Conduction (thermal conduction) is the transfer of heat through a material, from warm to cold, without the material itself moving. It is one of the three forms of heat transfer, alongside convection (flow) and radiation.
Features
How well a material conducts heat is expressed by the thermal conductivity:
- The coefficient lambda (λ) is given in W/mK
- Metals conduct heat well (high λ)
- Insulation materials conduct heat poorly (low λ)
- Thermal bridges are spots where heat is conducted especially easily
Application
In construction the aim is to limit unwanted heat conduction:
- A low λ is desirable for good insulation
- The R-value (thermal resistance) depends on λ and the thickness of the material
- Avoiding thermal bridges prevents heat loss and condensation
- Material choice and detailing determine a building’s energy consumption
Related terms
- Convection
- Insulation
- R-value
- Thermal bridge
- Lambda
Want to learn more about construction terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.