Legacy framing systems fail to eliminate thermal bridging at the most crucial points for thermal loss in any building: windows and openings. Ignoring this issue results in thermal inefficiencies that lead to energy losses of up to 55%. To avoid thermal bridging at building openings, install GreenGirt CMH XO™, which ensures seamless thermal alignment and structural strength across every window perimeter.
This article highlights the major concerns with thermal inefficiency at building openings, and how GreenGirt CMH XO resolves these issues through window alignment and composite metal hybrid design.
Thermal Inefficiency at Building Openings
The main concern is the thermal bridging and thermal loss that occurs in a window’s framing. An effective structural system for windows is needed to align the thermal plane of the insulation with the thermal plane of the window to prevent energy loss.
Window frames are critical failure points in maintaining continuous insulation because legacy systems—such as wood bucks and steel angles—create inefficient and conductive paths through the continuous insulation layer, leading to substantial thermal losses.
In order for windows and building openings to be effective in eliminating thermal bridging and heat loss, these openings need a reliable continuous insulation system to keep window perimeters secure and thermally efficient.
GreenGirt CMH XO: Closing the Gap
The full GreenGirt CMH XO continuous insulation system, with integrated modular metal components.
GreenGirt CMH XO is a continuous insulation system for windows and building openings that specifically addresses thermal bridging and heat loss at the window perimeter. This system prioritizes durability, structural integrity, and energy efficiency, without having to make sacrifices to other performance requirements of continuous insulation or windows.
GreenGirt CMH XO is designed to bring the window forward and into alignment with the continuous insulation, which mitigates thermal losses, maximizes thermal efficiency, and enables thermal continuity across the entire building envelope, integrating seamlessly with a wall’s continuous insulation system.
This innovative solution to thermal efficiency in windows exceeds building code requirements, such as ASHRAE 90.1, ASCE 7, IBC, IECC, and more, guaranteeing the highest-quality window system to meet your project’s needs.
Properties of GreenGirt CMH XO
GreenGirt CMH XO systems consist of a header, jambs, and a sill, which are made from composite metal hybrid materials to reinforce thermal efficiency. The modular CMH components integrate with modular aluminum flange components and accessories, including:
- Aluminum flanges, mini flanges, and header extrusions. These components are flexible to meet different spacing requirements of various projects and window types
- Dead load clips installed with the sill that offer increased structural reinforcement, transferring the window’s weight back into the structure
Benefits of GreenGirt CMH XO
The GreenGirt CMH XO system installed at the window along with GreenGirt CMH Z-girts installed on the walls, demonstrating synergy between the two GreenGirt CMH continuous insulation systems.
GreenGirt CMH XO delivers thermal efficiency levels up to 97%, compared to legacy systems’ 45% thermal efficiency, removing wood and steel components that compromise thermal resistance and more than doubling the effective R-value. The system also eliminates metal fasteners that penetrate the insulation layer that would normally lead to increased thermal bridging.
This system is design-flexible, compatible with different window types such as punched openings, storefronts, small curtain walls, and ribbon windows.
To maintain a building’s structural integrity at building openings, GreenGirt CMH XO mitigates creep and material fatigue, keeping the building functional and strong throughout its lifetime.
Just like with all CMH solutions, the GreenGirt CMH XO system remains committed to sustainable practices, reducing energy waste and embodied carbon to continue the mission to net-zero carbon emissions in the construction industry.
Conclusion
Thermal bridging and thermal loss create major challenges to thermal and energy efficiency at building openings. Ditching legacy systems and upgrading to GreenGirt CMH XO provides the ultimate solution to reinforcing thermal efficiency and structural integrity for every window type. Don’t put your building’s energy and structural performance in jeopardy: install GreenGirt CMH XO to secure the future of your building’s walls and openings.
Learn more about the GreenGirt CMH XO system today at GreenGirt.com.
Want energy-efficient windows for your next project? Contact us today to request a quote for GreenGirt CMH XO.