Thermal Bridge

An area within an insulated structure where heat transfer occurs at significantly higher rates than surrounding materials, creating a pathway for thermal energy loss or gain. Also known as thermal bridging or cold bridging, these occur where materials with higher thermal conductivity penetrate insulation layers, creating weak points in temperature control systems. In cold chain logistics, thermal bridges commonly appear at door seals, structural mounting points, service penetrations, and panel joints in refrigerated vehicles and facilities. Common causes include metal fasteners conducting heat through insulated panels, gaps in insulation continuity, and poorly sealed joints. In South Africa’s extreme temperature variations, unaddressed thermal bridges force refrigeration systems to work harder, increasing fuel consumption, reducing equipment lifespan, and risking temperature excursions. Professional cold chain operators conduct thermal imaging audits to identify and remediate thermal bridges, using thermal breaks, continuous insulation techniques, and high-performance sealing materials. Minimizing thermal bridging reduces operational costs by 15-25% while improving temperature stability and cold chain integrity throughout transport and storage operations.