Armatherm provides thermal break solutions to the construction industry, with an aim to encourage the production of sustainable and energy efficient structures. Sourcing thermal breaks is often overlooked when it comes to building design, but it can be one of the most important parts of a sustainable build by reducing energy loss by 80%.
The solutions provided by Armatherm isolate temperatures within a structure’s building envelope to improve energy efficiency for the lifetime of a building. They also provide high-compressive strength making them suitable for a variety of applications, including a building’s steel support work where they provide integral temperature isolation while bearing heavy loads.
Paul Beech, General Manager of thermal breaks specialist, Armatherm, discusses the importance of thermal breaks and bridging solutions in modern-day building structures to create a sustainable future for construction.
In a world full of new and innovative techniques when it comes to creating more energy efficiency buildings, the future of construction looks brighter than ever. We are on track, for example, to meet the 2030 target for non-domestic buildings achieving B certification when it comes to EPC certifications. However, there still seems to be a lack of understanding on the importance of how these new materials and methods are attached and incorporated into a build. Looking at cladding for instance, composite cladding is made from recycled plastic and wood fibres and is a long-lasting, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly industrial cladding option. But how can we ensure it is attached as effectively as possible to reduce energy loss through thermal bridging?
Thermal bridges are locations that experience energy loss where temperatures are transferred through the building envelope. This occurs usually in places such as cladding fixtures, column bases, balconies etc. Any location that penetrates the envelope is at risk, as the conductive materials used within a construction can transfer interior warm temperatures right out of the building, causing cold spots which can lead to damaging condensation and mould issues.
Thermal breaks play a crucial role in mitigating these issues by interrupting the path of heat flow through conductive materials. By incorporating materials with low thermal conductivity, such as Armatherm’s thermal breaks, buildings can significantly reduce thermal bridging. This not only enhances energy efficiency but also improves the overall comfort of the building’s occupants by maintaining consistent interior temperatures and being a contributor to prevent condensation.
Highlighting the role of thermal breaks is more important than ever, with such sophisticated products on the market such as composite cladding, it’s long-lasting, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly industrial cladding option, but all these benefits could be almost seen as redundant if not correctly incorporated within a construction.
As the construction industry moves towards more sustainable practices, the integration of thermal bridging solutions has become increasingly common. Building regulations are always tightening, requiring more stringent measures to prevent energy loss. Additionally, advancements in material science may lead to the development of even more effective components, further enhancing the energy performance of buildings.
Structural thermal breaks are an essential component in the future of sustainable construction. They address the overlooked issue of thermal or cold bridging, contributing significantly to energy efficiency and occupant comfort. As awareness and technology advance, incorporating thermal break materials into building design will become a standard practice, paving the way for more resilient and energy-efficient structures.
Armatherm’s commitment to providing high-quality thermal break solutions demonstrates the vital role that such innovations play in achieving a sustainable and energy-efficient built environment. By isolating temperatures within the building envelope and preventing heat loss, these solutions ensure that buildings not only meet but exceed current energy performance standards, fostering a greener future for construction.