This tool is essential for steel-frame tiny house builders. It demonstrates the “Radiator Fin Effect”—how steel studs conduct heat 400x faster than wood, effectively bypassing your insulation. It calculates the “Effective R-Value” (which is usually shockingly lower than the rated R-value) and visually demonstrates how Continuous Insulation (CI) is the only true fix.
Steel Frame Thermal Bridge Simulator
See how steel studs kill your R-Value (and how to fix it).
1. Wall Assembly
Nominal R-Value stated on the package.
Thermal Bridge Active: Major Heat Loss
The “Ghosting” Phenomenon
Without a thermal break, the steel stud stays cold while the rest of the wall is warm. This cold stripe causes condensation (dew point) on the interior drywall. Dust sticks to the wet drywall, creating vertical black “ghost lines” every 16 or 24 inches.
Continuous Insulation (CI) is like putting a sweater over your ribs instead of just stuffing cotton between them. By wrapping the exterior in rigid foam, you keep the steel studs warm, preventing condensation and drastically increasing the effective R-value.