Cladding Thermal Bridging Solutions

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.

Armatherm™’s cladding attachment solutions increase thermal energy efficiency. A thermal bridge experiences higher heat transfer than surrounding materials in an area of a building. To effectively prevent these heat losses, Armatherm™’s Z Girt is an ideal solution.

Cladding Thermal Break

Armatherm cladding attachments significantly reduce thermal bridging and improve wall assembly thermal performance. Armatherm 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.

See the thermal imaging below to visualize the necessity of the cladding connections in retaining insulated heat.

Cladding Connection

Cladding Connection Thermal Image

Cladding Connection

Cladding Connection Thermal Image

Technical drawings

Armatherm™ Z Girt

For improving the thermal efficiency of wall designs, ArmathermTM Z Girt is specifically designed to improve the thermal efficiency of wall designs. The higher levels of efficiency can reach up to 98% as a result in the insulation efficiencies of the wall assemblies. When improving thermal efficiency in wall design is the goal, Armatherm ™ Z Girts are specifically engineered to reduce thermal bridging and energy loss. Wall assembly efficiency can improve by as much as 90% by using Armatherm non-conductive Z Girts over traditional cold steel z girts.

To prevent the heat loss and resulting subsequent condensation issues associated with thermal bridging, these connections are highly necessary. Cold spots, as a result of thermal bridging, can create excessive condensation. The moisture associated with condensation can create conditions where mold can grow and adversely affect the health of people in those spaces. Moisture from condensation may also cause damage with rust, rot, and corrosion hidden from view. Furthermore, using ArmathermTM Z Girt in wall assemblies meets the continuous insulation requirement of ASHRAE 90.1. This is also the case with the effective R value requirements of the Canadian NECB energy code.Thermal breaks minimizes energy loss and enhances the safety, comfort and durability of a building.

For structures generally, Armatherm TM Z Girt is a benefit. It is limited in thickness and therefore requires lower costs of insulation.These cladding wall assemblies can also meet the R value requirements of all geographical zones for both ASHRAE 2013 and NECB 2011 energy codes. Armatherm ™ Z Girt benefits the building process in many ways. The Armatherm Z Girt is manufactured in 7 common stock sizes therefore lead times are short. Installation is very straightforward and easy to understand and works with mineral wool or foam board insulation. Our Z Girts are strong enough to carry most cladding or siding panels securely without a problem. Armatherm Z Girts can be attached to wood, steel or concrete building frames. Shims can be provided to fill spaces and flatten uneven surfaces.

How can you learn more about our cladding thermal bridging solutions?

Contact our expert customer service team to answer questions about your next project. Armatherm offers several different thermal break products to help you address the challenges of designing and building efficiently. We offer seminars online and in person if available where we can get you up to date on the latest developments in thermal break products. We work hard to provide the resources that will support the design and building industry. Visit our website for more information.

Ensure that you get in touch with our expert team to learn more about the ground-breaking products we offer. We work hard to ensure support is available for architects’ professional development, alongside providing the required products for their needs. Our courses and learning resources are also available online for you to learn more.

Armatherm™’s AIA seminar, “Build Better with Thermal Breaks” gives architects an insight to gain a better understanding of the invaluable properties and savings thermal breaks can offer, as well as how to apply them effectively in your next project to prevent thermal bridging issues

Armatherm™ Z Girt

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Cladding Thermal Bridging Solutions