In today’s high-performance buildings, the demands on materials and construction methods have significantly increased, especially when it comes to managing indoor climate and energy efficiency. Roof hatches, once considered a simple access point, have evolved to meet these new demands, with the addition of a crucial feature: thermal breaks.
What Is a Thermal Break?
A thermal break is a barrier within the structure of the roof hatch that prevents heat or cold from transferring between the interior and exterior environments. This design eliminates what is known as a "thermal bridge," which is a direct pathway for heat or cold to pass through the building materials. Without a thermal break, heat can easily escape during the winter and enter during the summer, causing temperature instability inside the building.
Benefits of Thermally Broken Roof Hatches
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Energy Efficiency: Thermally broken roof hatches significantly improve energy efficiency by reducing the amount of heat that escapes in the winter and enters in the summer. This results in lower heating and cooling costs, contributing to a more sustainable building operation.
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Improved Insulation: Thermally broken hatches feature enhanced insulation in both the curb and cover. With up to 3 inches of insulation, such as Polyisocyanurate, these hatches can achieve an impressive R-value of over 20. The R-value is a measure of thermal resistance, and a higher value means better insulation. For comparison, thermally broken hatches offer 50% better thermal performance than standard hatches.
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Reduced Condensation: In climates with extreme temperatures, condensation can occur on the inside
surfaces of roof hatches, leading to moisture build-up and potential structural damage. A thermal break helps reduce condensation throughout when there's a significant temperature difference between the inside and outside.
Material Choices and Their Role
Modern thermally broken roof hatches come with material options that further enhance their performance:
- Mill-Finish Aluminum: Provides durability and reduces heat transfer, ideal for high-performance applications.
- High-Reflectance White: Helps reflect solar heat, further improving energy efficiency, especially in hot climates.
- Powder-Coated Steel: Offers additional protection and longevity while contributing to the aesthetic value.
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Thermally broken roof hatches are an essential component for any high-performance building, especially in regions with extreme hot or cold climates. By incorporating a thermal break, with an already fully insulated curb and cover, and advanced materials, these hatches can drastically reduce energy costs, prevent condensation, and improve the overall comfort and sustainability of the building. As the demand for energy-efficient buildings grows, specifying a thermally broken roof hatch is a wise investment in the building's long-term performance and efficiency.
Nystrom Roof Hatches provide safe and convenient access to commercial building roof areas using interior ladders and stairs. For ultimate corrosion resistance and outstanding exterior durability, Nystrom provides powder coat finish. Nystrom complete line of Roof Hatch and Safety products meet building codes, fire and life safety requirements. We build our services around your specified needs. For more information on our thermally broken roof hatches or other products, please reach out to our team of experts at info@nystrom.com or visit our website.
