Armatherm™ Structural

Thermal Bridging Solutions

Minimising energy loss and improving building
envelope performance

www.armatherm.co.uk info@armatherm.com +44 (0) 1274 591 115

Armatherm™ is one of the leading suppliers of structural thermal break materials

for the construction industry. Our goal is to provide architects, structural engineers
and building design professionals with effective solutions to prevent thermal bridging.

Typical Thermal Bridging Locations

Balcony/Canopy Connection Masonry Shelf Angle Connection Wall Cladding Attachments

Foundation to Wall Transition Parapet/Roof Connection Column Base Connection

info@armatherm.com
ARMATHERMTM PRODUCTS
ArmathermTM FRR
ArmathermTM Fabric Reinforced Resin (FRR) Thermal Break Pads deliver high performance thermal insulation
between interior and exterior steelwork and / or concrete to prevent thermal bridging. Cutting out thermal
bridging stops conduction heat loss and prevents surface condensation from forming inside the building
that can be due to cold transfer meeting warm air.

Specifications of Armatherm FRR

Sheet Size 1220mm x 1220mm
Pad Size As Per Customer’s Specification
Maximum Loading Pressure N/mm2 310
Holes As Per Customer’s Specification
Strain at Maximum Pressure 3%

Compressive Modulus N/mm 2

10,000

Shear Strength N/mm2 110

Standard Thickness 6mm, 13mm, 200mm, 25mm & 50mm
Density Kg/M3 1450
Thermal Conductivity W/moK 0.3

Minimum Operating Temp oC -51

Maximum Operating Temp oC 150

Washer and Bushing

With a bolt through thermal break pad there is the possibility of a slight thermal transfer along the
connecting bolt. For the majority of installations this can be ignored, however this effect can be reduced
with the addition of Insulation washers and bushing. In extreme applications (e.g. Swimming Pools),
to prevent condensation on the bolt head, polyurethane nut cap can be supplied to effectively screen
this cold surface from the internal environment.
Note: Bushing and
Bushing Detail Washer Detail Washers to be supplied at
customer’s request. Other
Bolt Size Bushing ID Bushing OD Bushing Length Bolt Size Washer ID Washer OD Washer Length
variations are available.

M12 14mm 20mm 10mm M12 14mm 30mm 6mm

M16 18mm 24mm 13mm M16 18mm 40mm 6mm

M20 22mm 28mm 13mm M20 22mm 47mm 6mm

M24 26mm 32mm 17mm M24 26mm 50mm 6mm

THERMAL BRIDGING SOLUTIONS

ArmathermTM 500
Reducing heat flow within a building’s thermal envelope reduces energy consumption as well as potential
condensation issues. ArmathermTM 500 thermal break material significantly reduces energy lost from thermal
bridging in building envelope connections.
ArmathermTM 500 is a high strength, polyurethane material made in several densities to support a wide range
of loading conditions. Due to it’s closed cell structure, it does not absorb water or moisture and has limited
creep under continuous load.

Sheet Size 2000mm x 1000mm

Specifications of Armatherm 500
Pad Size As Per Customer’s Specification
Grade 250 320 490 Holes As Per Customer’s Specification
Compressive Strength N/mm2 3.2 7 16

Compressive Modulus N/mm2 125 200 340

Thermal Conductivity W/moK 0.05 0.07 0.09

R Value Per 25mm 3.1 2.6 1.9

Minimum Operating Temp oC -185 -185 -185

Maximum Operating Temp oC 80 80 80

Belfast: 028 9038 4745 X

Cork: 021 452 0202 www.sigca.ie
Dublin: 01 401 0222 e. enquiries@sigca.ie
 THERMAL BRIDGING SOLUTIONS
BALCONY THERMAL BRIDGING SOLUTION
The most common interface details for structural framing are canopies and balconies
that use cantilevered steel or aluminium elements. These elements are typically
connected to slab edges or spandrel beams on the interior side of the thermal envelope
passing through insulation and air barrier layers. The R value of a wall assembly can be
reduced by as much as 60% due to thermal bridging at balcony and canopy connections.
Using a thermal break at these connections will improve the U value of a wall
assembly which includes this type of point transmittance. ArmathermTM FRR
structural thermal break material is capable of transferring the loading in moment
and shear connections without creating significant rotation. In fact, in structural
testing, ArmathermTM FRR has been evaluated in moment and shear connections
for creep, rotation and any impact on bolt force. While minimising heat flow, the
structural performance of these connections must remain acceptable.

Balcony/Canopy Connection

Balcony/Canopy Connection

Exterior Clear Wall R effective Point

Insulation 1D Uo U effective
R-Value (Ro) with Beam with Beam Transmittance
Scenario R-Value BTU/ft2hroF of Beam % Reduction
ft2hroF/BTU
THERMAL BRIDGING SOLUTIONS

ft2hroF/BTU (W/m2 K) BTU/ft2hroF in Heat Loss

ft2hroF/BTU (m2 K/W) (m2 K/W) BTU/hroF
(m2 K/W) (W/m2 K)
(W/K)

R-15 R-18.5 0.054 R-6.9 0.145 1.73

Continuous
Beam (2.64) (3.25) (0.31) (1.21) (0.83) (0.92)
- Balcony/Canopy Connection
Thermal Image
25mm Armatherm
R-15 R-18.5 0.054 R-7.3 0.138 1.56 10%
FRR using
steel bolts (2.64) (3.25) (0.31) (1.28) (0.78) (0.83)

25mm Armatherm
FRR using R-15 R-18.5 0.054 R-8.4 0.119 1.16 33%
stainless steel (2.64) (3.25) (0.31) (1.48) (0.68) (0.62)
bolts

25mm Armatherm FRR

using stainless steel R-15 R-18.5 0.054 R-9.2 0.109 0.95
bolts and FRR 45%
washers and (2.64) (3.25) (0.31) (1.61) (0.62) (0.50)
bushings

50mm Armatherm FRR

using stainless steel R-15 R-18.5 0.054 R-10.2 0.098 0.72
bolts and FRR 58%
washers and (2.64) (3.25) (0.31) (1.79) (0.56) (0.38)
bushings

Recommended Thickness 25mm

Sheet size
Pad Size As Per Customer’s Specification
Bushing & Washers As Per Customer’s Specification

X Belfast: 028 9038 4745

Cork: 021 452 0202 www.sigca.ie
Dublin: 01 401 0222 e. enquiries@sigca.ie
THERMAL BRIDGING SOLUTIONS
MASONRY SHELF ANGLE BRIDGING SOLUTION
Masonry veneer walls require tiebacks and shelf angles which form significant thermal
bridges and can reduce a walls’ R value by as much as 50% making it difficult to meet
energy codes. Shelf angles transfer the masonry load back to the buildings’ structural steel
or concrete slab edge interrupting the continuous insulating layer of the wall assembly
creating a continuous thermal bridge.
To improve the U value of a masonry wall assembly, the shelf angle can be connected to
the structure at discreet, evenly spaced points such as plate “blades” allowing the
insulation to pass behind the steel angle, reducing the effects of a continuous thermal
bridge. However, building the shelf angle outwards requires larger geometries and
additional material to support the cantilevered load. Alternatively, ArmathermTM FRR
material can be used directly behind the shelf angle as a thermal break within the
insulating layer significantly reducing the linear transmittance of the shelf angle. Rigid,
metal flashing used as waterproofing can then be replaced with a non-conductive,
self-adhered membrane.

Exterior & Linear

Cavity Insulation Clear Field Uo R effective with U effective Transmittance
Scenario 1D R-Value R-Value (Ro) BTU/ft2hroF shelf angle BTU/ft2hroF of Shelf Angle % Reduction
ft2hroF/BTU ft2hroF/BTU (W/m2 K) ft2hroF/BTU (W/m2 K) BTU/hrftoF in Heat Loss
(W/m2 K) (m2 K/W) (m2 K/W) (W/mK)

Continuous
R-15 + R-12 R-19.8 0.051 R-9.9 0.101 0.314
Steel Shelf -
Angle (2.64) + (2.11) (3.48) (0.29) (1.74) (0.58) (0.544)

Steel Shelf
Angle with 25mm R-15 + R-12 R-19.8 0.051 R-13.8 0.072 0.135
Armatherm FRR 57%
(2.64) + (2.11) (3.48) (0.29) (2.43) (0.41) (0.234)
with washer,
bushing and S.A.M.

THERMAL BRIDGING SOLUTIONS

Masonry Shelf Angle Connection

Masonry Shelf Angle Connection

Recommended Thickness 50mm

Sheet size
Pad Size As Per Customer’s Specification
Masonry Shelf Angle Connection
Bushing & Washers As Per Customer’s Specification Thermal Image

Belfast: 028 9038 4745 X

Cork: 021 452 0202 www.sigca.ie
Dublin: 01 401 0222 e. enquiries@sigca.ie
 THERMAL BRIDGING SOLUTIONS
WALL CLADDING THERMAL BRIDGING SOLUTION
Continuous insulation is almost always compromised by metallic structural
connections such as clips and girts which create thermal bridging when connected to
steel stud framing. These connections in conjunction with the steel studs have a
significant impact on the U value of wall assemblies. Insulation effectiveness can be
reduced by as much as 50% due to these heat flow paths. Armatherm™ z girt
improve the U value of cladding and wall panel assemblies by eliminating the use of
highly conductive metal girts and aluminum brackets creating wall assemblies that
are up to 98% efficient.
Armatherm cladding attachments significantly reduce thermal bridging and improve
wall assembly thermal performance. Armatherm FRR z girt, clip and structural
thermal break materials provide a combination of low thermal conductivity and high
compressive strength transferring load and reducing heat loss. The thermal break
material is made of a reinforced, thermoset resin that is fire resistant and exhibits
very limited creep under load, making it the ideal material for use in structural and
façade thermal break connections.

Cladding Connection
THERMAL BRIDGING SOLUTIONS

Wall Cladding Attachments

Assembly effective R Value (RSI)

Exterior Insulation
R Value (RSI)
Steel Girts Armatherm Girts
Exterior Insulation Only Exterior Insulation Only

R 10 (1.76) 9.4 (1.65) 13 (2.28)

Cladding Connection Thermal Image

R 15 (2.64) 11.4 (2.00) 17.5 (3.07)

Depth 38mm, 63.5mm, 76mm
Sheet size
Flange 38mm
R 20 (3.50) 13.1 (2.30) 22.2 (3.89) Thickness 3mm

Note: Other variations available upon request.

R 25 (4.38) 14.5 (2.54) 27 (4.73)

X Belfast: 028 9038 4745

Cork: 021 452 0202 www.sigca.ie
Dublin: 01 401 0222 e. enquiries@sigca.ie
THERMAL BRIDGING SOLUTIONS
FOUNDATION TO WALL TRANSITION THERMAL BRIDGING SOLUTION
Thermal Bridging at foundation wall transitions creates heat loss at the foundation
perimeter. This reduces the exterior wall's effective R Value. Foundations are part of a
buildings’ thermal envelope. The intersection at a slab on grade to foundation wall and
exterior wall to foundation transition are both areas where heat flows out of a building.
This is due primarily to non-continuous insulation details.
The linear transmittance (heat loss) at the base of
the foundation wall can be reduced by as much as
60% by using an efficient, structural thermal break.
Armatherm™ 500 is a load bearing,thermal break
material bearing, manufactured in several densities
to provide a range of load capacities with R values
as high as R 3.8 per 25mm.
Wall to Foundation Transition
Thermal bridging at a foundation wall transition Recommended Thickness
Sheet size
50mm

can be reduced further by increasing the length Pad Size As Per Customer’s Specification

of the slab insulation.

Clear Wall Linear

Slab 1D R-Value Slab Heat Assembly Heat Transmittance
Scenario R-Value (Ro) Loss L2DF Loss L2DT % Reduction
ft2hroF/BTU ft2hroF/BTU of Wall to Slab
(W/m2 K) BTU/ft2hroF BTU/ft2hroF BTU/ft2hroF in Heat Loss
(W/m2 K) (W/m2 K) (W/m2 K) (W/m2 K)

Exterior Wall
directly on footing. R-10.2 R-5 1.18 1.88 0.309 -
25mm fiberboard (1.79) (0.88) (2.04) (3.25) (0.534)
floor to foundation

50mm Armatherm
500 under exterior R-10.2 R-5 1.18 1.74 0.170
wall and interior wall. 45%
(1.79) (0.88) (2.04) (3.01) (0.294)

THERMAL BRIDGING SOLUTIONS

25mm fiberboard
floor to foundation

50mm Armatherm
500 under exterior R-10.2 R-5 1.18 1.71 0.139
wall and interior wall. 55%
50mm Armatherm 500
(1.79) (0.88) (2.04) (2.96) (0.241)
floor to foundation

Wall to Foundation Transition Wall to Foundation Transition Thermal Image

Belfast: 028 9038 4745 X

Cork: 021 452 0202 www.sigca.ie
Dublin: 01 401 0222 e. enquiries@sigca.ie
 THERMAL BRIDGING SOLUTIONS
PARAPET/ROOF PENETRATION THERMAL BRIDGING SOLUTION
The roof is part of the building envelope where penetrations such as davits, anchors and
supports for dunnage extend through the thermal envelope and roof insulation creating
non-continuous insulation. These interface details are typically connected to interior
trusses or structural elements creating a thermal bridge and point transmittance (heat
flow). The R value of the roof can be reduced by up to 40% in these areas.
A structural thermal break at these locations will improve the U value of the roof
assembly and prevent potential condensation problems at the structural
connection. Armatherm™ FRR and 500 series thermal break materials can transfer
the loading conditions at these locations while significantly reducing heat flow,
creating continuous insulation. The heat loss can be improved by as much as 80%.

Roof Screen Post Thermal Modelling

Without Thermal Break

Parapet/Roof Connection

Recommended Thickness 75mm

Sheet size Roof Screen Post Thermal Modelling
Pad Size As Per Customer’s Specification
With Thermal Break
Holes As Per Customer’s Specification
THERMAL BRIDGING SOLUTIONS

Point
Roof Insulation Clear Field Uo R effective U effective Transmittance
Scenario 1D R-Value R-Value (Ro) BTU/ft2hroF ft2hroF/BTU BTU/ft2hroF of Anchor % Reduction
ft2hroF/BTU ft2hroF/BTU (W/m2 K) (m2 K/W) (W/m2 K) BTU/ft2hroF in Heat Loss
(W/m2 K) (m2 K/W) (W/m2 K)

Roof Anchor R-40 R-42.3 0.024 R-25.5 0.04 0.204

without Thermal -
(7.04) (7.44) (0.134) (4.49) (0.223) (0.35)
Break

Roof Anchor
R-40 R-42.3 0.024 R-27.2 0.036 0.175 14%
with 12.5mm
Armatherm FRR (7.04) (7.44) (0.134) (4.79) (0.209) (0.3)

Roof Anchor
R-40 R-42.3 0.024 R-37.2 0.027 0.041
with 150mm 80%
Armatherm 500
(7.04) (7.44) (0.134) (6.55) (0.153) (0.07)

X Belfast: 028 9038 4745

Cork: 021 452 0202 www.sigca.ie
Dublin: 01 401 0222 e. enquiries@sigca.ie
THERMAL BRIDGING SOLUTIONS
COLUMN BASE THERMAL BRIDGING SOLUTION
Internal steel columns traditionally extend through the building envelope floor slab and
insulation at their base. In low temperature buildings such as freezer rooms and cold
storage facilities, this creates a thermal bridge and point transmittance (heat loss) at the
steel column base. This is also the case for exterior columns which support floors or roof
overhangs. The column to roof connection interrupts the continuous insulation creating
heat loss due to thermal bridging.
Armatherm™ 500, structural thermal break
material can support and transfer column
loads while providing an effective thermal
break at the column connection. With
R values as low as R 3.8 per 25mm,
Armatherm™ 500 can help to meet the
BS EN requirements for continuous
insulation as well as the baseline insulation
requirements for floors in refrigerated Column Base Connection
storage facilities.

THERMAL BRIDGING SOLUTIONS

Exterior Column to Floor Connection Exterior Column to Floor Thermal Image

Point
Slab Insulation Clear Field Uo R effective U effective Transmittance
Scenario 1D R-Value R-Value (Ro) BTU/ft2hroF ft2hroF/BTU BTU/ft2hroF of Anchor % Reduction
ft2hroF/BTU ft2hroF/BTU (W/m2 K) (m2 K/W) (W/m2 K) BTU/ft2hroF in Heat Loss
(W/m2 K) (m2 K/W) (W/m2 K)

Steel Column R-30 R-31.7 0.03 R-29.9 0.03 0.504

without Thermal -
(5.26) (5.57) (0.179) (5.26) (0.190) (0.864)
Break

Steel Column
R-30 R-31.7 0.03 R-31.5 0.03 0.046
91%
with 150mm
Armatherm 500 (5.26) (5.57) (0.179) (5.55) (0.180) (0.079)

Recommended Thickness 100mm

Sheet size
Pad Size As Per Customer’s Specification
Holes As Per Customer’s Specification

Belfast: 028 9038 4745 X

Cork: 021 452 0202 www.sigca.ie
Dublin: 01 401 0222 e. enquiries@sigca.ie