Thermoblocks: A Secret Weapon Against Heat Loss in Construction

What are Thermal Bridges and Why Do They Matter?

In any type of construction, a common issue called a ‘thermal bridge’ can lead to significant heat loss. Thermal bridges can happen in lots of places and in lots of different ways.

Thermal bridges are weak points in a building’s insulation where heat can easily escape. A thermal bridge occurs when different insulation layers are intended to meet each other, but they don’t meet up properly, so the insulation is broken or bridged, and a gap is created in the insulation layers. Notorious thermal bridges often occur at floor to wall junctions, wall to roof junctions, roof to roof junctions, door and window openings, etc.

This not only wastes energy but can also lead to:

• Cold Spots: Uncomfortable areas in your home
• Dampness: Increased moisture, which can damage building materials
• Mould Growth: A potential health hazard

Introducing Thermoblocks: The Solution for Thermal Bridges

For years, it was difficult to insulate under supporting walls because traditional insulation materials would simply get crushed. But that’s where thermoblocks come in!

In traditional ‘brick and block’ cavity wall construction, a common thermal bridge occurs at the floor to wall junction. The insulation layer inside the wall cavity is broken or bridged by the inner leaf of concrete blockwork.

But don’t worry, there’s a solution! Thermoblocks are load-bearing insulation blocks that offer a simple yet effective way to reduce thermal bridging and improve energy efficiency.

Thermoblocks, such as the Marmox Thermoblock, are a game-changer in construction. These innovative blocks are made of load-bearing insulation material, the same height as a brick, and are even stronger than some concrete blocks. They seamlessly integrate into your wall construction, providing structural support while also acting as a thermal barrier.

Benefits of Using Thermoblocks:

• Reduced Heat Loss: Thermoblocks significantly improve a building’s thermal performance.
• Strong and Durable: They can withstand heavy loads, making them suitable for structural applications.
• Easy to Install: Thermoblocks are relatively simple to incorporate into construction projects.
• Cost-Effective: They offer excellent value for their performance benefits.

Personal Experience with Thermoblocks

I’ve been specifying Marmox Thermoblocks for a while now, and they’ve proven to be an effective solution. However, it’s important to ensure their proper use on-site through careful checking and communication with the construction team.

Alternatives to Thermoblocks

While Thermoblocks offer a great solution, there are other load-bearing insulation products available, such as Foamglas, Compacfoam, and Bosig Phonotherm. These can be more expensive and may require cutting to size, but they also offer similar thermal bridging solutions.

Addressing Thermal Bridges in Design

It’s crucial to address thermal bridges early in the design stage of a building project. By carefully planning and communicating these details to the construction team, you can ensure a more energy-efficient and comfortable home.

Overcoming Challenges with Thermoblocks

One minor challenge with Thermoblocks is their use at door thresholds. Since there are no blocks above to hold them in place, they need to be screwed down until the doors are installed. However, this is a small inconvenience compared to the benefits they provide.

Conclusion

Thermoblocks are a valuable tool for reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency in construction. By incorporating them into your building projects, you can create warmer, more comfortable, and more sustainable homes.

Credits

Images and drawings are from two projects on site at the moment where we’ve used them + an image from the Marmox website that illustrates the issues.