Enhancing Energy Efficiency: Minimizing Thermal Bridges in Balconies
Balconies often pose a significant challenge to energy efficiency in buildings due to the structural elements required to support them, which can create thermal bridges, resulting in up to 25% of the total energy loss in a building.
Understanding the Issue
This guide outlines essential considerations for safe and energy-efficient balcony design and addresses them using the Schöck Isokorb® system. This system utilizes structural elements with an insulating envelope to prevent energy transfer through thermal bridges, thereby enhancing the energy efficiency of building envelopes.
Identifying the Need
Reducing thermal bridges becomes imperative when building issues related to energy transfer, such as energy loss, discomfort, mold, or structural damage, arise. Whether in cold or hot climates, addressing thermal bridging is crucial to maintaining indoor comfort and energy efficiency.
Addressing Structural Concerns
While structural elements are essential for cantilevered balconies, they contribute to thermal bridging. A practical solution is to integrate systems like Schöck Isokorb®, which combines insulating material with structural elements capable of supporting the balcony load. This linear solution eliminates the need for additional load-bearing elements or extra insulation, effectively reducing energy transfer.
Incorporating Fire Protection
Adhering to regional specifications and safety standards requires considering the fire protection levels of building components. The Isokorb® system provides fire protection for up to 120 minutes, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and enhancing building resilience.
Tailoring Solutions to Materials
The thermal bridging solution must align with the materials used in balconies and buildings. Schöck offers various options for different connection types, including concrete to concrete, steel to steel, and concrete to steel, each with corresponding Isokorb® solutions tailored to specific material combinations.
Application in Construction
The Schöck Isokorb® system finds its application in construction and structural engineering, offering superior thermal insulation properties to mitigate energy loss through thermal bridges, thereby enhancing the overall energy efficiency of buildings.
