) 0.0° 0.1° 0.3° 0.4° 0.5° 0.6° 0.8° 0.9° 1.0°
Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))

Rse = 0.04 (m2K)/W Rsi = 0.13 (m2K)/W
Tint = 0°C

Ψ-value graph

Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
mixed floor slab/
500 mm

Screed (λ= 1.05 W/(mK)))

Basement Ceiling — External Wall - Ψbas.ceil. - CW
culated within this method with a temperature difference of 1 K between the interior of the building (1°C) and
The second simula$on evaluates the heat flow from the heated volume and the exterior ambient to the unhea-
ted basement. In the end, this procedure will lead to the Ψ-value as a propor$on of the floor slab (Ψbas.ceil.).
The conductance Liu is therefore assigned to the floor slab:
Where B‘ is the characteris$c dimension of the floor slab, given by PHPP in the „Ground“ worksheet and Ubas.ceil. is
the U-value of the basement ceiling.
This value is then entered in the „Ground“ worksheet in PHPP as a correc$on of the basement ceiling U-value:
where P is the perimeter of the basement [m] and A is the respec$ve area [m²].
No. Climate U-value Ψbas. ceil.-Value Ψbas. ceil.-Value Ψbas. ceil.-Value Ψbas. ceil.-Value
04 Warm-Temperate 0.30 W/(m²K) 0.09 W/(mK) 0.06 W/(mK) 0.06 W/(mK) 0.11 W/(mK)
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.08 W/(mK) 0.03 W/(mK) 0.04 W/(mK) 0.08 W/(mK)
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.08 W/(mK) 0.03 W/(mK) 0.04 W/(mK) 0.08 W/(mK)
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.10 W/(mK) 0.07 W/(mK) 0.06 W/(mK) 0.11 W/(mK)
Basement Ceiling — External Wall - fRsi - CW
Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))

Tint = 2°C

fRsi factor graph

Internal Render (λ= 0.70 W/(mK)) ambient [A]
perimeter [P]
Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK)) geometrical floor slab/
500 mm


Basement Ceiling — External Wall - fRsi - CW
It is very difficult to determine any conclusions about the temperatures that occur in unheated basements, as the
fRsi factor is the result of steady-state calcula$ons and does not consider heat storage and phase shiTs in the
ground. The PHI, however, recommends the following procedure:
A temperature correc$on factor of fx = 0.6 is considered:
The θbas. is then used as a boundary condi$on for the temperature in the basement. A heat transfer resistance of
Rsi = 0.25 m2K/W is also considered.
An fRsi factor with three boundary condi$ons is not defined in the standards. The standard DIN EN ISO 10211 re-
quires temperature correc$on factors in order to establish the minimum surface temperature. In this case, the
basement temperature is related through the factor, fx to θi and θe , so an fRsi factor can be determined.
No. Climate U-value Hygiene fRsi factor fRsi factor

requirement Criterion op misa on
01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) 0.80 0.84 0.89
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) 0.75 0.82 0.87
03 Cool-Temperate 0.15 W/(m²K) 0.70 0.80 0.87
04 Warm-Temperate 0.30 W/(m²K) 0.65 0.73 0.81
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.55 0.71 0.78
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) - 0.71 0.78
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) - 0.75 0.83
Exis ng 3.95 W/(m²K) (wall) 0.34 0.34

Basement Ceiling - Internal Wall - BW
Tint = 20°C
Text = 5°C
Rse = 0.13 (m2K)/W (wall)
Rse = 0.17 (m2K)/W (floor)
Insula$on (λ= 0.035 W/(mK)) Concrete (λ= 2.1 W/(mK))

Internal Render (λ= 0.70 W/(mK)) Impact Sound Insula$on (λ= 0.04 W/(mK))
Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK)) Screed (λ= 1.05 W/(mK))
Brick Wall (λ= 0.42 W/(mK)) Parquet (λ= 0.13 W/(mK))
Ψ-value graph

1000 mm
mixed floor slab/


Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Ψ-value op misa on Thermal bridge characteris cs [BCIW01]

Basement Ceiling - Internal Wall - BW
fRsi factor graph
This connec$on is a typical situa$on which occurs when the basement is not considered in the thermal envelope.
When a thermal break cannot be installed, the thermal bridge effect caused by the interrup$on of the insula$on
layer can be reduced by addi$onal flanking insula$on (1000 mm long). The Ψ-value graph shows a significant
reduc$on in heat loss when this solu$on is applied. If the insula$on layer is thicker than 200 mm, however, the Ψ
-value will not decrease to less than 0.08 W/(mK).
The fRsi factor for this case does not demonstrate a problem with mould or condensa$on. The connec$on fulfills
the hygiene criterion for all insula$on configura$ons.
No$ce that the study was conducted assuming 5°C as the reference air temperature in the basement.
No. Climate U-value Ψ value Hygiene fRsi factor

01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) 0.14 W/(mK) 0.80 0.96
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) 0.16 W/(mK) 0.75 0.95
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.08 W/(mK) 0.55 0.88
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.08 W/(mK) - 0.88
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.17 W/(mK) - 0.92
Exis ng 0.71 W/(m²K) -0.05 W/(mK) 0.84

Building
Basement Ceiling - Internal Wall - CW
Tint = 20°C
Text = 5°C
Rse = 0.13 (m2K)/W (wall)
Rse = 0.17 (m2K)/W (floor)
Insula$on (λ= 0.035 W/(mK)) Concrete (λ= 2.1 W/(mK))

Internal Render (λ= 0.70 W/(mK)) Impact Sound Insula$on (λ= 0.04 W/(mK))
Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK)) Screed (λ= 1.05 W/(mK))
Ψ-value graph

1000 mm
mixed floor slab/


Glue (λ= 0.87 W/(mK))
Ψ-value op misa on Thermal bridge characteris cs [BCIW01]

Basement Ceiling - Internal Wall - CW
fRsi factor graph
This connec$on is a typical situa$on which occurs when the basement is not considered in the thermal envelope.
When a thermal break cannot be installed, the thermal bridge effect caused by the interrup$on of the insula$on
layer can be reduced by addi$onal flanking insula$on (1000 mm long). The Ψ-value graph shows a significant
reduc$on in heat loss when this solu$on is applied. If the insula$on layer is thicker than 200 mm, however, the Ψ
-value will not decrease to less than 0.08 W/(mK).
The fRsi factor for this case does not demonstrate a problem with mould or condensa$on. The connec$on fulfills
the hygiene criterion for all insula$on configura$ons.
No$ce that the study was conducted assuming 5°C as the reference air temperature in the basement.

01 Arc$c 0.09 W/(m²K) 0.17 W/(mK) 0.80 0.95
02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) 0.17 W/(mK) 0.75 0.94
05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.08 W/(mK) 0.55 0.87
06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) 0.08 W/(mK) - 0.87
07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) 0.12 W/(mK) - 0.92
Exis ng 0.73 W/(m²K) -0.03 W/(mK) 0.83

Building
References
[1] Criteria for the Passive House, EnerPHit and PHI Low Energy Building Standard, Passive House
Institute, 2016.
[2] Criteria and Algorithms for Certified Passive House Components: Opaque construction systems,
Passive House Institute, 2015.
[3] Arbeitskreis kostengünstige Passivhäuser, Protokollband Nr. 16: Wärmebrückenfreies Konstruieren.

Passivhaus Institut, Darmstadt, 1999 [Research Group Cost-efficient Passive Houses, Volume 16:
Thermal bridges free-design. Passive House Institute, Darmstadt, 1999].
[4] Arbeitskreis kostengünstige Passivhäuser, Protokollband Nr. 24: Einsatz von Passivhaustechnologien
bei der Altbau-Modernisierung. Passivhaus Institut, Darmstadt, 2003 [Research Group Cost-efficient
Passive Houses, Volume 24: Use of Passive House technologies for refurbishments. Passive House
Institute, Darmstadt, 2003].
21
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2. Edition, Darmstadt, May 2019
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Editing and content

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Other authors
Jan Steiger
Soraya López García
Scope of content and exclusion of liability

The “Thermal Bridges Catalogue” is intended to guide the Passive House Designers and Consultants to better understand
the thermal bridge influence into the thermal energy balance and the typical Ψ-values of common connections in a building.
The “Thermal Bridges Catalogue” was compiled with the greatest care and to the best of our knowledge and belief. Howe-
ver, no liability can be accepted for any content-related shortcomings or errors. Any liability for the accuracy and comple-
teness of the contents and data and in particular for any damage or consequences arising from the use of the information
presented here is therefore excluded
Acknowledgements
The “Thermal Bridges Catalogue” was completed in the frame of the SINFONIA and AZEB projects:
SINFONIA stands for „Smart INitiative of cities Fully cOmmitted to iNvest In Advanced lar-
ge-scaled energy solutions“. This project has received funding from European Union’s Seventh
Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agree-
ment No 609019.
AZEB stands for “Affordable Zero Energy Buildings”. This project has received funding from the
European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement
No 754174.
The sole responsibility for the content of this publication lies with the authors. It does not neces-
sarily reflect the opinion of the European Commission are responsible for any use that may be
made of the information contained therein.
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Thermal Bridges Catalogue

Passive House Institute

External wall – inner corner (EWIC01)

Roof ridge (roof inclination 30°,45°,60°) (RORI01)

Roof eaves (roof inclination 30°,45°,60°) (ROEA01)

Roof verge (ROVE01)

Porch roof (BALC02)

Roof parapet (FRRP01)

External wall - ceiling (EWCE01)

Window bottom (WIBO)

Floor slab – external wall (FSEW01)

Basement ceiling – external wall (BCEW01)

Basement ceiling – internal wall (BCIW01)

Imprint and Disclaimer

The connections were evaluated to determine two parameters:

• Ψ-value, for an energy evaluation of the detail;

arktisches Klima │ arctic

kaltes Klima │ cold

kühl gemäßigtest Klima │ cold temperate

warm gemäßigstest Klima │ warm temperate

warmes Klima │ warm

heißes Klima │ hot

sehr heißes Klima │ very hot

Heat flow analysis (200 mm in-

The point on the interior surface

The Ψ-values were calculated for

When the detail can be impro-

Thermal bridges can be classified

With reference to the classifica-

A) interior against ambient air;

This classification is important for

The simulations were calculated

Warm-temperate When the detail can be optimi-

The graph also shows an orange

Passive House Instute

fRsi factor graph

Table The resultant Ψ-value

nent is defined by the EnerPHit

fined similarly to those used in 03 04 Cool-Temperate

this research (240 mm brick wall, 04 05 Warm

0.42 W/(mK); 120 mm concre- 05

element influencing the U-value

For each connection in which the

Insula$on (λ= 0.035 W/(mK))

Detail drawing — Heat ﬂow analysis

geometrical ambient [A]

Ψ-value op misa on Thermal bridge characteris cs [EWEC01]

fRsi factor graph

No. Climate U-value Ψ- value Hygiene fRsi factor

02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) -0.06 W/(mK) 0.93

03 Cool-Temperate 0.15 W/(m²K) -0.07 W/(mK) 0.92

04 Warm-Temperate 0.30 W/(m²K) -0.10 W/(mK) 0.86

05 Warm 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.15 W/(mK) 0.79

06 Hot 0.50 W/(m²K) -0.15 W/(mK) 0.79

07 Very Hot 0.25 W/(m²K) -0.08 W/(mK) 0.88

Exis ng 1.30 W/(m²K) -0.63 W/(mK) 0.57

Insula on (λ= 0.035 W/(mK))

Detail drawing — Heat ﬂow analysis

geometrical ambient [A]

Ψ-value op misa on Thermal bridge characteris cs [EWEC01]

fRsi factor graph

No. Climate U-value Ψ-value Hygiene fRsi factor

01 Arc c 0.09 W/(m²K) -0.05 W/(mK) 0.80 0.96

02 Cold 0.12 W/(m²K) -0.05 W/(mK) 0.75 0.95