Thermal bridge vs air leak
A cold surface and a moving draft can feel similar but require different checks.
Framing lines, slab edges, corners, lintels and structural penetrations
Baseboards, floor edges, penetrations and enclosure joints
Most evident during strong indoor-outdoor temperature differences
Windy or cold weather
Stable cold stripe or geometric surface-temperature pattern without air movement
Moving draft and localized cold discomfort
Compare surface temperature across neighboring construction while checking for draft
Use smoke-free airflow indicators or temperature comparison
Detectable moving air that changes with wind
Cold surface with no detectable movement
Do not repair the resemblance. Verify the pathway.
Color and shape can overlap. Timing, location and a repeatable check usually carry more diagnostic weight.
