In the building and construction industry, selecting architectural systems that offer superior thermal performance without compromising on sustainability and durability is vital. Among the variety of facade systems available, products with ultra-thermal performance capabilities stand out for their exceptional thermal properties. In this article, we will discuss why ultra-thermal systems are the ideal solution for building projects and share products and features that promote ultra-thermal performance.
Architectural aluminum framing systems have evolved to address high thermal performance. Since aluminum has a high level of heat transfer via conduction, a thermal barrier must be integrated into the system to minimize heat transfer, especially during colder months. This results in warmer interior surface temperatures and mitigates condensation, thereby boosting a building’s overall thermal efficiency.
Thermal barriers, including Kawneer’s patented IsoLock® Pour and Debridge Thermal Break and IsoPour™ Thermal Break, are crucial in enhancing the energy efficiency of various applications, from healthcare facilities and education buildings to commercial office spaces.
Our IsoLock® Pour and Debridge Thermal Break technology enables glaziers to reduce labor costs and fabrication time as the thermal break is integrated into the framing members. Our IsoPour™ Thermal Break merges industry-proven pour and debridge and polymer isolator technologies, creating thermally broken assemblies for enhanced building energy efficiency with high structural performance. IsoPour™ Thermal Break technology helps eliminate cold spots, reduce condensation and provides dual finish options for design flexibility. Our unique thermal break allows for more complex aluminum extrusion shapes and a wider choice of locking option hardware for thermally broken doors. Visit our high thermal performance technology webpage to learn more.
As energy codes become more rigorous, architectural aluminum framing systems with superior thermal barriers can meet these high demands. This compliance is essential for modern construction, which prioritizes energy conservation and sustainable building practices.
Kawneer provides a variety of ultra-thermal architectural aluminum systems that work to meet some of the strictest of energy codes, including our 2500 UT Unitwall® System, GLASSvent® UT (Ultra Thermal) Windows, 1600UT System™2 Curtain Wall, MetroView® FG 601T PG Window Wall and more. Browse our portfolio of ultra-thermal products to discover the benefits and features of these systems.
Warm-edge spacers are non-metallic, foam, or composite materials used to separate panes in Insulating Glass Units, or IGUs. Their usage has increased over time as more commercial glazing fabricators have replaced aluminum or stainless-steel spacers with warm-edge technology as part of their glazing offering.
Simply switching from a metal spacer to a warm-edge spacer without changing the framing system or glazing package could reduce the overall U-factor of a system significantly, as well as improve condensation resistance and potentially help to meet project requirements without incremental cost.
Kawneer provides overall system thermal performance data for our products utilizing various center of glass and spacer system types. Read our white paper on warm-edge spacers to learn more.
Ultra thermal architectural aluminum systems offer a blend of building efficiency and sustainability features. As the construction industry continues to innovate, these systems are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the sustainable buildings of the future.
Kawneer designs systems and products to optimize occupant comfort, energy savings, structural performance, sustainability and condensation resistance. Kawneer enables architects, contractors and building owners to advance architectural design by improving the performance, productivity and protection of the buildings they design, construct or remodel. Browse our ultra-thermal product portfolio to see how our high thermal performing systems can enhance your next project.
Images courtesy of Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida
Images courtesy of Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida
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