{"id":18147,"date":"2026-05-01T15:19:08","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T09:49:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/?p=18147"},"modified":"2026-07-06T14:33:08","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T09:03:08","slug":"curtain-walls-energy-savings-thermal-break-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/aluminium\/facade\/curtain-walls-energy-savings-thermal-break-explained.html","title":{"rendered":"Do Curtain Walls Save Energy?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Walk into any glass-walled skyscraper on a hot summer day. If the building is well designed, you will feel comfortable \u2014 not sweaty, not freezing. If it is poorly designed, you will feel a distinct chill or heat radiating from the glass. The difference often comes down to one critical feature: <strong>the thermal break<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But do curtain walls actually save energy? The short answer is <strong>yes \u2014 but only if they are properly designed with thermal breaks and insulated glazing<\/strong>. A non-thermal curtain wall can actually <em>increase<\/em> energy costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article explains the science of thermal breaks, how they transform aluminium curtain walls from energy liabilities into high-performance building envelopes, and what you need to know to specify or evaluate them.<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Problem<\/strong>: Aluminium is a Thermal Conductor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aluminium is an excellent conductor of heat \u2014 about <strong>205 W\/m\u00b7K<\/strong>. That is roughly <strong>1,000 times more conductive than wood or uPVC<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"afb-block multitext-block\"><h3 class=\"afb-title\"><svg class=\"afb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"m21.73 18-8-14a2 2 0 0 0-3.48 0l-8 14A2 2 0 0 0 4 21h16a2 2 0 0 0 1.73-3Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M12 9v4\"><\/path><path d=\"M12 17h.01\"><\/path><\/svg> The Impact of Unprotected Aluminium Frames<\/h3><ul><li><strong>In winter:<\/strong> Indoor heat travels through the aluminium frame and escapes to the cold outside. The window becomes a &#8220;<strong>thermal bridge<\/strong>.&#8221;<\/li><li><strong>In summer:<\/strong> Outdoor heat travels through the frame and enters the conditioned space, forcing air conditioners to work harder.<\/li><li><strong>Result:<\/strong> Condensation forms on cold frames, energy bills rise, and occupant comfort suffers.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Without intervention, an aluminium curtain wall has a <strong>U-value (thermal transmittance) of approximately 5.7 W\/m\u00b2\u00b7K<\/strong> \u2014 which is worse than a single-pane glass window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>U-value explained:<\/strong> Lower is better. A U-value of 1.0 W\/m\u00b2\u00b7K means 1 watt of heat passes through each square meter of the assembly per degree Kelvin of temperature difference.<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Solution<\/strong>: The Thermal Break<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <strong>thermal break<\/strong> is a low-conductivity material inserted between the interior and exterior aluminium sections of a curtain wall frame. It physically separates the two aluminium halves, creating a barrier that heat cannot easily cross.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How It Works<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>Exterior side (cold)  \u2192  &#91;Aluminium]  \u2192  &#91;Thermal Break]  \u2192  &#91;Aluminium]  \u2192  Interior side (warm)\nHeat flow:            \u2190 blocked \u2190                           \u2190 blocked \u2190<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The thermal break material is typically:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Polyamide 6.6<\/strong> (nylon) reinforced with 25% glass fibre \u2014 conductivity \u2248 0.3 W\/m\u00b7K<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Polyurethane foam<\/strong> (poured and debridged) \u2014 conductivity \u2248 0.2\u20130.25 W\/m\u00b7K<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These materials conduct heat <strong>600\u20131,000 times less<\/strong> than aluminium. When inserted correctly, they can reduce the frame&#8217;s overall U-value by <strong>50\u201380%<\/strong>.<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"afb-block pros-cons-block\"><div class=\"pros-section\"><h4 class=\"afb-subtitle\"><svg class=\"afb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M14 9V5a3 3 0 0 0-3-3l-4 9v11h11.28a2 2 0 0 0 2-1.7l1.38-9a2 2 0 0 0-2-2.3zM7 22H4a2 2 0 0 1-2-2v-7a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h3\"><\/path><\/svg> ADVANTAGES<\/h4><ul><li class=\"pro-item\">\u2713 <strong>U-value (frame only):<\/strong> Reduced dramatically to ~1.4\u20132.2 W\/m\u00b2\u00b7K.<\/li><li class=\"pro-item\">\u2713 <strong>Condensation Resistance:<\/strong> Highly reliable; ensures interior frame surfaces stay warmer.<\/li><li class=\"pro-item\">\u2713 <strong>Winter Performance:<\/strong> Low energy loss by locking internal heat inside.<\/li><li class=\"pro-item\">\u2713 <strong>Summer Performance:<\/strong> Noticeably reduced heat gains through external surfaces.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"cons-section\"><h4 class=\"afb-subtitle\"><svg class=\"afb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M10 15v4a3 3 0 0 0 3 3l4-9V2H5.72a2 2 0 0 0-2 1.7l-1.38 9a2 2 0 0 0 2 2.3zm7-13h2a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v7a2 2 0 0 1-2 2h-2\"><\/path><\/svg> LIMITATIONS<\/h4><ul><li class=\"con-item\">\u2715 <strong>U-value (frame only):<\/strong> Poor thermal threshold resting at ~5.7 W\/m\u00b2\u00b7K.<\/li><li class=\"con-item\">\u2715 <strong>Condensation Resistance:<\/strong> Highly vulnerable as the cold interior frames cause sweat and moisture.<\/li><li class=\"con-item\">\u2715 <strong>Winter Performance:<\/strong> Continuous thermal bridge leaking heat to the cold exterior.<\/li><li class=\"con-item\">\u2715 <strong>Summer Performance:<\/strong> High thermal stress, rapidly conducting radiant summer heat indoors.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When combined with <strong>double or triple glazing<\/strong> (low-E coated, argon-filled), a thermally broken curtain wall can achieve <strong>whole-unit U-values as low as 0.8\u20131.2 W\/m\u00b2\u00b7K<\/strong> \u2014 meeting or exceeding most building energy codes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a deeper understanding of thermal break terminology, read our article: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/efficiency\/thermal-break-energy-efficient-terms.html\">thermal break energy-efficient terms explained<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Types of Thermal Break Systems<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are two main manufacturing methods for thermal break profiles used in curtain walls.<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"afb-block features-list-block\"><h3 class=\"afb-title\"><svg class=\"afb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"3\"><\/circle><path d=\"M19.4 15a1.65 1.65 0 0 0 .33 1.82l.06.06a2 2 0 0 1 0 2.83 2 2 0 0 1-2.83 0l-.06-.06a1.65 1.65 0 0 0-1.82-.33 1.65 1.65 0 0 0-1 1.51V21a2 2 0 0 1-2 2 2 2 0 0 1-2-2v-.09A1.65 1.65 0 0 0 9 19.4a1.65 1.65 0 0 0-1.82.33l-.06.06a2 2 0 0 1-2.83 0 2 2 0 0 1 0-2.83l.06-.06a1.65 1.65 0 0 0 .33-1.82 1.65 1.65 0 0 0-1.51-1H3a2 2 0 0 1-2-2 2 2 0 0 1 2-2h.09A1.65 1.65 0 0 0 4.6 9a1.65 1.65 0 0 0-.33-1.82l-.06-.06a2 2 0 0 1 0-2.83 2 2 0 0 1 2.83 0l.06.06a1.65 1.65 0 0 0 1.82.33H9a1.65 1.65 0 0 0 1-1.51V3a2 2 0 0 1 2-2 2 2 0 0 1 2 2v.09a1.65 1.65 0 0 0 1 1.51 1.65 1.65 0 0 0 1.82-.33l.06-.06a2 2 0 0 1 2.83 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 2.83l-.06.06a1.65 1.65 0 0 0-.33 1.82V9a1.65 1.65 0 0 0 1.51 1H21a2 2 0 0 1 2 2 2 2 0 0 1-2 2h-.09a1.65 1.65 0 0 0-1.51 1z\"><\/path><\/svg> 1. Crimped \/ Roll-Formed Thermal Break<\/h3><ul><li>\u2713 <strong>Process:<\/strong> Two separate aluminium extrusions (interior and exterior) are mechanically crimped onto a polyamide strip.<\/li><li>\u2713 <strong>Applications:<\/strong> Highly popular choice for windows, doors, and standard mid-rise curtain wall systems.<\/li><li>\u2713 <strong>Advantages:<\/strong> Solid structural strength with broad market availability.<\/li><li>\u2713 <strong>U-value range:<\/strong> 1.8\u20132.5 W\/m\u00b2\u00b7K (frame only).<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"afb-block features-list-block\"><h3 class=\"afb-title\"><svg class=\"afb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M14.7 6.3a1 1 0 0 0 0 1.4l1.6 1.6a1 1 0 0 0 1.4 0l3.77-3.77a6 6 0 0 1-7.94 7.94l-6.91 6.91a2.12 2.12 0 0 1-3-3l6.91-6.91a6 6 0 0 1 7.94-7.94l-3.76 3.76z\"><\/path><\/svg> 2. Pour-and-Debridge (Cast) Thermal Break<\/h3><ul><li>\u2713 <strong>Process: <\/strong>A single aluminium profile has a cavity that is filled with liquid polyurethane. After curing, a mechanical &#8220;debridging&#8221; cut separates the halves, leaving only polyurethane.<\/li><li>\u2713 <strong>Applications:<\/strong> Specifically applied in heavy-duty commercial curtain walls and pre-glazed unitized skyscraper configurations.<\/li><li>\u2713 <strong>Advantages:<\/strong> Distinctly high structural strength, support for deeper breaks (up to 50mm), and optimized performance.<\/li><li>\u2713 <strong>U-value range:<\/strong> 1.0\u20131.8 W\/m\u00b2\u00b7K (frame only).<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more on the benefits of thermal breaks in windows, check out: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/efficiency\/energy-saving-thermal-break-aluminium-windows-benefits.html\">energy-saving thermal break aluminium windows benefits<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Does a Thermal Break Curtain Wall Actually Save Energy?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes \u2014 and the savings are substantial. Let&#8217;s look at a real-world comparison.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/curtain-wall-uvalue-comparison-chart.webp\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"573\" src=\"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/curtain-wall-uvalue-comparison-chart-1024x573.webp\" alt=\"Bar chart comparing U-values of non-thermal versus thermal break curtain walls, showing thermal break + double glazing achieves 1.2 W\/m\u00b2\u00b7K \u2014 75% better than non-thermal.\" class=\"wp-image-18149\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/curtain-wall-uvalue-comparison-chart-1024x573.webp 1024w, https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/curtain-wall-uvalue-comparison-chart-300x168.webp 300w, https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/curtain-wall-uvalue-comparison-chart-768x430.webp 768w, https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/curtain-wall-uvalue-comparison-chart-1536x859.webp 1536w, https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/curtain-wall-uvalue-comparison-chart.webp 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Adding a thermal break to a double-glazed curtain wall reduces U-value from ~2.8 to ~1.2 W\/m\u00b2\u00b7K \u2014 a 57% improvement. Triple-glazed thermal break walls can drop below 0.8.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Example: 20-Story Office Building (10,000 m\u00b2 of curtain wall)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Parameter<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Non-Thermal<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Thermal Break (1.4 W\/m\u00b2\u00b7K)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Frame U-value<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">5.7<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">1.4<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Whole-wall U-value (with double glazing)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">~3.0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">~1.2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Annual heating energy (cold climate)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">120 kWh\/m\u00b2<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">48 kWh\/m\u00b2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Annual cooling energy (hot climate)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">85 kWh\/m\u00b2<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">34 kWh\/m\u00b2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total annual energy cost<\/strong> (mixed climate)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">$180,000<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>$72,000<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Annual savings:<\/strong> ~$108,000. Payback period for the upgrade to thermal break: typically <strong>2\u20134 years<\/strong>.<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In many building codes (IECC, ASHRAE 90.1, Part L in the UK, NBC in India), thermal break curtain walls are <strong>no longer optional<\/strong> for commercial buildings over a certain size. They are mandatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Beyond the Frame<\/strong>: <em>The Role of Glazing<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A thermal break frame is only half the solution. The glass itself must also be energy-efficient. A thermally broken frame paired with single-pane glass still underperforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"afb-block multitext-block\"><h3 class=\"afb-title\"><svg class=\"afb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M9 18h6\"><\/path><path d=\"M10 22h4\"><\/path><path d=\"M12 2v1\"><\/path><path d=\"M12 7a5 5 0 0 0-5 5c0 2 1.5 3.5 2 5h6c.5-1.5 2-3 2-5a5 5 0 0 0-5-5z\"><\/path><\/svg> Crucial Glazing Features to Specify<\/h3><ul><li><strong>Double Glazing or Triple Glazing:<\/strong> Utilizes multiple panes to naturally trap air layers.<\/li><li><strong>Low-E Coating:<\/strong> Substantially minimizes harmful radiative indoor-to-outdoor heat transfer.<\/li><li><strong>Gas Fills (Argon\/Krypton):<\/strong> Maximizes protection against convective heat loops between panes.<\/li><li><strong>Warm-Edge Spacers:<\/strong> Specialized boundaries that intercept local structural heat loss at the glass perimeter.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The combination of a thermal break frame + low-E double glazing reduces total curtain wall U-value to <strong>1.0\u20131.4 W\/m\u00b2\u00b7K<\/strong> \u2014 roughly <strong>75% better than non-thermal single-glazed systems<\/strong>.<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To understand the glass options available, read: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/glass\/types-of-glass-aluminium-doors-windows.html\">types of glass for aluminium doors and windows<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Condensation Prevention<\/strong>: <em>The Hidden Benefit<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Energy savings get the headlines, but condensation control is equally important. When warm, humid indoor air contacts a cold surface, water condenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Non-thermal aluminium frame<\/strong> in winter: Interior frame surface temperature may drop to <strong>2\u20135\u00b0C<\/strong> when outside is -10\u00b0C. Condensation forms easily, potentially leading to mold, water damage, and stained sills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Thermal break frame<\/strong>: Interior surface stays closer to room temperature \u2014 typically <strong>12\u201315\u00b0C<\/strong> under the same conditions \u2014 well above the dew point.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is why architects in cold climates (Canada, Northern Europe, China, parts of the US) <strong>specify thermal breaks as standard<\/strong>.<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a practical discussion of condensation issues and fixes, see: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/windows\/aluminium-window-condensation-glass-panes-fix.html\">aluminium window condensation on glass panes \u2013 fix guide<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Thermal Break vs. Double Glazing<\/strong>: <em>Do You Need Both?<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A common question: <em>&#8220;If I have double glazing, do I still need a thermal break frame?&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Yes \u2014 absolutely.<\/strong> Here&#8217;s why:<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Scenario<\/th><th>Heat Loss Through Frame<\/th><th>Heat Loss Through Glass<\/th><th>Overall Performance<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Non-thermal frame + double glazing<\/td><td>High (~5.7 W\/m\u00b2\u00b7K)<\/td><td>Low (~1.1 W\/m\u00b2\u00b7K)<\/td><td>Poor; frame dominates<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Thermal break frame + single glazing<\/td><td>Low (~1.4 W\/m\u00b2\u00b7K)<\/td><td>High (~5.7 W\/m\u00b2\u00b7K)<\/td><td>Poor; glass dominates<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Thermal break frame + double glazing<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Low<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Low<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Excellent<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The weakest link determines overall performance. You need both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learn more about the relationship between thermal breaks and glazing: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/efficiency\/thermal-break-windows-vs-double-glazing-due-for-energy-efficiency.html\">thermal break windows vs double glazing \u2013 which is more important for energy efficiency?<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Specify a Thermally Broken Curtain Wall <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When writing specifications or evaluating bids, look for these key criteria:<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Criteria<\/th><th>Minimum Requirement<\/th><th>Target (High Performance)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Frame U-value<\/strong> (EN 12412 \/ ISO 10077-2)<\/td><td>\u2264 2.2 W\/m\u00b2\u00b7K<\/td><td>\u2264 1.4 W\/m\u00b2\u00b7K<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Whole curtain wall U-value<\/strong><\/td><td>\u2264 1.8 W\/m\u00b2\u00b7K<\/td><td>\u2264 1.0 W\/m\u00b2\u00b7K<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Thermal break width<\/strong><\/td><td>\u2265 24 mm<\/td><td>\u2265 34 mm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Glazing<\/strong><\/td><td>Double, low-E, argon<\/td><td>Triple, low-E, krypton<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Test standard<\/strong><\/td><td>AAMA 1503 \/ NFRC 100<\/td><td>Same + thermal cycling<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also verify that the supplier provides <strong>thermal simulation reports<\/strong> (using THERM or similar software) for the specific profile, not just generic values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Common Myths About Thermal Break Curtain Walls<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Myth 1:<\/strong> &#8220;Thermal breaks make the frame weak.&#8221;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fact:<\/strong> Modern polyamide and polyurethane thermal breaks have shear strengths of 60\u2013100 N\/mm\u00b2. They are engineered to handle wind loads and building movement. Properly designed thermal break profiles are used in the tallest skyscrapers worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Myth 2:<\/strong> &#8220;Thermal breaks are only for cold climates.&#8221;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fact:<\/strong> Thermal breaks reduce heat <em>gain<\/em> in summer just as effectively as heat loss in winter. They are valuable in hot climates (Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, Australia) to lower air conditioning loads.<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Myth 3:<\/strong> &#8220;Cheaper non-thermal walls with better glass are fine.&#8221;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fact:<\/strong> As shown in the table above, the frame is responsible for 30\u201350% of total heat transfer. Ignoring the frame leaves significant energy savings on the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Real-World Example<\/strong>: <em>The Shard, London<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Shard (310 meters tall) uses a highly engineered unitized curtain wall with <strong>extruded polyamide thermal breaks<\/strong> and triple glazing. Despite being an all-glass tower in a temperate climate, its curtain wall achieves a whole-building energy performance that meets UK Part L regulations \u2014 thanks largely to thermal break technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final Verdict<\/strong>: <em>Do Curtain Walls Save Energy?<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Curtain Wall Type<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Energy Efficient?<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Condensation Resistant?<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Cost Premium<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Non-thermal, single glazed<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u274c No<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u274c No<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Low<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Non-thermal, double glazed<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\ud83d\udfe1 Poor (frame dominates)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\ud83d\udfe1 Limited<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Medium<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Thermal break, double glazed<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u2705 <strong>Yes (60\u201375% better)<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u2705 <strong>Yes<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Medium-High<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Thermal break, triple glazed<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u2705 Yes (up to 80% better)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u2705 Excellent<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">High<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The answer:<\/strong> A properly designed curtain wall with a <strong>thermal break frame + double or triple glazing<\/strong> absolutely saves energy \u2014 often <strong>50\u201375% less heat loss\/gain<\/strong> compared to non-thermal systems. The higher upfront cost is typically recovered within 2\u20135 years through lower energy bills, plus the added benefits of occupant comfort and condensation prevention.<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a general introduction to curtain wall systems, start here: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/aluminium\/facade\/curtain-walls-system-glass-buildings.html\">curtain walls system and glass buildings<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p><script>document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){\n        if(window.innerWidth <= 768){\n            if (\"immediate\" === \"delay\") {\n                setTimeout(function(){document.querySelectorAll(\".pai-ad\").forEach(el=>el.style.visibility=\"visible\")},0);\n            } else if (\"immediate\" === \"scroll\") {\n                window.addEventListener(\"scroll\",function(){\n                    let s=window.scrollY\/(document.body.scrollHeight-window.innerHeight);\n                    if(s>0.1){\n                        document.querySelectorAll(\".pai-ad\").forEach(el=>el.style.visibility=\"visible\");\n                    }\n                });\n            } else {\n                document.querySelectorAll(\".pai-ad\").forEach(el=>el.style.visibility=\"visible\");\n            }\n        } else {\n            document.querySelectorAll(\".pai-ad\").forEach(el=>el.remove());\n        }\n    });<\/script>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Walk into any glass-walled skyscraper on a hot summer day. If the building is well designed, you will feel comfortable \u2014 not sweaty, not freezing. If it is poorly designed, you will feel a distinct chill or heat radiating from the glass. The difference often comes down to one critical feature: the thermal break. But &#8230; <a title=\"Do Curtain Walls Save Energy?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/aluminium\/facade\/curtain-walls-energy-savings-thermal-break-explained.html\" aria-label=\"Read more about Do Curtain Walls Save Energy?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":18148,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4156],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18147","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-facade"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18147","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18147"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18147\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19134,"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18147\/revisions\/19134"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18148"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18147"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18147"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18147"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}