How Thermal Breaks Insulate and
How did we develop a technology that contains heat, lets in light and doesn’t waste energy?Thermal breaks are an important development in architectural glass, providing sustainable and environmental benefits as well as preventing unnecessary heat loss.
How Thermal Breaks Insulate and Energise
Glass was once considered a brittle and poor insulator, used first to make windows by the Romans, whilst China chose instead to fortify with paper. In Britain, we turned to stone or timber construction openings covered with oiled cloth, paper, shutters and, strangely, thin sheets of horn. These solutions didn’t allow for much light or even a view, as even early glass windows warped and had to be small.
According to NBA: “windows are one of the most important elements of a building’s thermal envelope; providing aesthetics, letting in light, helping control sound, and serving as a means of natural ventilation.”
We’ve come a long way, and glass is now durable, energy-efficient and insulating. How did we develop a technology that contains heat, lets in light and doesn’t waste energy?
The problem: thermal bridging
Thermal bridging is the process of heat loss due to the conductive material used in window frame production. The conductive material transfers the thermal energy from one side of the glazing to the other, and this causes significant heat loss and raises those energy bills even more.
The solution: thermal break
But, never fear, for the thermal break is here to offset this very problem! A thermal break is a frame adapted to prevent heat loss by using a material with a low thermal conductivity that separates the interior and exterior sides of the frame, thus preventing the conduction of heat energy. Our glass suppliers, such as Sky-Frame, provide the ideal solution designed to keep heat inside whilst providing spectacular and seamless views. It’s easy to forget there’s even a frame in place, securing the windows and preventing heat loss.
Polymide materials, such as nylon, have proven very effective in thermal breaks, as they have an extremely low thermal conductivity.
Benefits both physical and mental Health
Thermal breaks are an important development in architectural glass, providing sustainable and environmental benefits as well as preventing unnecessary heat loss. Buildings are less expensive to heat, and that is good news for everyone as the energy crisis takes its toll on individuals and businesses alike.
There are many physical and mental health benefits. A colder home can cause condensation and mould, seriously affecting the occupant’s quality of life. Mould can also impact the saleability of a property, causing damage and reducing the building's value. Cold windows also draw heat from the body, causing cold shivers, exacerbating existing health problems such as joint pain.
Thermal Breaks also mean we can have more extensive, more dramatic glass architecture. Solarlux produces incredible glass construction, creating spaces that unite the outdoors and the indoors with natural light streaming into the space. In 2014, Gray & Dick worked with Rimex Metals on a project for Page\Park to install the stunning glass frontage of Kelvin Hall, Glasgow. Thermal breaks allow architects to provide the beauty of glass without sacrificing energy efficiency.
Gray & Dick is the market leader in the design, supply and installation of high-end structural glazing. With more than 40 years of experience, we partner with the best brands to deliver a long-lasting product that will transform commercial properties.
To find out more about structural glazing from Gray & Dick, call us on 0141 952 9619 or send us a message via our website contact page