Thermal Barriers Page 1 of 2

THERMAL BARRIERS

What is a Thermal Barrier?

• Thermal barriers are made from resins that create a “thermal break” between the inner and
outer surfaces of aluminum fenestrations.
• Thermal barriers reduce heat loss or heat gain through the aluminum.
• Thermal barriers improve the U-value characteristics of finished systems.
• Thermal barriers are about energy conservation, U-values and government codes

• 70% of aluminum fenestration systems produced in North America contain a thermal break
• Primarily used in colder climates to reduce heat loss
• Increasing use of thermal barriers to reduce heat gain and also reduce heat loss
• Developers, architects and designers are demanding better performance in terms of power usage
• Stricter government regulations to reduce power usage in buildings to combat environmental concerns
• Aluminum, if it is to retain its market superiority in terms of its structural integrity, will have to achieve better performance in
terms of U-values
• The use of thermal barriers will assist manufacturers to achieve improved LEED performance

The data above was derived from the AAMA/WDMA U.S. Industry Statistical Review and Forecast - 2008/2009 (Published April 2009)

Pour & Debridged Polyamide Thermal Barrier Strips

Currently there are two principal types of thermal barriers used in North America:
Pour & Debridge (P&D) and Polyamide Thermal Barrier Strips as shown above

Pour & Debridge

• P&D is the most widely used system for thermal barriers in North America
• It is a polyurethane-based system
• An Iso is mixed with a resin at the point of assembly and the mixture is poured into a barrier channel in the aluminum
extrusion
• After pouring and curing, the barrier channel is “debridged”
• The debridging process creates the separation between the inner and outer surfaces
• A mechanical locking system on the extrusion is recommended to eliminate possible problems with dry shrinkage

Polyamide Thermal Barrier Strips

• Pre-extruded profiles made from polyamide with 25% glass-fiber

• Locked in place in “pockets” extruded into two separate (inner and outer) aluminum extrusions
• Enables finished assemblies with different finishes and colors on each surface
• Aluminum extrusion pockets need to be “knurled” prior to insertion of the polyamide profiles – and
“rolled” to create a structurally-secure finished assembly
• The polyamide profiles can be supplied with ”sealing-wire” which give a reliable seal and enhanced
shear strength when activated by heat e.g. – powder-coating
• The aluminum extrusions can be finished either before or after installation of the polyamide strips

http://www.aamanet.org/general.asp?sect=2&id=352 12/26/2011
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http://www.aamanet.org/general.asp?sect=2&id=352 12/26/2011