R-Value & thermal performance for continuous insulation and building enclosure systems
Redefining Thermal Performance: From Theory to As-Built Reality
Modern construction demands more than nominal R-values; it requires verified, effective thermal performance that is structurally sound and endures for the life of the building. As building codes become more stringent and energy efficiency targets more ambitious, architects and consultants must scrutinize the entire continuous insulation system. At Advanced Architectural Products (A2P), we believe a building envelope must be treated as a unified system where thermal efficiency, structural integrity, and installability are engineered in unison, not as competing variables.
This report presents a comprehensive thermal analysis of A2P’s GreenGirt® and SMARTci™ systems, with data and simulations independently validated by Morrison Hershfield/Stantec. The performance values within are not based on idealized models; they are the result of meticulous 3D simulations that meet or exceed ASHRAE and CSA standards, accounting for every fastener and structural component to reflect real-life, as-built conditions.
The Composite Metal Hybrid Advantage: Holistic Strength and Longevity
The foundation of our leading performance is the Composite Metal Hybrid material. Our systems are holistically designed to marry the superior insulating properties of advanced composites with the proven strength, durability, and lifespan of metal. This hybrid approach delivers thermal efficiencies of up to 99% while ensuring the long-term structural capacity and fastener retention that FRP composites cannot match. The result is a robust sub-framing system that maintains its structural integrity over decades, safeguarding the entire cladding assembly.
Eliminating Installation and Liability Risks
Exceptional thermal performance is meaningless if the system introduces structural or moisture-related liabilities. A2P systems directly address the critical flaws found in other designs:
- No blind fastening: GreenGirt CMH brackets install directly against the structure, giving installers a clear and verifiable connection point. This eliminates the guesswork and risk inherent in blind-anchored systems, where up to 10% of blind fasteners may fail to engage the framing, creating hidden holes that compromise the air and moisture barrier, as well as thermal performance.
- No cantilevered fasteners: Our design provides unambiguous structural accountability. By avoiding cantilevered fasteners supported by insulation, we eliminate the potential for long-term stress, load transfer failures, and the trailing liabilities that arise when responsibility is divided between insulation and fastener manufacturers for performance their product may not perform. Furthermore, the absence of through-wall steel fasteners prevents concentrated cold spots and condensation within the wall cavity.
This report validates that A2P’s portfolio of systems delivers the industry’s highest thermal efficiency based on practical, structurally robust girt and bracket spacings that give you the highest value in the market and eliminate thermal bypass to maximize thermal efficiency. We invite you to explore the data and discover how our best-practice approach delivers verifiable performance without compromise.
Table of Contents
Thermal Performance Summary
GreenGirt CMH Clips provide the highest thermal efficiency and the highest R-value per inch.
GreenGirt CMH Clips™ provide a best practice, one-piece, composite metal hybrid continuous insulation solution. Created by Advanced Architectural Products, the GreenGirt CMH Clip system offers thermal efficiencies of up to 99% and eliminates thermal bridging that occurs from through-wall metal and through-insulation fasteners.
This complete thermal performance analysis was conducted by Morrison Hershfield/Stantec at the request of Advanced Architectural Products. A summary of results is provided here; further details are available upon request.
Analysis Results
Steel-frame wall assembly includes:
5/8-inch gypsum, 6-inch steel stud at 16 inches o.c. with uninsulated stud cavity, 1/2-inch gypsum sheathing, vertical composite metal hybrid GreenGirt CMH Clips (6-inch length) at various spacing, and mineral wool insulation (R-4.2/in) at various thicknesses.
Continuous GreenGirt CMH Clip System on Steel-Frame Wall Assembly
| Clip Spacing | Clip Depth | Exterior Insulation Thickness | Exterior Insulation Nominal R-Value* h.ft2·°F/Btu | Assembly Effective R-Value h.ft2·°F/Btu | Overall Assembly Efficiency** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16" horiz. x 24" vert. | 1.5" | 1.5" | 6.3 | 9.5 | 99% |
| 2" | 2" | 8.4 | 11.6 | 99% | |
| 2.5" | 2.5" | 10.5 | 13.7 | 99% | |
| 3" | 3" | 12.6 | 15.7 | 99% | |
| 3.5" | 3.5" | 14.7 | 17.8 | 99% | |
| 4" | 4" | 16.8 | 19.9 | 99% | |
| 4.5" | 4.5" | 18.9 | 21.9 | 99% | |
| 5" | 5" | 21.0 | 24.0 | 99% | |
| 5.5" | 5.5" | 23.1 | 26.0 | 99% | |
| 6" | 6" | 25.2 | 28.0 | 98% | |
| 32" horiz. x 24" vert. | 1.5" | 1.5" | 6.3 | 8.5 | 99% |
| 2" | 2" | 8.4 | 10.6 | 99% | |
| 2.5" | 2.5" | 10.5 | 12.7 | 99% | |
| 3" | 3" | 12.6 | 14.9 | 99% | |
| 3.5" | 3.5" | 14.7 | 17.0 | 99% | |
| 4" | 4" | 16.8 | 19.2 | 99% | |
| 4.5" | 4.5" | 18.9 | 21.3 | 99% | |
| 5" | 5" | 21.0 | 23.4 | 99% | |
| 5.5" | 5.5" | 23.1 | 25.6 | 99% | |
| 6" | 6" | 25.2 | 27.7 | 99% |
Concrete wall assembly includes:
8-inch concrete wall, horizontal and vertical composite metal hybrid GreenGirt CMH Clips at various spacing, and exterior mineral wool insulation (R-4.2/in) at various thicknesses.
Continuous GreenGirt CMH Clip System on Concrete Wall Assembly
| Clip Spacing | Clip Depth | Exterior Insulation Thickness | Exterior Insulation Nominal R-Value* h.ft2·°F/Btu | Assembly Effective R-Value h.ft2·°F/Btu | Overall Assembly Efficiency** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16" horiz. x 24" vert. | 1.5" | 1.5" | 6.3 | 8.3 | 99% |
| 2" | 2" | 8.4 | 10.3 | 99% | |
| 2.5" | 2.5" | 10.5 | 12.4 | 99% | |
| 3" | 3" | 12.6 | 14.5 | 99% | |
| 3.5" | 3.5" | 14.7 | 16.6 | 99% | |
| 4" | 4" | 16.8 | 18.6 | 99% | |
| 4.5" | 4.5" | 18.9 | 20.7 | 99% | |
| 5" | 5" | 21.0 | 22.7 | 99% | |
| 5.5" | 5.5" | 23.1 | 24.8 | 99% | |
| 6" | 6" | 25.2 | 26.8 | 98% | |
| 32" horiz. x 24" vert. | 1.5" | 1.5" | 6.3 | 8.3 | 99% |
| 2" | 2" | 8.4 | 10.4 | 99% | |
| 2.5" | 2.5" | 10.5 | 12.5 | 99% | |
| 3" | 3" | 12.6 | 14.6 | 99% | |
| 3.5" | 3.5" | 14.7 | 16.7 | 99% | |
| 4" | 4" | 16.8 | 18.8 | 99% | |
| 4.5" | 4.5" | 18.9 | 20.8 | 99% | |
| 5" | 5" | 21.0 | 22.9 | 99% | |
| 5.5" | 5.5" | 23.1 | 25.0 | 99% | |
| 6" | 6" | 25.2 | 27.1 | 99% |
* This value is the nominal R-value of the exterior insulation ONLY. Additional components, such as the gypsum, stud cavity, exterior sheathing, and air films all contribute an additional R-3.2 towards the nominal R-value of the entire assembly.
** Thermal bypass reduces assembly efficiency and increases energy loss. GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci eliminate thermal bypass — delivering maximum
thermal performance. Discover how at GreenGirt.com.
The effective R-values and overall assembly efficiency of exterior insulated steel-frame and concrete wall assemblies featuring the GreenGirt CMH Clip system were evaluated using both 3D thermal simulations and approximations derived from those simulations. These 3D simulations were conducted using Siemens’ NX and SimCenter 3D software package. The thermal solver and modeling procedures employed were calibrated/validated to within +/-5% of hotbox testing, as referenced in ASHRAE Research Project 1365-RP Thermal Performance of Building Envelope Details for Mid- and High-Rise Construction and the Building Envelope Thermal Bridging Guide 1, and also meet the CSA Z5010 standard for thermal simulations of opaque building envelope assemblies.
Thermal Performance Summary
GreenGirt CMH Delta combines easy adjustability and fast installation with industry-leading thermal efficiency.
GreenGirt CMH Delta™ is an adjustable continuous insulation system created by Advanced Architectural Products, designed to enhance structural integrity and improve building energy efficiency. With thermal efficiencies of up to 96%, GreenGirt CMH Delta utilizes composite metal hybrid Z-profile base brackets
with a continuous L-rail (made of GreenGirt CMH, galvanized steel, or aluminum), fastened to the backup wall.
This complete thermal performance analysis was conducted by Morrison Hershfield/Stantec at the request of Advanced Architectural Products. A summary of results is provided here; further details are available upon request.
Analysis Results
Steel-frame wall assembly includes:
5/8-inch gypsum, 6-inch steel stud at 16 inches o.c., with uninsulated stud cavity, 5/8-inch gypsum sheathing, vertical GreenGirt CMH Delta system at 16 inches o.c., and exterior mineral wool insulation (R-4.2/in) at various thicknesses with a 2-inch cavity standoff.
Continuous GreenGirt CMH Delta System on Steel-Frame Wall Assembly; with Aluminum L-Rail
| Clip Spacing | Bracket & L-Rail Size | GreenGirt/Exterior Insulation Thickness | Exterior Insulation R-Value* h.ft2·°F/Btu | Assembly Effective R-Value with Alum. L-Rail h.ft2·°F/Btu | Overall Assembly Efficiency with Alum. L-Rail** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16" horiz. x 24" vert. | 3" bracket + 2 3/4" L-rail | 3 | 12.6 | 15.1 | 93% |
| 4" bracket + 3" L-rail | 4 | 16.8 | 19.2 | 94% | |
| 5" bracket + 3" L-rail | 5 | 21.0 | 23.4 | 95% | |
| 6" bracket + 4" L-rail | 6 | 25.2 | 26.8 | 93% |
Continuous GreenGirt CMH Delta System on Steel-Frame Wall Assembly; with CMH L-Rail
| Clip Spacing | Bracket & L-Rail Size | GreenGirt/Exterior Insulation Thickness | Exterior Insulation R-Value* h.ft2·°F/Btu | Assembly Effective R-Value with CMH L-Rail h.ft2·°F/Btu | Overall Assembly Efficiency with CMH L-Rail** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16" horiz. x 24" vert. | 3" bracket + 2 3/4" L-rail | 3 | 12.6 | 15.4 | 95% |
| 4" bracket + 3" L-rail | 4 | 16.8 | 19.6 | 96% | |
| 5" bracket + 3" L-rail | 5 | 21.0 | 23.7 | 96% | |
| 6" bracket + 4" L-rail | 6 | 25.2 | 27.8 | 96% |
Continuous GreenGirt CMH Delta System on Steel-Frame Wall Assembly; with Galvanized Steel L-Rail
| Clip Spacing | Bracket & L-Rail Size | GreenGirt/Exterior Insulation Thickness | Exterior Insulation R-Value* h.ft2·°F/Btu | Assembly Effective R-Value with Galv. Steel L-Rail h.ft2·°F/Btu | Overall Assembly Efficiency with Galv. Steel L-Rail** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16" horiz. x 24" vert. | 3" bracket + 2 3/4" L-rail | 3 | 12.6 | 15.1 | 93% |
| 4" bracket + 3" L-rail | 4 | 16.8 | 19.3 | 94% | |
| 5" bracket + 3" L-rail | 5 | 21.0 | 23.3 | 95% | |
| 6" bracket + 4" L-rail | 6 | 25.2 | 26.7 | 93% |
Concrete wall assembly includes:
8-inch concrete wall, vertical GreenGirt CMH Delta system at 16 inches o.c., and exterior mineral wool insulation (R-4.2/in) at various thicknesses.
Continuous GreenGirt CMH Delta System on Concrete Wall Assembly
| Clip Spacing | Cavity Standoff | Bracket & L-Rail Size | GreenGirt/Exterior Insulation Thickness | Exterior Insulation R-Value* h.ft2·°F/Btu | Assembly Effective R-Value with CMH L-Rail h.ft2·°F/Btu | Overall Assembly Efficiency with CMH L-Rail** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16" horiz. x 24" vert. | 2" | 3" bracket + 2 3/4" L-rail | 3" | 12.6 | 14.3 | 95% |
| 2" | 4" bracket + 3" L-rail | 4" | 16.8 | 18.5 | 96% | |
| 2" | 5" bracket + 3" L-rail | 5" | 21.0 | 22.6 | 96% | |
| 2" | 6" bracket + 4" L-rail | 6" | 25.2 | 26.7 | 96% | |
| 0" | 3" bracket + 3" L-rail | 3" | 12.6 | 13.7 | 93% |
* This value is the nominal R-value of the exterior insulation ONLY. Additional components, such as the gypsum, stud cavity, exterior sheathing, and air
films all contribute an additional R-3.2 towards the nominal R-value of the entire assembly.
** Thermal bypass reduces assembly efficiency and increases energy loss. GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci eliminate thermal bypass — delivering
maximum thermal performance. Discover how at GreenGirt.com.
The effective R-values and overall assembly efficiency of exterior insulated steel-frame and concrete wall assemblies featuring the GreenGirt CMH Delta
adjustable system were evaluated using both 3D thermal simulations and approximations derived from those simulations. These 3D simulations were
conducted using Siemens’ NX and SimCenter 3D software package. The thermal solver and modeling procedures employed were calibrated/validated
to within +/-5% of hotbox testing, as referenced in ASHRAE Research Project 1365-RP Thermal Performance of Building Envelope Details for Mid- and
High-Rise Construction and the Building Envelope Thermal Bridging Guide 1.
Thermal Performance Summary
GreenGirt Max CMH and GreenGirt Optima CMH—the subframing systems that set the standard in thermal efficiency, structural strength, and installability.
GreenGirt Max CMH™ and GreenGirt Optima CMH™ systems provide a best practice, one-piece, composite metal hybrid continuous insulation solution. Created by Advanced Architectural Products, the GreenGirt Max CMH and GreenGirt Optima CMH systems offer thermal efficiencies of up to 99% and utilize the best properties of steel, glass, and polymers.
This complete thermal performance analysis was conducted by Morrison Hershfield/Stantec at the request of Advanced Architectural Products. A summary of results is provided here; further details are available upon request.
Analysis Results
Steel-frame wall assembly includes:
5/8-inch gypsum, 6-inch steel stud at 16 inches o.c. with uninsulated stud cavity, 1/2-inch gypsum sheathing, horizontal or vertical composite metal hybrid GreenGirt Max CMH or GreenGirt Optima CMH at various spacing, and mineral wool insulation (R-4.2/in) at various thicknesses.
Continuous GreenGirt Max CMH or GreenGirt Optima CMH System on Steel-Frame Wall Assembly
| Horizontal or Vertical Girt Spacing* | Girt Depth | Exterior Insulation Thickness | Exterior Insulation Nominal R-Value** h.ft2·°F/Btu | Assembly Effective R-Value h.ft2·°F/Btu | Overall Assembly Efficiency*** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16" | 1.5" | 1.5" | 6.3 | 9.2 | 95% |
| 2" | 2" | 8.4 | 11.2 | 95% | |
| 2.5" | 2.5" | 10.5 | 13.2 | 95% | |
| 3" | 3" | 12.6 | 15.3 | 95% | |
| 3.5" | 3.5" | 14.7 | 17.3 | 96% | |
| 4" | 4" | 16.8 | 19.3 | 96% | |
| 4.5" | 4.5" | 18.9 | 21.3 | 96% | |
| 5" | 5" | 21.0 | 23.3 | 96% | |
| 5.5" | 5.5" | 23.1 | 25.3 | 96% | |
| 6" | 6" | 25.2 | 27.4 | 96% | |
| 8" | 8" | 33.6 | 35.5 | 96% | |
| 24" | 1.5" | 1.5" | 6.3 | 9.5 | 99% |
| 2" | 2" | 8.4 | 11.5 | 99% | |
| 2.5" | 2.5" | 10.5 | 13.6 | 98% | |
| 3" | 3" | 12.6 | 15.6 | 98% | |
| 3.5" | 3.5" | 14.7 | 17.6 | 98% | |
| 4" | 4" | 16.8 | 19.7 | 98% | |
| 4.5" | 4.5" | 18.9 | 21.7 | 98% | |
| 5" | 5" | 21.0 | 23.8 | 98% | |
| 5.5" | 5.5" | 23.1 | 25.8 | 98% | |
| 6" | 6" | 25.2 | 27.9 | 98% | |
| 8" | 8" | 33.6 | 36.1 | 98% | |
| 32" | 1.5" | 1.5" | 6.3 | 9.4 | 98% |
| 2" | 2" | 8.4 | 11.5 | 98% | |
| 2.5" | 2.5" | 10.5 | 13.5 | 98% | |
| 3" | 3" | 12.6 | 15.6 | 98% | |
| 3.5" | 3.5" | 14.7 | 17.6 | 98% | |
| 4" | 4" | 16.8 | 19.7 | 98% | |
| 4.5" | 4.5" | 18.9 | 21.7 | 98% | |
| 5" | 5" | 21.0 | 23.8 | 98% | |
| 5.5" | 5.5" | 23.1 | 25.9 | 98% | |
| 6" | 6" | 25.2 | 27.9 | 98% | |
| 8" | 8" | 33.6 | 36.2 | 98% |
Concrete wall assembly includes:
8-inch concrete wall, horizontal and vertical composite metal hybrid GreenGirt Max CMH or GreenGirt Optima CMH at various spacing, and exterior mineral wool insulation (R-4.2/in) at various thicknesses.
Continuous GreenGirt Max CMH or GreenGirt Optima CMH System on Concrete Wall Assembly
| Horizontal or Vertical Girt Spacing* | Girt Depth | Exterior Insulation Thickness | Exterior Insulation Nominal R-Value** h.ft2·°F/Btu | Assembly Effective R-Value h.ft2·°F/Btu | Overall Assembly Efficiency*** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16" | 1.5" | 1.5" | 6.3 | 7.9 | 94% |
| 2" | 2" | 8.4 | 10.0 | 95% | |
| 2.5" | 2.5" | 10.5 | 12.0 | 95% | |
| 3" | 3" | 12.6 | 14.0 | 95% | |
| 3.5" | 3.5" | 14.7 | 16.0 | 95% | |
| 4" | 4" | 16.8 | 18.0 | 95% | |
| 4.5" | 4.5" | 18.9 | 20.1 | 96% | |
| 5" | 5" | 21.0 | 22.1 | 96% | |
| 5.5" | 5.5" | 23.1 | 24.1 | 96% | |
| 6" | 6" | 25.2 | 26.1 | 96% | |
| 8" | 8" | 33.6 | 34.2 | 96% | |
| 24" | 1.5" | 1.5" | 6.3 | 8.1 | 97% |
| 2" | 2" | 8.4 | 10.1 | 97% | |
| 2.5" | 2.5" | 10.5 | 12.2 | 97% | |
| 3" | 3" | 12.6 | 14.2 | 97% | |
| 3.5" | 3.5" | 14.7 | 16.3 | 97% | |
| 4" | 4" | 16.8 | 18.3 | 97% | |
| 4.5" | 4.5" | 18.9 | 20.4 | 97% | |
| 5" | 5" | 21.0 | 22.4 | 97% | |
| 5.5" | 5.5" | 23.1 | 24.4 | 97% | |
| 6" | 6" | 25.2 | 26.5 | 97% | |
| 8" | 8" | 33.6 | 34.7 | 97% | |
| 32" | 1.5" | 1.5" | 6.3 | 8.1 | 98% |
| 2" | 2" | 8.4 | 10.2 | 98% | |
| 2.5" | 2.5" | 10.5 | 12.3 | 98% | |
| 3" | 3" | 12.6 | 14.3 | 98% | |
| 3.5" | 3.5" | 14.7 | 16.4 | 98% | |
| 4" | 4" | 16.8 | 18.4 | 98% | |
| 4.5" | 4.5" | 18.9 | 20.5 | 98% | |
| 5" | 5" | 21.0 | 22.6 | 98% | |
| 5.5" | 5.5" | 23.1 | 24.6 | 98% | |
| 6" | 6" | 25.2 | 26.7 | 98% | |
| 8" | 8" | 33.6 | 34.9 | 98% |
* The difference between horizontal and vertical thermal numbers is negligible, so either orientation of girt can be used for each specific spacing.
** This value is the nominal R-value of the exterior insulation ONLY. Additional components, such as the gypsum, stud cavity, exterior sheathing, and air films all contribute an additional R-3.2 towards the nominal R-value of the entire assembly.
*** Thermal bypass reduces assembly efficiency and increases energy loss. GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci eliminate thermal bypass — delivering maximum thermal performance. Discover how at GreenGirt.com.
The effective R-values and overall assembly efficiency of exterior insulated steel-frame and concrete wall assemblies featuring the GreenGirt Max CMH or GreenGirt Optima CMH systems were evaluated using both 3D thermal simulations and approximations derived from those simulations. These 3D simulations were conducted using Siemens’ NX and SimCenter 3D software package. The thermal solver and modeling procedures employed were calibrated/validated to within +/-5% of hotbox testing, as referenced in ASHRAE Research Project 1365-RP Thermal Performance of Building Envelope Details for Mid- and High-Rise Construction and the Building Envelope Thermal Bridging Guide 1, and also meet the CSA Z5010 standard for thermal simulations of opaque building envelope assemblies.
Thermal Performance Summary
The SMARTci building enclosure system leads the industry with up to 97% thermal efficiency and the highest R-value per inch.
SMARTci® (on closed framing) is an air- and water-tight building enclosure system comprised of GreenGirt CMH sub-framing, integrated custom-profiled insulation panels, expert engineering support, and necessary accessories. Created by Advanced Architectural Products, SMARTci systems install in a single pass with thermal efficiencies of up to 97%, eliminates thermal bypass, and provides the highest R-value available.
This complete thermal performance analysis was conducted by Morrison Hershfield/Stantec at the request of Advanced Architectural Products. A summary of results is provided here; further details are available upon request.
Analysis Results
Steel-frame wall assembly includes:
5/8-inch gypsum, 6-inch steel stud at 16 inches o.c. with uninsulated stud cavity, 1/2-inch gypsum sheathing, horizontal or vertical composite metal hybrid GreenGirt CMH at various spacing, and exterior polyisocyanurate insulation (R-6.5/in) at various thicknesses.
Continuous SMARTci (on closed framing) System on Steel-Frame Wall Assembly
| Vertical or Horizontal Girt Spacing* | Girt Depth | Exterior Insulation Thickness | Exterior Insulation Nominal R-Value** h.ft2·°F/Btu | Assembly Effective R-Value h.ft2·°F/Btu | Overall Assembly Efficiency*** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16" | 1.5" | 1.5" | 9.8 | 12.2 | 92% |
| 2" | 2" | 13.0 | 15.2 | 92% | |
| 2.5" | 2.5" | 16.3 | 18.3 | 93% | |
| 3" | 3" | 19.5 | 21.3 | 93% | |
| 3.5" | 3.5" | 22.8 | 24.4 | 93% | |
| 4" | 4" | 26.0 | 27.4 | 93% | |
| 24" | 1.5" | 1.5" | 9.8 | 12.6 | 96% |
| 2" | 2" | 13.0 | 15.7 | 96% | |
| 2.5" | 2.5" | 16.3 | 18.8 | 96% | |
| 3" | 3" | 19.5 | 21.9 | 96% | |
| 3.5" | 3.5" | 22.8 | 25.2 | 97% | |
| 4" | 4" | 26.0 | 28.2 | 96% | |
| 32" | 1.5" | 1.5" | 9.8 | 12.6 | 96% |
| 2" | 2" | 13.0 | 15.7 | 96% | |
| 2.5" | 2.5" | 16.3 | 18.9 | 96% | |
| 3" | 3" | 19.5 | 22.0 | 96% | |
| 3.5" | 3.5" | 22.8 | 25.2 | 97% | |
| 4" | 4" | 26.0 | 28.3 | 97% |
Concrete wall assembly includes:
8-inch concrete wall, horizontal or vertical composite metal hybrid GreenGirt CMH at various spacing, and exterior polyisocyanurate insulation (R-6.5/in) at various thicknesses.
Continuous SMARTci (on closed framing) System on Concrete Wall Assembly
| Vertical or Horizontal Girt Spacing* | Girt Depth | Exterior Insulation Thickness | Exterior Insulation Nominal R-Value** h.ft2·°F/Btu | Assembly Effective R-Value h.ft2·°F/Btu | Overall Assembly Efficiency*** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16" | 2" | 2" | 13.0 | 13.9 | 92% |
| 2.5" | 2.5" | 16.3 | 17.0 | 92% | |
| 3" | 3" | 19.5 | 20.0 | 93% | |
| 3.5" | 3.5" | 22.8 | 23.1 | 93% | |
| 4" | 4" | 26.0 | 26.1 | 93% | |
| 24" | 1.5" | 1.5" | 9.8 | 11.2 | 94% |
| 2" | 2" | 13.0 | 14.3 | 95% | |
| 2.5" | 2.5" | 16.3 | 17.4 | 95% | |
| 3" | 3" | 19.5 | 20.5 | 95% | |
| 3.5" | 3.5" | 22.8 | 23.7 | 95% | |
| 4" | 4" | 26.0 | 26.8 | 95% | |
| 32" | 1.5" | 1.5" | 9.8 | 11.3 | 96% |
| 2" | 2" | 13.0 | 14.5 | 96% | |
| 2.5" | 2.5" | 16.3 | 17.6 | 96% | |
| 3" | 3" | 19.5 | 20.8 | 96% | |
| 3.5" | 3.5" | 22.8 | 23.9 | 96% | |
| 4" | 4" | 26.0 | 27.1 | 96% |
* The difference between horizontal and vertical thermal numbers is negligible, so either orientation of girt can be used for each specific spacing.
** This value is the nominal R-value of the exterior insulation ONLY. Additional components, such as the gypsum, stud cavity, exterior sheathing, and air films all contribute an additional R-3.2 towards the nominal R-value of the entire assembly.
*** Thermal bypass reduces assembly efficiency and increases energy loss. GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci eliminate thermal bypass — delivering maximum thermal performance. Discover how at GreenGirt.com.
The effective R-values and overall assembly efficiency of exterior insulated steel-frame and concrete wall assemblies featuring the SMARTci building enclosure system were evaluated using both 3D thermal simulations and approximations derived from those simulations. These 3D simulations were conducted using Siemens’ NX and SimCenter 3D software package. The thermal solver and modeling procedures employed were calibrated/validated to within +/-5% of hotbox testing, as referenced in ASHRAE Research Project 1365-RP Thermal Performance of Building Envelope Details for Mid- and High-Rise Construction and the Building Envelope Thermal Bridging Guide 1, and also meet the CSA Z5010 standard for thermal simulations of opaque building envelope assemblies.
Thermal Performance Summary
GreenGirt Steel delivers the highest effective R-value for any steel-based continuous insulation system.
GreenGirt Steel™ is a new continuous insulation system by Advanced Architectural Products, designed to enhance structural integrity and improve building energy efficiency. With thermal efficiencies of up to 97%, GreenGirt Steel utilizes perforated steel Z-girts fastened to the backup wall through composite thermal pads and fasteners.
This complete thermal performance analysis was conducted by Morrison Hershfield/Stantec at the request of Advanced Architectural Products. A summary of results is provided here; further details are available upon request.
Analysis Results
Steel-frame wall assembly includes:
1/2-inch gypsum, 6-inch steel stud at 16 inches o.c. with uninsulated stud cavity, 5/8-inch gypsum sheathing, horizontal and vertical 18-gauge galvanized steel and stainless steel GreenGirt Steel system at various spacing, and exterior mineral wool insulation (R-4.3/in) at various thicknesses.
Horizontal Continuous GreenGirt Steel System on Steel-Frame Wall Assembly
| Vertical Girt Spacing | Girt Depth/ Exterior Insulation Thickness | Exterior Insulation R-Value* h.ft2·°F/Btu | Galvanized Steel Assembly Effective R-Value h.ft2·°F/Btu | Galvanized Steel Overall Assembly Efficiency | Stainless Steel Assembly Effective R-Value h.ft2·°F/Btu | Stainless Steel Overall Assembly Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16" | 1.5" | 6.5 | 8.4 | 87% | 8.9 | 92% |
| 2" | 8.6 | 10.0 | 84% | 10.8 | 91% | |
| 2.5" | 10.8 | 11.4 | 82% | 12.6 | 90% | |
| 3" | 12.9 | 12.8 | 80% | 14.5 | 90% | |
| 3.5" | 15.1 | 14.2 | 78% | 16.3 | 89% | |
| 4" | 17.2 | 15.7 | 77% | 18.2 | 89% | |
| 4.5" | 19.4 | 17.1 | 76% | 20.0 | 89% | |
| 5" | 21.5 | 18.5 | 75% | 21.9 | 88% | |
| 24" | 1.5" | 6.5 | 8.8 | 91% | 9.2 | 95% |
| 2" | 8.6 | 10.5 | 89% | 11.1 | 94% | |
| 2.5" | 10.8 | 12.1 | 87% | 13.0 | 93% | |
| 3" | 12.9 | 13.7 | 85% | 15.0 | 93% | |
| 3.5" | 15.1 | 15.4 | 84% | 16.9 | 93% | |
| 4" | 17.2 | 17.0 | 83% | 18.8 | 92% | |
| 4.5" | 19.4 | 18.6 | 82% | 20.8 | 92% | |
| 5" | 21.5 | 20.1 | 82% | 22.7 | 92% | |
| 32" | 1.5" | 6.5 | 9.0 | 93% | 9.3 | 96% |
| 2" | 8.6 | 10.8 | 91% | 11.3 | 95% | |
| 2.5" | 10.8 | 12.5 | 90% | 13.3 | 95% | |
| 3" | 12.9 | 14.3 | 89% | 15.2 | 95% | |
| 3.5" | 15.1 | 16.0 | 88% | 17.2 | 94% | |
| 4" | 17.2 | 17.7 | 87% | 19.2 | 94% | |
| 4.5" | 19.4 | 19.4 | 86% | 21.2 | 94% | |
| 5" | 21.5 | 21.1 | 85% | 23.2 | 94% |
Vertical Continuous GreenGirt Steel System on Steel-Frame Wall Assembly
| Horizontal Girt Spacing | Girt Depth/ Exterior Insulation Thickness | Exterior Insulation R-Value* h.ft2·°F/Btu | Galvanized Steel Assembly Effective R-Value h.ft2·°F/Btu | Galvanized Steel Overall Assembly Efficiency | Stainless Steel Assembly Effective R-Value h.ft2·°F/Btu | Stainless Steel Overall Assembly Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16" | 1.5" | 6.5 | 8.4 | 87% | 8.9 | 92% |
| 2" | 8.6 | 10.0 | 84% | 10.8 | 91% | |
| 2.5" | 10.8 | 11.4 | 82% | 12.6 | 90% | |
| 3" | 12.9 | 12.8 | 80% | 14.5 | 90% | |
| 3.5" | 15.1 | 14.2 | 78% | 16.3 | 89% | |
| 4" | 17.2 | 15.7 | 77% | 18.2 | 89% | |
| 4.5" | 19.4 | 17.1 | 76% | 20.0 | 89% | |
| 5" | 21.5 | 18.5 | 75% | 21.8 | 88% | |
| 32" | 1.5" | 6.5 | 9.0 | 93% | 9.3 | 96% |
| 2" | 8.6 | 10.8 | 91% | 11.3 | 95% | |
| 2.5" | 10.8 | 12.5 | 90% | 13.3 | 95% | |
| 3" | 12.9 | 14.3 | 89% | 15.2 | 95% | |
| 3.5" | 15.1 | 16.0 | 88% | 17.2 | 94% | |
| 4" | 17.2 | 17.7 | 87% | 19.2 | 94% | |
| 4.5" | 19.4 | 19.4 | 86% | 21.2 | 94% | |
| 5" | 21.5 | 21.1 | 86% | 23.2 | 94% |
* This value is the nominal R-value of the exterior insulation ONLY. Additional components, such as the gypsum, stud cavity, exterior sheathing, and air films all contribute an additional R-3.2 towards the nominal R-value of the entire assembly.
Wood-frame assembly includes:
1/2-inch gypsum, 2×6 wood studs at 16 inches o.c. with uninsulated stud cavity, 5/8-inch plywood sheathing, horizontal and vertical 18-gauge galvanized steel and stainless steel GreenGirt Steel system at various spacing, and exterior mineral wool insulation (R-4.3/in) at various thicknesses.
Horizontal Continuous GreenGirt Steel System on Wood-Frame Wall Assembly
| Vertical Girt Spacing | Girt Depth/ Exterior Insulation Thickness | Exterior Insulation R-Value* h.ft2·°F/Btu | Galvanized Steel Assembly Effective R-Value h.ft2·°F/Btu | Galvanized Steel Overall Assembly Efficiency | Stainless Steel Assembly Effective R-Value h.ft2·°F/Btu | Stainless Steel Overall Assembly Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24" | 1.5" | 6.5 | 9.4 | 94% | 9.7 | 97% |
| 2" | 8.6 | 11.1 | 91% | 11.6 | 96% | |
| 2.5" | 10.8 | 12.7 | 89% | 13.6 | 95% | |
| 3" | 12.9 | 14.4 | 87% | 15.5 | 94% | |
| 3.5" | 15.1 | 16.0 | 86% | 17.4 | 94% | |
| 4" | 17.2 | 17.6 | 85% | 19.4 | 93% | |
| 4.5" | 19.4 | 19.2 | 84% | 21.3 | 93% | |
| 5" | 21.5 | 20.8 | 83% | 23.3 | 93% |
Vertical Continuous GreenGirt Steel System on Wood-Frame Wall Assembly
| Horizontal Girt Spacing | Girt Depth/ Exterior Insulation Thickness | Exterior Insulation R-Value* h.ft2·°F/Btu | Galvanized Steel Assembly Effective R-Value h.ft2·°F/Btu | Galvanized Steel Overall Assembly Efficiency | Stainless Steel Assembly Effective R-Value h.ft2·°F/Btu | Stainless Steel Overall Assembly Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16" | 1.5" | 6.5 | 9.1 | 91% | 9.5 | 95% |
| 2" | 8.6 | 10.7 | 88% | 11.4 | 94% | |
| 2.5" | 10.8 | 12.1 | 85% | 13.2 | 93% | |
| 3" | 12.9 | 13.6 | 83% | 15.1 | 92% | |
| 3.5" | 15.1 | 15.1 | 81% | 16.9 | 91% | |
| 4" | 17.2 | 16.5 | 80% | 18.8 | 91% | |
| 4.5" | 19.4 | 17.9 | 78% | 20.6 | 90% | |
| 5" | 21.5 | 19.3 | 77% | 22.5 | 90% |
* This value is the nominal R-value of the exterior insulation ONLY. Additional components, such as the gypsum, stud cavity, exterior sheathing, and air films all contribute an additional R-3.6 towards the nominal R-value of the entire assembly.
Concrete wall assembly includes:
8-inch concrete wall, horizontal and vertical 18-gauge galvanized steel and stainless steel GreenGirt Steel system at various spacing, and exterior mineral wool insulation (R-4.3/in) at various thicknesses.
Horizontal Continuous Insulation GreenGirt Steel System on Concrete Wall Assembly
| Vertical Girt Spacing | Girt Depth/ Exterior Insulation Thickness | Exterior Insulation R-Value* h.ft2·°F/Btu | Galvanized Steel Assembly Effective R-Value h.ft2·°F/Btu | Galvanized Steel Overall Assembly Efficiency | Stainless Steel Assembly Effective R-Value h.ft2·°F/Btu | Stainless Steel Overall Assembly Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24" | 1.5" | 6.5 | 7.6 | 90% | 8.0 | 94% |
| 2" | 8.6 | 9.2 | 87% | 9.9 | 94% | |
| 2.5" | 10.8 | 10.8 | 85% | 11.9 | 93% | |
| 3" | 12.9 | 12.4 | 83% | 13.8 | 93% | |
| 3.5" | 15.1 | 14.0 | 82% | 15.7 | 92% | |
| 4" | 17.2 | 15.6 | 81% | 17.7 | 92% | |
| 4.5" | 19.4 | 17.2 | 81% | 19.6 | 92% | |
| 5" | 21.5 | 18.8 | 80% | 21.5 | 92% |
Vertical Continuous GreenGirt Steel System on Concrete Wall Assembly
| Horizontal Girt Spacing | Girt Depth/ Exterior Insulation Thickness | Exterior Insulation R-Value* h.ft2·°F/Btu | Galvanized Steel Assembly Effective R-Value h.ft2·°F/Btu | Galvanized Steel Overall Assembly Efficiency | Stainless Steel Assembly Effective R-Value h.ft2·°F/Btu | Stainless Steel Overall Assembly Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16" | 1.5" | 6.5 | 7.2 | 85% | 7.7 | 91% |
| 2" | 8.6 | 8.7 | 82% | 9.6 | 90% | |
| 2.5" | 10.8 | 10.1 | 79% | 11.4 | 90% | |
| 3" | 12.9 | 11.5 | 77% | 13.3 | 89% | |
| 3.5" | 15.1 | 12.9 | 76% | 15.1 | 89% | |
| 4" | 17.2 | 14.3 | 75% | 17.0 | 88% | |
| 4.5" | 19.4 | 15.7 | 74% | 18.8 | 88% | |
| 5" | 21.5 | 17.1 | 73% | 20.6 | 88% |
* This value is the nominal R-value of the exterior insulation ONLY. Additional components, such as the gypsum, stud cavity, exterior sheathing, and air films all contribute an additional R-2.0 towards the nominal R-value of the entire assembly.
The effective R-values and overall assembly efficiency of exterior insulated steel-frame, wood-frame, and concrete wall assemblies featuring the GreenGirt Steel cladding support system were evaluated using both 3D thermal simulations and approximations derived from those simulations. These 3D simulations were conducted using Siemens’ NX and SimCenter 3D software package. The thermal solver and modeling procedures employed were calibrated/validated to within +/-5% of hotbox testing, as referenced in ASHRAE Research Project 1365-RP Thermal Performance of Building Envelope Details for Mid- and High-Rise Construction and the Building Envelope Thermal Bridging Guide 1, and also meet the CSA Z5010 standard for thermal simulations of opaque building envelope assemblies.
GreenGirt CMH XO doubles thermal efficiency at windows and openings to more than 96%.
GreenGirt CMH XO™ is a structural thermal framing system for windows and openings that effectively tackles the critical challenge of thermal loss at building openings by eliminating through-wall metal, through-insulation fasteners, conductive metal angles, and inefficient wood-blocking.
By aligning the thermal plane of the window with the thermal plane of the insulation, the overall efficiency of the building envelope is enhanced by the GreenGirt CMH XO system, achieving more than 96% thermal efficiency and doubling the effective R-value when compared to legacy systems.
GreenGirt CMH XO aligns the thermal plane of the window with the thermal plane of the insulation for enhanced energy performance—meeting the window alignment requirements in ASHRAE 90.1-2022.
By increasing energy efficiency at windows and openings, GreenGirt CMH XO reduces energy waste, conserving resources and reducing embodied carbon emissions. To ensure full transparency, GreenGirt CMH XO is complete with a Declare label, an EPD, and uses Red-List free materials.
Discover the Performance Behind A2P Systems
Backed by rigorous testing and real-world validation, the A2P Thermal Performance Report highlights the thermal efficiency of GreenGirt and SMARTci systems. From advanced composite metal hybrid systems to steel-based solutions, A2P delivers a full portfolio of insulation systems engineered for long-term performance across a wide range of applications.
Download A2P's Full Thermal Performance Report
Additional Resources
ThermaLock
Thermal Calculator
Technical Library
ThermaLock eliminates gaps, cracks, and unintended air movement
Use the A2P Thermal Calculator to optimize costs and environmental impact
Visit the A2P Technical Library for data sheets, engineering studies, and third-party test reports
ThermaLock
ThermaLock eliminates gaps, cracks, and unintended air movement
Thermal Calculator
Use the A2P Thermal Calculator to optimize costs and environmental impact
Technical Library
Visit the A2P Technical Library for data sheets, engineering studies, and third-party test reports
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
GreenGirt CMH is designed to combine the insulating benefits of composite fiberglass materials with the strength and durability of steel-reinforced flanges, and this hybrid strategy can deliver thermal efficiencies of up to 99% while maintaining long-term structural capacity.
The thermal performance analysis summaries were conducted by Morrison Hershfield/Stantec. For the SMARTci evaluation, results were generated using 3D thermal simulations (Siemens’ NX and SimCenter 3D), with the modeling procedures calibrated/validated to within ±5% of hotbox testing (referencing ASHRAE research and meeting the CSA Z5010 thermal simulation standard for opaque envelope assemblies).
No. The difference between horizontal and vertical thermal numbers is negligible, so either girt orientation can be used for a given spacing based on project needs.