Insulation & thermal
Thermal bridge
Localised area of greater heat loss than the rest of the wall - typically the door frame.
Definition
A thermal bridge is a spot where heat escapes faster than elsewhere, creating a cold zone inside (sometimes with condensation or mould). On a garage door, the thermal bridge is mainly at the metal frame linking the heated interior to the cold exterior. Even with insulating panels, the frame can noticeably worsen the overall U-value.
How to eliminate the thermal bridge
- Hörmann ThermoFrame: insulating profile between frame and wall - up to 15% gain on overall U-value.
- Foam-core perimeter seals: air-tightness + partial thermal break.
- Thermally broken panels: on the LPU 67 Thermo, the inner and outer skins of the 67 mm panels are thermally separated.
Consequences of untreated thermal bridges
- Winter condensation on the frame - especially in humid areas such as the Grund.
- Mould on seals and surrounding panels.
- Additional energy losses, especially for a heated garage.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Is ThermoFrame really useful?
Yes, for a garage next to a heated room. The improvement of up to 15% in the installed-door U-value (LPU 42: 1.3 → 1.2 W/m²K; LPU 67 Thermo: 1.0 → 0.91 W/m²K) translates into tangible savings over the door's lifetime.