A material or design feature that interrupts thermal bridging by reducing heat transfer through conductive building elements, improving energy efficiency.

A thermal break is a material or design feature that interrupts thermal bridging by reducing heat transfer through conductive building elements, improving energy efficiency and preventing condensation problems in high-performance building construction. This essential energy conservation component consists of low-conductivity materials, air gaps, or specialized design details that are strategically placed to interrupt the flow of heat through otherwise conductive building elements such as metal frames, structural connections, and building assemblies. Thermal breaks are fundamental solutions in modern construction where they address thermal bridging issues that can significantly reduce building energy performance, create comfort problems, and lead to moisture-related issues, making them critical elements for achieving energy code compliance and high-performance building standards in residential, commercial, and institutional construction projects.

Thermal breaks are utilized in various building applications including window and door systems where they separate interior and exterior portions of metal frames to prevent heat transfer, curtain wall systems where they interrupt thermal paths through aluminum framing and structural glazing systems, structural connections where they isolate interior structure from exterior elements such as balconies, canopies, and cladding attachments, foundation systems where they prevent heat transfer between interior slabs and exterior foundation elements, roof assemblies where they interrupt thermal paths through structural members and penetrations, and mechanical system connections where they prevent heat transfer through pipe supports, equipment mounts, and ductwork penetrations. Each application requires specific thermal break materials and design approaches based on structural loads, environmental conditions, and thermal performance requirements.

The types and materials used in thermal breaks include structural thermal breaks made from low-conductivity materials such as fiberglass, reinforced plastics, or specialized composites that maintain structural integrity while reducing heat transfer, gasket and sealant thermal breaks that use elastomeric materials to interrupt thermal paths while providing weathersealing, air gap thermal breaks that create insulating spaces between conductive elements, insulation thermal breaks that use traditional insulating materials to interrupt conductive paths, phase change material thermal breaks that provide thermal mass and temperature moderation, and hybrid systems that combine multiple thermal break technologies for enhanced performance. Material selection depends on structural requirements, thermal performance goals, durability needs, and cost considerations.

Fun Fact: The first thermal breaks were developed for aircraft applications in the 1940s to prevent ice formation, and the technology was adapted for building construction in the 1960s as energy efficiency became more important.

• Thermal Barrier
• Thermal Bridging
• Thermal Imaging