Thermal Bridging Solutions

The most common interface details for structural framing are canopies and balconies that use cantilevered steel or aluminum elements. These elements are typically connected to slab edges or spandrel beams on the interior side of the thermal envelope passing through insulation and air barrier layers. The R value of a wall assembly can be reduced by as much as 60% due to thermal bridging at balcony and canopy connections.

The point transmittance (heat flow) at these connections can be reduced by as much as 70% by using Armatherm™ FRR structural thermal break material.

Balcony Thermal Break
Armatherm™ FRR is capable of transferring load in moment and shear connections without creating significant rotation. In structural testing, Armatherm™ FRR has been evaluated in balcony connections for creep, rotation and any impact on bolt force.

A structural thermal break must maintain the structural integrity of the balcony or canopy connection, while also minimizing heat flow.


What is Thermal Bridging?

Continuous insulation is almost always compromised by metallic structural connections such as clips and girts which create thermal bridging when connected to steel stud framing. A thermal bridge is an area of building which experiences higher heat transfer than the surrounding materials. These connections in conjunction with the steel studs have a significant impact on the U value of wall assemblies.

Insulation effectiveness can be reduced by as much as 50% due to these heat flow paths. Armatherm™'s cladding solutions can effectively prevent excessive heat losses. ArmaGirt improves the U value of cladding and wall panel assemblies by eliminating the use of highly conductive metal girts and aluminum brackets creating wall assemblies that are up to 98% efficient.

Armatherm cladding attachments significantly reduce thermal bridging and improve wall assembly thermal performance. ArmaGirt, clip and structural thermal break materials provide a combination of low thermal conductivity and high compressive strength transferring load and reducing heat loss.

The Armatherm™'s cladding material is made of a reinforced, thermoset resin that is fire resistant and exhibits very limited creep under load, making it the ideal material for use in structural and faCade thermal break connections. The thermal images below demonstrate the efficiency of the connections in retaining insulated heat.

What is Thermal Bridging?

Internal steel columns traditionally extend through the building envelope floor slab and insulation at their base. In low temperature buildings such as freezer rooms and cold storage facilities, this creates a thermal bridge and point transmittance (heat loss) at the steel column base. This is also the case for exterior columns which support floors or roof overhangs. The column to roof connection interrupts the continuous insulation creating heat loss due to thermal bridging.

Column Base Thermal Break

Armatherm™ 500, structural thermal break material can support and transfer column loads while providing an effective thermal break at the column connection. With R values as low as R 3.8 per inch, Armatherm™ 500 can help to meet the ASHRAE requirement for continuous insulation as well as the baseline insulation requirements for floors in refrigerated storage facilities.

What is Thermal Bridging?

Thermal Bridging at foundation wall transitions creates heat loss at the foundation perimeter. This reduces the exterior wall's effective R Value. Foundations are part of a buildings' thermal envelope. The intersection at a slab on grade to foundation wall and exterior wall to foundation transition are both areas where heat flows out of a building. This is due primarily to non-continuous insulation details.

Foundation Wall Thermal Break
The linear transmittance (heat loss) at the base of the foundation wall can be reduced by as much as 60% by using an efficient, structural thermal break. Armatherm™ 500 is a load bearing, thermal break material manufactured in several densities to provide a range of load capacities with R values as high as R 3.8 per inch.

Thermal bridging at a foundation wall transition can be reduced further by increasing the length of the slab insulation.


What is Thermal Bridging?

Masonry veneer walls require tie-backs and shelf angles which form significant thermal bridges and can reduce a walls' R value by as much as 50% making it difficult to meet energy codes. Shelf angles transfer the masonry load back to the buildings' structural steel or concrete slab edge interrupting the continuous insulation of the wall assembly creating a linear thermal bridge.

To improve the U value of a masonry wall assembly, the shelf angle can be connected to the structure at discreet, evenly spaced points such as plate “blades" allowing the insulation to pass behind the steel angle, thus reducing the effects of a continuous thermal bridge. However, building the shelf angle outwards requires larger geometries and additional material to support the cantilevered load.

Masonry Shelf Angle Thermal Break
Alternatively, Armatherm™ FRR structural thermal break material can be used directly behind the masonry shelf angle as a thermal break within the insulating layer. The Armatherm™ thermal break significantly reduces the linear transmittance (heat loss) of the shelf angle connection. Rigid, metal flashing used as waterproofing can also be replaced with a non-conductive, self-adhered membrane to reduce the effects of thermal bridging further.


What is Thermal Bridging?

The roof is part of the building envelope where penetrations such as davits, anchors and supports for dunnage extend through the thermal envelope and roof insulation creating non-continuous insulation. These interface details are typically connected to interior trusses or structural elements creating a thermal bridge and point transmittance (heat flow). The R value of the roof can be reduced by up to 40% in these areas.

Parapet Roof Penetration Thermal Break
A structural thermal break at these locations will improve the U value of the roof assembly and prevent potential condensation problems at the structural connection. Armatherm™ FRR and 500 series thermal break materials can transfer the loading conditions at these locations while significantly reducing heat flow, creating continuous insulation. The heat loss can be improved by as much as 80%.


What is Thermal Bridging?

SLI is a mission-driven company committed to helping close the affordable housing gap for people of all income levels while setting a new standard of sustainable living. SLI manufactures high-performance, panelized buildings for the multifamily market. 

Armatherm is proud to be part of the award-winning 303 Battery Project, a Net Positive Energy building located in the Belltown neighborhood of Seattle. Armatherm FRR and 500 Series products were used on the steel frame of this project. SLI understands that taking care of all efficiency details, including thermal breaks, is the path to net zero and sustainable building. 

The project involves approximately 316,300 square feet in renovation and new construction that will increase dining capacity, improve building efficiency and sustainability, and showcase a vibrant residential experience to students, parents, and guests who visit campus. Booth Hansen architects, Boeren-Russo Builders, have partnered with University Housing to design the multimillion-dollar renovation. Along with sustainable design, the on-site supervision by Boeren Russo Builders of the continuous insulation system, using Armatherm Z Girt thermal breaks, assures low operating cost, sustainable, and comfortable living spaces.

Denver International Airport announced that its innovative Hotel and Transit Center has earned Platinum status under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (®LEED) program. This prestigious designation makes the Westin Denver International Airport the highest LEED-rated hotel at any major airport. There are currently fewer than 50 LEED Platinum certified buildings in Colorado.

Genesis Building Supply provided Armatherm Z Girts to Four Star Drywall who installed them as part of the continuous insulation system at the airport.

Armadillo was appointed by engineering firm, Craddy Pitchers Davidson to insulate the distribution centre's 1000 sqm cold store room, used to stock thousands of frozen and chilled products before distribution to UK Aldi stores.

The manufacturer's product, Armatherm™ 500, was installed directly under steel column bases which bridge the floor slab insulation. Support columns pass through the non-load bearing slab insulation to warm ground beneath, short circuiting the insulation barrier. Armatherm™ 500 is an inert, ultra-high density closed-cell polymer which offers high load capacity coupled with outstanding thermal performance.

Due to a 15.5% increase in enrollment over the past 10 years, Hampden Academy in Northern Maine, USA, received the green light for a $2 million expansion project after voters in the Regional School Unit approved the proposal. WBRC architecture drew up plans for a 6,800 SF third floor to be added to the Academy making room for eight more classrooms, helping to cater for the increase in enrollment and demand of over 800 students.

It was originally built in 2012 using structural steel, mechanical systems and a concrete floor slab, with the mindset that an expansion in the future would be possible. During the initial blueprints,It was essential to the architects that the new expansion project would follow LEED guidelines by combating energy loss and achieve constant insulation. To do so, Armatherm thermal breaks were selected to be worked into the construction.

Ideal for meeting the requirements of the existing building whilst complying with LEED guidelines, several thousand feet of ArmaGirt™ Z Girts was installed to insulate the warm interior wall from the cool exterior wall. This has improved the overall insulation of the building, contributing to much lower energy consumption and therefore costs.

By including thermal breaks into the design of this expansion project, it will help contribute to sustainability efforts and work well with the existing masonry. Furthermore, ArmaGirt™ Z Girts were easy to install which enabled the project to be completed swiftly and efficiently as construction occurred during the school year. 

This expansion project joins thousands of others that have complied with the LEED guidelines, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ultimately leading towards a healthier environment. 

A newly constructed apartment block in New York showcases cutting-edge energy-efficient solutions. To achieve Net Zero, architects are consistently exploring innovative sustainable construction methods. The apartments at 139 Fifth Avenue feature high-performance insulation, energy-efficient windows, and advanced climate control systems for optimal temperature regulation. Additionally, thermal breaks have been incorporated throughout the building envelope to reduce thermal bridging and temperature transfer between the interior and exterior.

JMJ Contracting led the project, selecting the most advanced materials to reduce energy loss, including Armatherm's FRR for brick shelf attachments and Z-girts for cladding attachments on the building's facade. These materials significantly enhance the efficiency of the building envelope, bringing it closer to the Net Zero target.

Brick shelf attachments can create a direct thermal bridge from the external environment to the building's interior, potentially causing condensation and higher energy bills. Using a thermal bridge mitigates this issue by ensuring continuous temperature isolation. The same principle applies to cladding attachments, where metal brackets typically conduct heat. Armatherm's non-metallic Z-girts are ideal for insulating exterior walls on new or existing masonry or steel stud backings. These Z-girts were developed to minimise heat loss in the building envelope and increase the overall R-value of the wall assembly.

In addition to these thermal isolation materials, this is the first apartment building in Pelham to feature solar panels. With each new project, further steps are taken to create highly efficient structures. The building is entirely powered by electricity, eliminating the need for oil or gas, thus enabling the use of responsibly sourced, renewable energy for tenant power needs.

Framingham State University aimed to expand the Warren Conference Center with a new 10,800-square-foot ballroom, focusing on energy efficiency and sustainable design. Lavallee Brensinger Architects, led by project architect Jason Bennett, were tasked with incorporating a thermal break solution to maintain continuous insulation from the footing through the foundation slab to the masonry wall. This was essential for supporting the structural load while enhancing the building's thermal performance.

The challenge was to ensure continuous insulation without compromising structural integrity. To address this, Armatherm 500-200 (UK equivalent 500 – 320) material was chosen for its superior load-bearing capacity and thermal performance. Positioned at the base of the brick wall, Armatherm 500-200 (UK equivalent 500 – 320) provided an uninterrupted thermal barrier. This material's ease of use was noted by the masons, Marmelo Brothers, who found it straightforward to work with, thus streamlining the construction process and ensuring precise installation​ (Armatherm)​​ (Armatherm)​.

Overall, the use of Armatherm 500-200 (UK equivalent 500 – 320 ) in the project not only helped achieve the desired energy efficiency goals but also facilitated a smoother construction process, contributing to the project's sustainability and efficiency​ (Armatherm)​.

To help with the affordable housing crisis in New York, Sendero Verde, a  361-unit residential tower was constructed on 60 East 112th Street. Currently the largest Passive House development in the country, it also features some of the most innovative energy saving methods available.

With sustainability at the forefront of this design, Sendero Verde features thermal breaks which will help minimise energy consumption whilst reducing its environmental footprint. Not only has this project benefited the community, it has also demonstrated a commitment to combating climate change.

The Handel Architects team approached Armatherm looking for structural thermal break solutions that would help achieve their sustainability goals. With the perfect combination of compressive strength and thermal efficiency for a range of applications, Armatherm 500 was the ideal choice for the project. The innovative product will effectively reduce thermal bridging in several places along the building envelope whilst also providing structural support and insulation at challenging thermal bridging locations.  

Armatherm is one of the leading suppliers of thermal break materials for the construction industry. Our goal is to provide architects, engineers, and contractors with the knowledge and materials to effectively address thermal bridging.

Thermal bridging has been recognized as a significant factor in building envelope energy loss. Armatherm thermal break materials have low thermal conductivity, high strength, and have been designed and tested to carry the loads, and prevent thermal bridging.

Key Design Features

• Structural integrity
• Thermal Performance
• Fire Properties

Armatherm FRR

• Sheet size: 48" x 48"
• Wide variety of thicknesses*: 1/16", 1/8", ¼", 3/8", ½", 5/8", ¾", 7/8, 1", 2"  *Custom thicknesses can be manufactured to customers specification
• Full fabrication service available
• Shop drawings required to manufacture to customers specification

Armatherm 500

• Sheet size: 96" x 48"
• Thicknesses available*: ½", 1", 2" *Custom thicknesses can be manufactured to customers specification
• Full fabrication service available
• Shop drawings required to manufacture to customers specification
• User friendly material and can be cut and drilled on site

Armatherm Z-Girt

• 9 ft lengths
• Depths available* 1.5", 2", 2.5", 3", 3.5", 4", 6" *please refer to the Armatherm Z-Girt submittal sheet to select the appropriate Armatherm Z-Girt depth.
• Accessories: Fasteners can be provided but are not mandatory
• Similar installation method when compared to metallic Z-Girts

Required information

• Total LF required
• Depth of Armatherm Z-Girt required
• Are the fasteners required
• What insulation is specified
• Project name

Thermal Conductivity Test and R Values

FRR Flame Spread & Smoke Index Report

FRR Compression and Rotation Calculation

Armatherm™ FRR Creep Testing Report

Armatherm™ FRR Moment Testing Report

Armatherm™ FRR Shear Testing Report

Thermal Break Strategies for Cladding

Armatherm is committed to reducing thermal bridging in buildings by offering several thermal bridging solutions. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a rating system developed by the

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to evaluate the environmental performance of a building and encourage sustainable design and construction practices

Armatherm is committed to providing energy saving insulation products to the building industry that help to reduce waste of energy while providing safety, durability, and comfort.

We realize the value of energy conservation and the role we play in smart, responsible design and construction. Armatherm is on a mission to continuously improve our products and services and make meaningful change in our shared environment. 

Our hope is that Armatherm products contribute to cleaner, more sustainable communities, that produce less greenhouse gas emissions, and a more equitable world. Armatherm will continue to be a positive agent of change, and will treat our employees, customers, and the wider community fairly and with respect.