INDUSTRY COMMENT
and this potentially is the case for certain applications, but not all. When it comes to structural thermal breaks, the correct compressive strength is one that matches the load requirements of a project. Anything higher may not add value, and could come with unnecessary costs or compromise the thermal performance. Another area where research is critical and sometimes overlooked is within offsite and modular construction projects. These types of projects are increasing, particularly with steel frame structures manufactured in controlled environments. While this approach offers clear efficiency benefits, it also creates a unique challenge in that the products and applications which perform well off-site, may behave differently once installed in their real-world conditions. Factors to consider such as climate, thermal movements and how the components connect with the rest of the building once fabricated, can all influence the final performance. It’s vital to ensure materials are selected and tested with the full context in mind.
An additional common pitfall we’ve seen in specification is assuming that one product can cover all bases. Especially when it comes to thermal break materials, the application needs to be carefully considered to ensure the correct material that offers the best insulative properties, with the right strength and best cost is selected. This is where manufacturer engagement becomes so important. Reputable suppliers will be able to offer technical guidance, load tables, test data and real-world examples and case studies to help determine sustainability. If a product seems to promise everything with little supporting information or proof, this should be a red flag. There’s a tendency in construction to rely on legacy knowledge - to do what has been done before and trust in what has worked on previous projects. While experience is, of course, a powerful tool, assumptions can be risky, especially as regulations change and products evolve. The best approach is to treat each project as a unique set of challenges and identify the key areas that require a solution. What are the target U values, for example, or which applications require a thermal break material? The answers to these questions will vary with every design, which is why careful and project- specific planning and research is so critical. Trusting a manufacturer is important, and so is the verification of their claims. Specifiers shouldn’t need to become experts in every category, but they should know what to look out for when it comes to testing standards, third party certifications and technical support. Additional credentials such as independent testing, thermal modelling data and certificates (BBA, ISO and CE markings) should all be requested and assessed against registered benchmarks. Likewise, if a product is making bold claims such as eliminating thermal bridging altogether or delivering dramatic energy savings, it’s worth checking how the figures are calculated - was this during real condition testing or just models? Was the testing carried out by an accredited body? A good manufacturer will be transparent, a great one will talk you through the data and proof to back them up.
As the industry continues to raise the bar on sustainability and performance, the responsibility falls on us to all work collaboratively to meet the goals that help create a greener future for construction. Selecting a product should be an informed decision, grounded in the specific needs of the project and supported by credible data.
Ultimately, the cost of a poorly specified material isn’t just financial. It can compromise a building’s efficiency, contribute to heat loss, create condensation risks and lead to costly remedial work down the line. When projects these days are designed with ambitious energy targets in mind, every detail matters - especially the ones you can’t see once the building is finished. At Armatherm, we’re seeing a welcome shift in how materials are specified. It’s no longer about placing an order for X amount of product by Y date, specifiers and architects are coming to us earlier in the process to seek guidance on what products are best suited to their designs, loads and thermal requirements. It’s a change we are embracing, encouraging and supporting with our technical experts on hand to work closely with anyone requiring assistance selecting thermal break materials. A product that might look like it fits the brief on paper, might not always be the right fit in
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practice. Whether its compressive strength, thermal conductivity or green credentials, don’t take claims at face value. Do the research, seek advice and choose materials that fit the purpose to protect the longevity of a build. The right material in the right place makes all the difference.
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