The worldwide manufacturers of fenestration products have several materials from which to produce their component products.
Aluminum is one of the preferred materials of choice. However, because of aluminum’s high thermal conductivity, improved
thermal performance for this material is of prime importance. Many thermal barrier designs, which accomplish this end, have
been used or are in use currently. The method used in all cases is to interrupt the continuity of the framing system with the
inclusion of a low conductance material. This is commonly referred to as a thermal barrier. With a properly designed thermal
barrier product, the transfer of the thermal energy through an architectural framing system is reduced. This interruption of energy
flow has obvious benefits in substantially reducing the total energy consumption of the building of which the end product is a
part. The thermal barrier will also effectively improve the resistance of the framing members to condensation or frost formation.
These thermal barrier systems allow aluminum to provide thermal performance comparable with other framing materials.
Though there are several thermal barrier systems in use today, the scope of this document will address the composite thermal
barrier systems that are the most widely used, as known by this document’s authors. Guidelines for these framing systems are
offered on cavity design, thermal barrier material, selection, testing manufacturing, fabrication, installation and environmental
performance. The intent of this report is to provide the design professional with sufficient information to intelligently evaluate
composite thermal barrier systems.