What is a Thermal Break? 

Imagine your door frame acting like a highway for heat. When it's hot outside, the heat zooms right through the metal into your cool interior, and vice versa. A thermal break is like a roadblock on that highway. It’s a barrier of low thermal conductivity material inserted between the door's aluminum metal components. This clever design slows down the heat transfer, keeping your indoor temperature stable.

Thermal breaks prove highly effective in AG Millworks Bi-fold and Multi-Sliding systems, particularly when there's a notable temperature contrast between indoors and outdoors. These breaks play a crucial role in reducing the U-factor,  to meet Title 24 prescriptive compliance.

Why Should You Care About Thermal Breaks?

1. Saving Heat

Heat tends to escape through doors, especially if they’re made of aluminum metal. Aluminum, being a great conductor, lets heat travel quickly. Without a thermal break, your door could be letting out (or letting in) more heat than you'd like. By inserting a thermal break, you significantly cut down this heat loss, making your building more energy-efficient.

2. Preventing Condensation

Have you ever noticed frost or condensation on the inside of your door during winter? That’s because the cold outside seeps through the aluminum, making the inside surface cold too. When warm indoor air hits this cold surface, it cools down and releases moisture, leading to condensation. Over time, this moisture can cause water damage. Thermal breaks help prevent this by keeping the inside surface of the door closer to the indoor temperature.

The Big Benefits

Using doors with thermal breaks comes with a bunch of perks:

• Energy Savings: Thermal breaks can reduce heat loss by up to 50%, meaning you spend less on heating and cooling.
• Comfort: They help maintain a more consistent indoor temperature, making your space more comfortable.
• Environmental Impact: Less energy used means a smaller carbon footprint.
• Durability: Preventing condensation reduces the risk of water damage and extends the life of your door and its surrounding areas.

Thermal breaks are not just a technical detail; they are a significant upgrade to your building's overall performance. By opting for thermally broken doors, you’re making a smart investment in energy efficiency, comfort, and long-term savings.