Thermal Breaking In Cladding and Modern Construction

Why Energy Efficiency Matters in US Construction

Buildings in the US account for a significant portion of energy consumption and carbon emissions, which makes it increasingly important for architects and builders to consider energy-efficient solutions in their designs. A critical, yet often overlooked, factor in building energy efficiency is managing temperature control in cladded façades. Jonathan Shaw, Managing Director of Armatherm™, a leader in thermal break technologies, explains the importance of thermal breaks in cladding and modern construction. He also highlights how investing in thermal bridging solutions can lead to significant energy savings and reduced operational costs.

The Role of Cladding and How It Affects Heat Loss

Cladding is an essential component in protecting commercial buildings from external weather conditions and providing structural support. However, when the steel cladding framework bridges the insulation barrier, it can conduct heat out of the building, leading to increased energy loss. Installing a non-metallic thermal break in the cladding structure helps eliminate this heat transfer, while also preventing condensation and stabilizing temperature fluctuations within the building envelope.

How Condensation Impacts Building Health

In buildings that lack an effective thermal break, cold outdoor temperatures can transfer inside, causing cooler spots on interior walls. These areas are more likely to experience condensation, which can lead to moisture build-up, damp, and mold—issues that can contribute to health problems such as respiratory conditions, including asthma. A notable example of this can be seen in the 1980s, when many US buildings faced similar insulation challenges, leading to costly repairs or even demolitions. Installing a thermal break could have prevented these problems altogether.

Thermal Break Solutions for Modern Buildings

Today, there is no need for expensive repairs or demolitions to address thermal bridging issues. Armatherm™ offers solutions that can reduce energy transfer by more than 50%, effectively eliminating condensation problems and reducing overall energy loss.

Expanding Thermal Break Applications Beyond Cladding

Thermal breaks are not only effective in cladding projects but are also used in structural applications that extend into the building envelope. Armatherm™’s product, Armatherm™ Grade, offers excellent thermal isolation properties, while also providing impressive load-bearing capacity. In a recent project with Aldi, Armatherm™ Grade 500 was installed under steel column bases at their distribution center to insulate a 1000 sqft cold storage room. The solution successfully bridged the floor slab insulation and prevented energy loss. The material’s closed-cell polymer structure ensures both superior thermal performance and load strength. Following the success of this project, Aldi has since chosen Armatherm™ to supply thermal break solutions for additional cold storage facilities across the US.

Combining Load Strength with Thermal Performance

Previously, when both high thermal insulation and load-bearing capacity were required, builders had to choose between the two. Armatherm™ has developed thermal break solutions that meet both requirements without compromise. In the past, Iroko timber was used in base column isolation due to its load-bearing capacity and insulation properties. However, over time, timber absorbs moisture, reducing its insulating properties and increasing the risk of rot. In contrast, Armatherm™’s closed-cell structure ensures that water is not absorbed, maintaining consistent performance throughout the life of the building.

Energy Savings Through Improved Insulation

Buildings that lack effective thermal breaks experience significant energy inefficiencies. Heat loss through poorly insulated structures increases the energy demand of the entire building, resulting in higher operational costs. Installing a thermal break can reduce energy loss by as much as 80%, leading to substantial savings on heating and cooling bills for commercial buildings.

Why Thermal Break Technologies Are Key to Sustainable Design

As US architects and developers strive to create energy-efficient, sustainable buildings, understanding the latest technologies is essential. A simple, yet powerful, solution like a thermal break can provide significant long-term savings on energy costs. By incorporating thermal break solutions into their designs, architects can ensure better energy efficiency and lower operational costs, helping their clients save money while contributing to a greener future.