Discover the Secret to an Efficient Home: Thermal Bridge Breakage, More than a Trend, a Global Necessity!
Have you ever wondered how your home stays warm in winter and cool in summer, despite extreme fluctuations in outdoor temperature? The answer could lie in a crucial technical term in luxury metal joinery: “Thermal Bridge Breakage.” This article will guide you through this concept, explaining why it is essential in modern windows and doors.
What is Thermal Bridge Breakage?
Thermal bridge breakage refers to the inclusion of insulating material in the frames of windows and doors, especially those made of conductive metals such as aluminum or steel. This insulating material acts as a barrier, preventing the direct transfer of heat and cold through the frame. It is a concept similar to that of double or triple glazing, where a thermal barrier is created to combat heat loss.
The Importance of Energy Efficiency
In a world where energy efficiency and sustainability are increasingly prioritized, thermal bridge breakage in windows and doors is fundamental. It meets modern construction standards and helps reduce both energy costs and the carbon footprint of a home.
Get Personalized Advice
Benefits of Thermal Bridge Breakage
- Reduction of Energy Expenditure: Windows and doors with thermal bridge breakage help maintain a constant internal temperature, reducing the need for heating and air conditioning.
- Improvement of Thermal Comfort: They create a more comfortable indoor environment by minimizing cold drafts and hot spots.
- Reduction of Condensation: By decreasing the temperature difference between the interior and exterior, condensation formation is reduced, avoiding moisture and mold problems.
- Improvement of Structural Integrity: The use of insulating materials in thermal bridge breakage minimizes thermal expansion and contraction of materials, helping to prevent damage to glass and frames.
Applications in Different Materials
- In Aluminum: Almost all modern aluminum systems incorporate thermal bridge breakage to improve insulation. It is essential to verify that the system is fully insulated to ensure a high level of insulation.
- In Steel: Older steel systems may not have incorporated thermal bridge breakage. When specifying steel systems, it is crucial to ensure they are fully insulated to meet thermal performance requirements. Get Personalized Advice
Get Personalized Advice
Regulations and Legislation
Legislation in the United Kingdom
In the context of building regulations, such as Part L of the UK Building Regulations, thermal bridge breakage is an essential component for meeting fuel and energy conservation requirements in homes. These regulations emphasize the need to reduce thermal bridges, areas where heat can escape through high-conductivity materials.
Legislation in Spain
In Spain, the rise of windows with thermal bridge breakage (TBB) has been influenced by the approval of new energy efficiency regulations, such as the Technical Building Code (CTE). This code requires aluminum windows to include thermal bridge breakage in most autonomous communities, in response to increased ecological awareness and rising electricity costs.
Legislation in the United States
In the United States, the Department of Energy (DOE) updated energy codes for federal buildings, which will take effect in April 2023. These changes focus on promoting high-performance glazing products and energy efficiency. According to the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the 2019 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers Standard 90.1, $4.2 million in operating costs savings is expected in the first year, with annual energy cost savings of $3.24 billion for consumers.
Comparison of Legislation on Thermal Bridge Breakage in Windows and Doors
Spain: Technical Building Code (CTE)
- Focus: Spanish legislation focuses on increasing the use of thermal insulation materials in joinery, especially in aluminum windows.
- Requirements: According to the CTE, aluminum windows must include thermal bridge breakage in most autonomous communities.
- Motivation: The regulations arise in response to higher electricity costs and growing ecological awareness.
United States: DOE & IECC Codes
- Focus: The US has updated building codes for federal buildings, focusing on high-performance glazing products and energy efficiency.
- Requirements: New federal buildings and major renovations must comply with the 2021 IECC and ASHRAE Standard 90.1 of 2019.
- Projected Benefits: Significant savings in operating costs and reduction in energy consumption are expected.
United Kingdom: Part L of the Building Regulations
- Focus: The UK emphasizes fuel and energy conservation in homes, with a special emphasis on energy efficiency.
- Requirements: Regulations focus on reducing thermal bridges in buildings, including the use of windows and doors with thermal bridge breakage.
- Global Context: These measures align with the goals of the Paris Agreement and respond to the growing demand for more efficient and environmentally friendly constructions.
Similarities and Differences
- Similarities: All three legislations agree on the importance of improving energy efficiency in construction and reducing the carbon footprint. They all emphasize the use of insulating materials in windows and doors.
- Differences: While in Spain and the UK, the regulations seem to be more focused on residential and commercial construction standards overall, in the United States, the recent update applies specifically to federal buildings, although with a significant impact in terms of energy savings and costs.
| Criteria | Spain – Technical Building Code (CTE) | United States – DOE & IECC | United Kingdom – Part L of Building Regulations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | Increase the use of thermal insulation materials in carpentry, especially in aluminum windows. | High-performance glazing products and energy efficiency in federal buildings. | Fuel and energy conservation in homes, with an emphasis on energy efficiency. |
| Requirements | Aluminum windows must include thermal bridge breakage in most autonomous communities. | Compliance with the IECC of 2021 and ASHRAE Standard 90.1 of 2019 for new federal buildings and major renovations. | Focus on reducing thermal bridges, including windows and doors with thermal bridge breakage. |
| Motivation/ Benefits | Response to higher electricity costs and growing ecological awareness. | Significant savings in operating costs and reduction in energy consumption. | Alignment with Paris Agreement goals and demand for efficient and eco-friendly constructions. |
Get Personalized Advice
When and Where to Use Thermal Bridge Breakage?
Thermal bridge breakage should be considered in any construction project or renovation where temperature differences between two spaces are expected. This includes not only the external interfaces of a building, such as external windows and doors but also internal applications where climate differences can be expected, such as between an indoor pool and a living space.
Relation to Thermal Performance
The lack of thermal bridge breakage in metal frames leads to significant heat loss, reducing the Uf value (thermal performance of the frame) and hence the overall thermal performance of the window or door. To meet modern thermal performance standards, it is crucial to use a frame with thermal bridge breakage in combination with insulated glass units.
Design and Aesthetics
A common question is whether thermal bridge breakage will affect the aesthetics of a project. Modern systems are designed to integrate these solutions discreetly, ensuring that functionality and aesthetics go hand in hand.
Get Personalized Advice
Conclusion: More than Just a Technical Feature
Thermal bridge breakage in windows and doors is a comprehensive solution for optimal comfort and superior energy efficiency in our homes and buildings. At Dekovent, we are committed to incorporating these innovative solutions into our luxury metal joinery, ensuring maximum comfort and efficiency for our clients.
Explore how Dekovent’s advanced solutions can transform your home or project into a space of comfort, beauty, and energy efficiency.
Get Personalized Advice
WE ARE PARTNER
