Cladding Thermal Bridging Solutions

 

When it comes to projects that include cladding and panels, these are more often than not attached to the steel stud framing with a metallic Z Girt. The metal designs are highly conductive, and they can bypass the exterior insulation making it non continuous, resulting in thermal bridges. A thermal bridge, also known as a cold bridge, heat bridge, or thermal bypass, is an area which has higher thermal conductivity than the surrounding materials, creating a pathway for energy transfer. Thermal bridges at the steel girts connection are often overlooked when calculating a wall assembly’s true working U-value. Steel z girts, designed to carry exterior insulation, are very conductive, and because they are attached to the steel stud-wall, are a thermal bridge themselves! The unaccounted heat flow can cool the internal side of steel and aluminum attachments below the dewpoint of air in the wall cavity where condensation can occur, which can cause major issues during the building’s lifespan. Condensation can cause damp patches which can result in dangerous mold problems which can negatively affect a resident or visitor’s health. Armatherm, pultruded fiberglass Z Girts, are non conductive and provide a secure surface to attach siding or cladding. 

An Armatherm™ Z Girt system is strong enough to hold most cladding and insulation details, and can improve the U value of cladding and wall panel assemblies by eliminating the use of a highly conductive metal girt and aluminum brackets creating wall assemblies that are up to 98% efficient. The addition of a fiberglass Z Girt, made from reinforced plastic, 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. It’s imperative that specifiers, architects and structural engineers are up to speed with the latest in thermal break technology to ensure their buildings are made as efficiently as possible to protect the future of construction. Armatherm Z Girts come in 7 standard sizes, 1.5”, 2”, 2.5”, 3”, 3.5”, 4”, 6”, which will satisfy most insulation requirements.  Our customers have been very satisfied with the quality and consistency of our Z Girts, and the quick quoting and fast delivery.   

We’ve provided thermally broken Z Girts for a number of prestigious projects to improve building efficiency. If you’d like to hear from any of the companies we’ve worked with, check out the testimonials on our website which include a number of constructions that feature fiberglass z-girts. We have glowing reviews and our team would be more than happy to put your mind at ease regarding any questions you may have regarding horizontal Z Girts.