Choose the Best Fit: Continuous Insulation Z-Girt Selector

Quickly identify the ideal continuous insulation Z-girt for your project by entering your specific requirements and performance criteria.

Continuous Insulation Z-Girt Selector

Not all continuous insulation Z-girts are created equal. Input your desired performance characteristics to find which continuous insulation meet your needs.

Continuous Insulation Z-Girt Selector

Not all continuous insulation Z-girts are created equal. Input your desired performance characteristics to find which continuous insulation meet your needs.
Lifespan
Structural Strength
Thermal Static Performance
Eliminates Thermal Bypass
Fire NFPA 285
Air & Weather Barrier
Installation Framing
Highest R-Value Per Inch

Selector Results

Based on your desired performance characteristics, the continuous insulation systems below meet your needs:
Product
Class
Structural Capacity
Structural Performance
Static Thermal Performance
Eliminates Thermal Bypass
Fire
Links and Information
Notes
SMARTci®
Class I
High
Long-Term
High
Yes
Pass NFPA 285
GreenGirt Max CMH™
Class I
High
Long-Term
High
Yes
Pass NFPA 285
GreenGirt Optima CMH™
Class I
High
Long-Term
High
Yes
Pass NFPA 285
GreenGirt Steel™
Class II
Moderate
Long-Term
Moderate
No
Pass NFPA 285

See Note 5

Perforated Metal Z-Girt
Class II
Moderate
Long-Term
Moderate
No
Pass NFPA 285

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FRP Z-Girt
Class III
Low
Temporary
High
No
Inconsistent NFPA 285

Visit other manufacturer websites

See Notes 1, 2, 3, 4

SMARTci®
Class
Class I
Structural Capacity
High
Structural Performance
Long-Term
Static Thermal Performance
High
Eliminates Thermal Bypass
Yes
Fire
Pass NFPA 285
Links and Information
Notes
GreenGirt Max CMH™
Class
Class I
Structural Capacity
High
Structural Performance
Long-Term
Static Thermal Performance
High
Eliminates Thermal Bypass
Yes
Fire
Pass NFPA 285
Links and Information
Notes
GreenGirt Optima CMH™
Class
Class I
Structural Capacity
High
Structural Performance
Long-Term
Static Thermal Performance
High
Eliminates Thermal Bypass
Yes
Fire
Pass NFPA 285
Links and Information
Notes
GreenGirt Steel™
Class
Class II
Structural Capacity
Moderate
Structural Performance
Long-Term
Static Thermal Performance
Moderate
Eliminates Thermal Bypass
No
Fire
Pass NFPA 285
Links and Information
Notes

See Note 5

Perforated Metal Z-Girt
Class
Class II
Structural Capacity
Moderate
Structural Performance
Long-Term
Static Thermal Performance
Moderate
Eliminates Thermal Bypass
No
Fire
Pass NFPA 285
Links and Information

Visit other manufacturer websites

Notes
FRP Z-Girt
Class
Class III
Structural Capacity
Low
Structural Performance
Temporary
Static Thermal Performance
High
Eliminates Thermal Bypass
No
Fire
Inconsistent NFPA 285
Links and Information

Visit other manufacturer websites

Notes

See Notes 1, 2, 3, 4

Additional Notes

Note 1: Structural Performance The structural performance of FRP has not been conclusively determined through standardized engineering calculations, FEA, or real-world application studies, and its lifespan across different products remains uncertain. Additionally, FRP Z-girts are primarily attached using fasteners rather than bolted connections, which may affect structural integrity per the ASCE Design Guide for FRP Composite Connections, and users should consult a licensed structural engineer before application.
Note 2: Composite Connections FRP composite connections are subject to unavoidable failure, resulting in a lower lifespan compared to other materials. While FRP products generally exhibit high thermal performance relative to industry standards, this is dependent on factors such as web section thickness and may vary accordingly.
Note 3: Thermal Bypass FRP products may experience thermal bypass, which can reduce thermal performance by 25–50% of the R-value due to gaps, cracks, and air circulation around installation panels caused by manufacturing tolerances or installation errors. Unless insulation is properly profiled— which is not indicated for these products—thermal efficiency may be significantly compromised.
Note 4: Fire FRP products, when not steel reinforced, may pose a liability under fire conditions due to their inherent material properties. Additionally, there is no uniform NFPA 285 standard applicable to all FRP product configurations, as fire performance varies based on specific applications and the presence of mineral or cement panel reinforcements.
Note 5: GreenGirt Steel Thermal Performance When using rigid insulation with GreenGirt Steel, thermal performance can be improved by eliminating air movement behind and between insulation panels. Insulation effectiveness may vary based on installation quality and the ability to properly fill voids, and results are not guaranteed across all applications. Consult A2P engineering for further information.

Classification of Continuous Insulation Z-Girts

Continuous insulation Z-girts are categorized into three distinct classes based on their ability to meet key performance criteria. These criteria include structural capacity, structural performance, thermal efficiency, fire resistance, and the durability of connections over the building’s lifecycle. Each class represents a different level of performance, allowing designers, contractors, and installers to select the most suitable system for their project’s specific demands and requirements.