What are structural thermal breaks?

Structural thermal breaks are specialised components or systems integrated into the building envelope to interrupt the flow of thermal energy between two adjacent building elements. They are designed to minimise heat transfer and thermal bridging, which occurs when there is a continuous path of high thermal conductivity between the exterior and interior surfaces of a building.

Thermal bridging can lead to localised heat loss or heat gain, resulting in energy inefficiency, increased heating and cooling costs, and reduced occupant comfort.

The primary purpose of structural thermal breaks is to create a break in the thermal path, thereby reducing the direct conduction of heat between building components. By doing so, they effectively enhance the overall thermal performance of a building and contribute to its energy efficiency and sustainability. They effectively work towards isolating the inside temperatures and reduce influence of additional fixings or penetrations to the building that can transfer temperatures.

Benefits of structural thermal breaks

Structural thermal breaks offer a multitude of benefits that positively impact the energy efficiency, sustainability, and overall performance of buildings. By addressing thermal bridging and minimising heat transfer between building components, these innovative solutions provide tangible advantages for both the building and its occupants. Key benefits of using structural thermal breaks in construction include:

Enhanced energy efficiency

One of the most significant advantages of structural thermal breaks is their contribution to enhanced energy efficiency in buildings. By reducing heat transfer and thermal bridging, these components help maintain a more stable indoor temperature, reducing the need for heating and cooling. As a result, buildings with thermal breaks require less energy to maintain comfortable interior conditions, leading to lower energy consumption and decreased utility costs. The inside temperatures are more likely to stay at an enjoyable temperature for longer, instead of needing to reach for costly heating or cooling methods.

Lower heating and cooling expenses

Reduced energy consumption translates to lower heating and cooling expenses for building owners and occupants. With less heat loss during cold months and reduced heat gain during hot months, buildings with structural thermal breaks enjoy improved thermal performance year-round.

Condensation minimisation

Thermal breaks help maintain higher surface temperatures on the interior side of building components, reducing the risk of condensation formation. Thermal bridges (or cold bridges) can easily cause cold spots on interior walls, where condensation will appear when alongside warm inside temperatures. By reducing the chances of condensation occurring, the potential for mould growth, material degradation, and other moisture-related issues is significantly reduced too, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.

Improved indoor comfort

By eliminating thermal bridging and cold spots near connections and building elements, structural thermal breaks create a more comfortable and consistent indoor environment. Occupants experience fewer temperature fluctuations, leading to increased comfort and satisfaction within the building.

Long-term structural integrity

Thermal bridging can lead to localised stress and temperature-related wear on building components, potentially compromising their structural integrity over time. With the use of structural thermal breaks, the stress on the building’s structure is reduced, extending the lifespan of critical building elements and minimising maintenance and repair costs.
Sustainability and green building certifications

Sustainability and green building certifications

Incorporating structural thermal breaks aligns with sustainable building practices and green design initiatives. Buildings featuring these energy-saving components are more likely to achieve green building certifications. They also work towards eradicating the need for costly renovations to improve efficiency in the future.

Reduced carbon footprint

As buildings account for a significant portion of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, implementing structural thermal breaks can contribute to a reduced carbon footprint. By optimising energy use, these components support environmentally responsible construction and operation practices.

Flexibility in design

Structural thermal breaks come in various forms, offering designers flexibility in their application. They can be customised to suit different building types, architectural styles, and structural configurations, allowing for seamless integration into diverse construction projects.

Compliance with building codes and regulations

Many building codes and energy efficiency regulations now emphasise the importance of addressing thermal bridging. By incorporating structural thermal breaks, builders and developers can comply with these requirements and ensure that their projects meet the necessary standards.

Promotion of sustainable building culture

By embracing structural thermal breaks and other energy-efficient solutions, the construction industry fosters a culture of sustainability and responsible building practices. This cultural shift ultimately leads to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future for the built environment.

Innovations in structural thermal breaks

In the quest for creating energy-efficient and sustainable buildings, constant innovation in construction materials and techniques plays a pivotal role. One area that has seen significant advancements is the realm of structural thermal breaks. These intelligent components have undergone remarkable innovations in recent years, offering improved thermal performance, enhanced sustainability, and increased cost-effectiveness. Innovations include:

Integrated load transfer and thermal break systems

Another significant innovation in structural thermal breaks is the integration of load transfer capabilities within the thermal break system. Engineers can now design thermal breaks that not only provide thermal separation but also transfer loads between building components. This integration ensures structural stability while still effectively minimising thermal bridging.

Integrated load transfer and thermal break systems are particularly beneficial for building elements like façades and balconies, where both thermal performance and structural support are crucial. This approach optimises the use of materials and streamlines the design process, resulting in efficient and cost-effective solutions.

Continuous insulation systems

Continuous insulation systems have emerged as a game-changer in the battle against thermal bridging. These systems provide uninterrupted thermal insulation across the entire building envelope, ensuring a consistent thermal barrier. Whether in masonry construction, curtain walls, or other façade systems, continuous insulation effectively reduces heat loss and gain, resulting in remarkable improvements in energy efficiency.

Continuous insulation solutions, when combined with other innovations like customisable modules and advanced insulating materials, create a highly efficient thermal envelope that complies with the most stringent energy codes and certifications.

The significance of structural thermal breaks in creating a sustainable future

The importance of structural thermal breaks in creating a sustainable future cannot be overstated. As we strive to combat climate change and reduce our ecological footprint, these intelligent components play a pivotal role in advancing energy-efficient and environmentally responsible construction practices. By mitigating thermal bridging, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting green building certifications, structural thermal breaks contribute to a greener, more sustainable built environment. Their impact extends beyond energy savings, creating healthier indoor spaces and reducing environmental impact.

As architects, engineers, specifiers and construction professionals take the time to fully understand and learn more about these innovations, they take crucial steps towards building a sustainable future for generations to come. The adoption of structural thermal breaks marks a transformative shift in the construction industry – one that prioritises both environmental preservation and economic prosperity. As the construction industry continues to embrace sustainable solutions and work towards a more secure future for constructions, structural thermal breaks are poised to become an indispensable feature in building design, promoting a greener and more energy-efficient future.

To learn more about enhancing building efficiency and sustainability and Armatherm’s thermal break materials, please contact Armatherm’s dedicated team using the details on our contact us page.

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