Hi Everyone,

Has anyone figured out a good way to reduce the thermal bridge that is created with a door handle and dead bolt?  I recently installed a fairly high r-value fibreglass entry door but there is a glaring weakness: the 2 cutouts for the handle and dead bolt.  The only thing stopping air infiltration and heat transfer is a hunk of metal on the inside and outside.

Has anyone figured out a good solution to reduce this?

You can put a gasket around the assembly to stop the infiltration, but the hunk of metal seems to be a necessary evil.

utopia's not possible in all circumstances. You might find an electronic lock that has separate components, but all of the standard locksets go from inside to outside. Even certified Passive Houses have some TB.

Thanks for the responses. I'm thinking of spray foaming in the holes and cutting out only for the screw holes, lock etc. Just checking if the is a product out there that addresses this issue.

You could coat parts with plastidip or a similar spray product used for anti-squeal brake pads. If it is possible to find a stainless square shaft the right size, stainless is less conductive.

Haven't done it ... just brainstormin.

I like having storm doors on both the front and back doors that reduce the air infiltration as well as the temperature drop across the main doors. The metal on the inside is not freezing cold when using storm doors. It allows me to switch out the glass for screens during the summer if I choose. It also keeps a barrier in place when I open the front door to people that I do not recognize.

If you want to embrace your energy geekiness you could put an insulated faucet cover over it.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Hard-Faucet-Cover-1981/204759083

Edit: or just put a sock over it.

I don't think that filling the spaces with insulation would do much--the heat would flow through the metal anyway.

You can use some of the stick-on insulating foam that is meant for switchplates. It's extremely inexpensive and works really well, and won't mess with the function of you locks and handle.