Thermal Bridging

A thermal bridge is created when materials that are poor insulators come in contact, allowing heat to flow through the path created. Insulation around a bridge is of little help in preventing heat loss or gain due to thermal bridging; the bridging has to be eliminated, rebuilt with a reduced cross-section or with materials that have better insulating properties, or with an additional insulating component. (wikipedia.org) For example - wood framin. While heat loss is relatively minimal through the insulated cavities; warm air moves, eventually coming in contact with a wood stud and easily escaping. Adding Dow side wall insulation to the outside of the building envelope eliminates this problem, insulating even the areas of your home covered by wood framing.