Skip to main content
GlazingPost.ca

Thermal Break

An insulating material (typically polyamide or polyurethane) inserted between the interior and exterior sections of an aluminum frame to reduce heat transfer.

Without a thermal break, aluminum window and curtain wall frames conduct heat rapidly, causing condensation and energy loss. Thermal breaks create a barrier within the frame profile, significantly improving the overall U-value of the window system.

In Canadian climates, thermally broken frames are essential for meeting energy code requirements (NAFS/CSA A440 and provincial building codes). The width and material of the thermal break directly affect the frame's thermal performance.