Armadillo was appointed by engineering firm, Craddy Pitchers Davidson to insulate the distribution centre’s 1000 sqm cold store room, used to stock thousands of frozen and chilled products before distribution to UK Aldi stores.
The manufacturer’s product, Armatherm™ 500, was installed directly under steel column bases which bridge the floor slab insulation. Support columns pass through the non-load bearing slab insulation to warm ground beneath, short circuiting the insulation barrier. Armather
Are thermal breaks overlooked?
Strict regulations are coming into play that make it more important than ever to ensure buildings are as energy efficient as possible. Choices made now in the construction industry can help future generations live more efficiently and increase longevity.
With this in mind, it’s important to discuss why thermal breaks are still so often overlooked, as architects strive to create structures that will stand the test of time and meet future regulations that come to light.
Construction projects which do not utilize thermal breaks will suffer consequences, especially when it comes to energy loss. Poorly insulated buildings are highly uneconomical, with heat transferring out of the structure via conductive materials. Using a thermal break at these connections can reduce energy loss by 80% within commercial properties, resulting in huge savings on the running costs of the building – a benefit which should not be overlooked!
Why are they being ignored as a solution?
One reason for thermal breaks being constantly overlooked, is the costs associated with investing in these solutions on top of already expensive construction projects. The addition of insulation or innovative materials and fixings also requires additional labor which will increase the overall costs. We often see project managers who prioritize the upfront cost saving, over the long-term energy efficiency of the building despite the repercussions. Although improvements such as thermal breaks may add to the building costs, they pay back by lowering energy operating costs, which make them a worthwhile investment for any project.
Another common reason is that in some areas, building codes do not specify that thermal breaks are required for certain applications. This can dramatically limit the usage of thermal break materials in constructions, and also result in the use of less efficient, dated methods.
In addition, there’s a general lack of awareness and knowledge when it comes to the advantages thermal breaks provide. Architects, builders, project managers and property owners need to be aware of the innovative solutions available on the market to ensure maximum efficiency in the early stages of a build. As efficiency standards continue to become more widely adopted and environmental concerns become more pressing, it is now more important than ever to understand how imperative these solutions are.
There are a range of benefits to incorporating thermal breaks in buildings, such as improved reduced greenhouse gas emissions and indoor comfort. By reducing any heat transfer and improving energy efficiency, thermal breaks can help to maintain more consistent indoor temperatures, reducing the need for expensive mechanical heating and cooling systems. This works towards creating more comfortable and healthy indoor environments for building occupants.
Overall, the benefits of thermal breaks massively outweigh the inconvenience of and initial costs, the long-term benefits make them a smart investment for building owners as we all work towards a more sustainable future for construction. We all need to show commitment and a willingness to adapt to new legislation and thermal breaks are a great way to do so.
To find out more about thermal breaks and how Armatherm can help you with upcoming construction projects, contact with the team today.
m™ 500 is an inert, ultra-high density closed-cell polymer which offers high load capacity coupled with outstanding thermal performance.
