Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

GreenGirt CMH insulated sub-framing is a component of SMARTci continuous insulation systems. GreenGirt (CMH) is made of a composite metal hybrid (CMH) material which merges the thermal properties of composite with the structural strength of steel. GreenGirt CMH joins the building cladding and insulation to the building structure.

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials are, in general, orthotropic, meaning that their engineering properties are different in each of the three space directions (x, y, z). Adding to the complexity of FRP is the fact that it can be customized using different resins, fibers, fillers, colors, pigments, and proportions. FRP design is dependent on manufacturer recommendations, which can vary tremendously as different approaches and design methods are adopted.

FRP materials are corrosion-resistant but have low structural strength and fire resistance. However, due to its material components, FRP can be thermally efficient.

Composite metal hybrid (CMH) material merges the advantages of both steel and FRP. CMH sub-framing uses a continuous metal insert located in the FRP flange of the cross-linked thermoset Greengirt Z-profile. The steel insert provides high-performance fastener retention and pull-out strength. In addition, CMH takes advantage of the thermal efficiency of FRP as the Z-profile material component.

SMARTci systems were created with one goal in mind: to make a more energy-efficient building. SMARTci was specially designed to eliminate thermal gaps that other systems neglect. SMARTci systems are customizable to meet your project’s specific needs. SMARTci systems can consist of structural GreenGirt composite metal hybrid (CMH) thermally insulated sub-framing, insulation material (spray foam, mineral wool, rigid or semi-rigid), FRP splines, and any additional weather-resistive barrier (WRB) accessories, such as tape, caulk, and expandable sealant.

Yes. SMARTci systems eliminate thermal bridging by removing the use of through-metal or through-insulation fasteners. The Z-profile of the GreenGirt CMH sub-framing creates a thermal break between the cladding and substrate materials. The complete SMARTci system yields the highest R-values at 92-98% thermally efficient continuous insulation solution.

SMARTci systems and GreenGirt CMH sub-framing are compatible with all cladding types, including but not limited to metal, wood, brick, stone, aluminum, terra cotta, and stucco.

Yes. GreenGirt CMH is ASTM E84 tested and NFPA 285 compliant. The ASTM E84 standard test method assesses the surface burning characteristics to see how a material might contribute to flame spread in case of a fire. NFPA 285 is a standard test published by the National Fire Protection Association for assessing the fire propagation characteristics of wall assembly components. GreenGirt CMH is also bromine and halogen free.

No. SMARTci continuous insulation systems can be up to 4X faster to install than other continuous insulation systems and standard construction methods.

A2P does an internal engineering and application review on EVERY project that uses GreenGirt or SMARTci systems. We can also help with any design questions earlier in the project’s life. Shop drawings, stamped calculations, and stamped shop drawings are also available.

Call our office or complete a contact us form to discuss your project. We’ll help you find the solution that best fits your specific needs and put you in touch with your local sales representative. Material is shipped direct from our manufacturing plant or one of our warehouses.

With thorough testing and years of experience in the building sector, Advanced Architectural Products has established the following best practices based on industry expert guidelines for continuous insulation systems. The 8 continuous insulation best practices include: structural integrity, thermal efficiency, fastener retention, durability, fire resistance, environmental impact, building health, and ease of installation.

The difference between SMARTci continuous insulation systems from other systems is the GreenGirt CMH insulated sub-framing. GreenGirt CMH is the only sub-framing material in the market to combine composite fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) with metal inserts, pairing both benefits into one best practice sub-framing solution. GreenGirt CMH combines the thermal efficiency of composite FRP with the structural strength of steel with the metal fastener retention plates in both the front and back flanges of the GreenGirt Z-profile.

GreenGirt CMH is one of the most sustainable and environmentally-friendly building envelope products on the market. GreenGirt CMH is created through a net zero manufacturing process. GreenGirt CMH has received a Declare Label, Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), and is Red List Free.

Yes, SMARTci Roof is a continuous insulation solution for roofs. The SMARTci Roof system joins the building roofing and insulation system to a building structure. The SMARTci Roof system can improve the energy efficiency of a roof by eliminating thermal bridging.

Benefits of GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci systems include:

• ASHRAE 90.1 (all versions) and 160 compliant
• Specifically engineered for thermal and structural properties
• Helps retain the insulation in the field – no fasteners, no blow-offs
• Anti-siphon groove – eliminates water migration into seams/both sides
• Steel fastener retention strip – utilizes industry-standard fasteners that tie into adjacent attachment members to create cantilevered compatibility with an integrated exterior metal fastening grid that is thermally isolated and increases performance by distributing the loading throughout the composite section
• Force distribution zones designed for optimal strength through finite element analysis (FEA)
• Universally compatible with substrates, insulation, and cladding
• Proven and thoroughly tested
• True single-pass insulation system

GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci Systems are compatible with mineral wool, spray foam, or rigid insulation, including polyisocyanurate, extruded polystyrene (XPS), or expanded polystyrene (EPS).

Yes. A2P offers installation support and on-site training as required. Additionally, you can find installation videos on our website.

SMARTci is an innovative, complete insulation solution. Engineered as a continuous insulation system, SMARTci includes composite girt/attachment members (called GREENGirt), insulation, an engineered installation package, and optional accessories.

Details and specifications can be found in Product Technical Resources. Reports and additional technical information can be found on the A2P Technical Overview webpage.

GreenGirt CMH sub-framing is manufactured in Hamilton, Michigan, located in the Southwestern side of the state.

Call us today to discuss your project further. Our A2P Representatives can help you choose the best SMARTci system for your project.

GreenGirt insulated sub-framing depths include 1.5”, 2”, 2.5”, 3”, 3.5”, 4”, 4.5”, 5”, 5.5”, 6”, and 8”.

The rigid insulation options, available for each girt size, are:

• 1.5” GreenGirt: 1” or 1.5” rigid insulation
• 2” GreenGirt: 1.5” or 2” rigid insulation
• 2.5” GreenGirt: 1.5”, 2”, or 2.5” rigid insulation
• 3” GreenGirt: 1.5”, 2”, 2.5”, or 3” rigid insulation
• 3.5” GreenGirt: 3” or 3.5” rigid insulation
• 4” GreenGirt: 3”, 3.5”, or 4” rigid insulation
• 4.5” GreenGirt: 3”, 3.5”, 4”, or 4.5” rigid insulation
• 5” GreenGirt*: 4.5” or 5” rigid insulation
• 5.5” GreenGirt*: 4.5”, 5”, or 5.5” rigid insulation
• 6” GreenGirt*: 4.5”, 5”, 5.5”, or 6” rigid insulation
• 8” GreenGirt*: 4.5”, 5”, 5.5”, 6”, 6.5”, 7”, 7.5”, or 8” rigid insulation

Yes. GreenGirt CMH sub-framing is available in both green and black.

The standard GreenGirt length is 8’. Custom sizes are available based on quantity and availability.

Depending on which system, GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci can be installed vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.

Yes, but there are a few details that need to be examined first. GreenGirt CMH has not been designed to support the dead load of a brick system, so standard brick ledges and standard steel lintels are to be used. For attachment, fasteners should be installed along the centerline of the exterior flange of the girt or closer to the web. The pintle location should also be installed along the centerline of the exterior flange or closer to the web.

RJ-711, Pos-I-Tie, and HVR-195VB brick ties have been approved for use, with the 90-degree angle toward the top of the exterior flange of the GreenGirt for RJ-711 and HVR-195VB. For other options, contact A2P Engineering for written approval. If an additional structural capability is needed, use crosswise hat channels of sufficient capacity for brick tie attachment.

Yes. A2P offers in-person or virtual CEU Lunch & Learn presentations. Visit our continuing education webpage for more information on our available CEUs or to schedule a Lunch & Learn.

The GreenGirt CMH Delta Adjustable continuous insulation system is the best solution for correcting misalignments and plane deviations. The GreenGirt CMH Delta adjustable system includes base brackets available in various sizes with a wide adjustability range, allowing you to correct alignment issues and give you a uniform and plumb cladding attachment surface.

Additional insulation retention tools ARE NOT required with SMARTci systems. GreenGirt CMH sub-framing includes an insulation retention spline, helping to secure rigid insulation or mineral wool in place. However, always refer to the requirements shown in the project specifications.

GreenGirt and SMARTci Systems have been installed on thousands of buildings across the U.S. and Canada, including airports, schools, office buildings, multi-family, healthcare facilities, resorts, stadiums, natatoriums, and more.

Yes. Cladding can be directly attached to GreenGirt CMH insulated sub-framing. Both the front and back flanges of the GreenGirt Z-profile include a steel fastener retention plate for fastener retention. In addition, the GreenGirt CMH sub-framing front flange features a demarcation line to quickly identify the center of the metal insert for cladding attachment.

Self-drilling fasteners with at least a #3 drill point should be used for fastening into the GreenGirt due to the 16 Ga. steel insert in both flanges of the Z-profile. Nails and actuated fasteners should NOT be used, either to fasten into the GreenGirt CMH or through the GreenGirt CMH into the substrate. Impact hammers or drills should also not be used for installation.

SMARTci systems have been installed in the deserts of the Southwest U.S. to the northernmost town in the Arctic climate of Alaska. SMARTci systems create high-performance building envelopes in both hot and cold temperatures, whether it is keeping the heat or cold from the interior environment of a building.

The GreenGirt CMH Delta adjustable base brackets range from 2” – 6” depths and can be paired with a variety of rail sizes. The full adjustability range of the GreenGirt CMH Delta adjustable system is 0.25” – 4.5”.