Thermal Bridging Solutions

Armatherm thermally broken cladding support connection solutions prevent excessive heat flow and potential condensation problems otherwise associated with thermal bridging. Moreover, wall assemblies using Armatherm attachments will meet the continuous insulation requirement of ASHRAE 90.1 and the effective R value requirements of the Canadian NECB energy code. Modeling results show that using Armatherm Z girts results in several improvements in the thermal efficiency of wall designs, reducing heat flow:

• The insulation efficiencies of the wall assemblies increase significantly.
  Some as high as 98%.

• Higher, effective wall assembly R values are achieved using lower values
  of external insulation. For example, to obtain an R value of R-13 minimum
  to meet ASHRAE zone 1, steel girts require and external R 20; whereas
  Armatherm girts require only R 10.

• Cladding wall assemblies can meet the R value requirements of ALL
  geographical zones for both ASHRAE 2013 and NECB 2011 energy codes
  using Armatherm Z girts.

• Reduction in thickness and cost of insulation.

• Reduces energy consumption.

 

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Armatherm™ 500 (Thermal Insulation Material - TIM)

Reducing heat flow within a building's thermal envelope reduces energy consumption as well as potential condensation issues. Armatherm™ 500 thermal break material (TIM) significantly reduces energy lost from thermal bridging in building envelope connections.

Armatherm™ 500 structural thermal break material is a high strength, thermoset polyurethane manufactured in several densities. Armatherm™ 500 is able to transfer a wide range of structural loads with a range from 20 psi - 4000 psi. This wide load range enables designs to keep deflection and creep at a minimum in thermal break connections.

Armatherm™ 500 has R values as high as 3.8 per inch which is superior to the properties of aerated concrete and wood blocking.

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Armatherm™ FRR structural thermal break material provides a combination of low thermal conductivity and high compressive strength and has been used in hundreds of structural steel framing connections transferring load in moment and shear conditions.

Armatherm™ FRR thermal break material can support up 40,000 psi and has an R value of 0.9 per inch. The material is made of a reinforced, thermoset resin which is fire resistant and has very limited creep under load, making it the ideal material for use in structural steel and faCade thermal break connections.

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BRE Accredited Thermal Break Brick Tie

Thermal Conductivity:

• Steel Galvanised Brick Tie:  29 W/m.K

• Stainless Steel Brick Tie:  17 W/m.K

• ArmaFix-Tie: 0.59 W/m.K

• 96% reduction on Stainless Steel.

Standard sizes:

• 150mm Cavity Tie Length 275mm

• 175mm Cavity Tie Length 300mm

• 200mm Cavity Tie Length 325mm

Mechanical Performance:
Tested to comply with, BS EN 846-5:2012

Fire Performance:
Tested to comply with, EN1363-1:2012 and EN 1365-1:2012

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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. 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™ Z GIRTs improve 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.

Cladding Thermal Break

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

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.

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.

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.

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%.

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.

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.

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