What is a thermal break in windows
Thermal breaks in windows can increase energy efficiency without compromising on style, ideal for steel framed windows and floor-to-ceiling glazed units
What is thermal break in windows and why is it important?
When choosing windows and doors for your home, the three things you’ll most likely be focused on are appearance, durability, and insulation. An essential feature that impacts insulation and energy efficiency is the thermal break. But what is a thermal break in a window and why is it important in your decision-making process? In this blog we’ll look at
What is a thermal break in windows?
A thermal break is a barrier placed within the frame of a window or door that reduces heat transfer between the interior and exterior. Because metal conducts heat so well, traditional steel window frames can act a bit like a radiator on a hot day and a refrigerator on a cold day. A thermal break prevents these temperature fluctuations, creating a barrier to help keep indoor temperatures stable.
The material used to create the thermal break will usually be a non-metal that doesn’t conduct heat, such as polyamide. Placing this within the frame creates an invisible separation between the inner and outer sections making it more difficult for heat to transfer. This innovation has revolutionised modern window technology, allowing architects, designers and home-developers to choose windows that allow for energy efficiency as well as style.
What are the benefits of thermally broken windows?
Poorly insulated windows can account for 30% of the energy bill in your home so anything you can do to reduce this is a good investment. But the inclusion of a thermal break has multiple benefits that go beyond mere temperature control. Here’s why thermal breaks in windows are important:
1. Improved Energy Efficiency
Windows and doors without thermal breaks allow heat to escape in winter and enter in summer. With thermally broken windows, your indoor climate is more stable, meaning less reliance on heating and cooling systems. This contributes to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
2. Enhanced Comfort
Thermal breaks reduce drafts, ensuring a consistent indoor temperature. A thermally broken window also means fewer temperature fluctuations, creating a comfortable, consistent indoor environment.
3. Reduction in Condensation
Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cooler surface, often resulting in unsightly water droplets on window frames. Do thermal breaks in windows stop condensation? They can certainly help by maintaining warmer surface temperatures, significantly reducing the likelihood of condensation forming. This not only enhances comfort but also prevents mould and mildew that can damage interiors.
4. Noise Reduction
Thermal breaks also help with sound insulation. By interrupting sound waves, they make your home quieter—ideal for homes in busy or urban areas.
Do I need thermally broken windows?
For homeowners who want better insulation, to reduce energy costs, and enhance comfort in the home, thermally broken windows are an obvious choice. And thanks to advances in thermal break technology, there’s no need to compromise on style either.
At Cotswold Windows, our Sky-Frame frameless windows and doors are all thermally-broken, regardless of the system size. That means you can enjoy uninterrupted,
Our partner MHB Steel Windows & Doors has taken this technology even further, by creating a patented solid steel, ultra slim profile with an innovative thermal break. Thanks to its patented SL30-ISO® thermal break technology, homeowners can have industrial-style steel windows and doors that are energy efficient and industry compliant.
But surely all these benefits must come at a price – are thermally broken windows more expensive than windows that don’t have a thermal break? Generally, they do come with a higher upfront cost due to the advanced materials and design involved. However, the long-term benefits, including energy savings and enhanced durability, make them a cost-effective choice and a good long-term investment in your property.
A superior range of thermally broken windows
Whether you’re renovating an older property or designing a new home, thermally broken windows are a smart investment in your home. Contact us to learn more about our thermally broken windows from Sky-Frame and MHB Steel and see for yourself the difference a thermal break can make.