Frames
Thermally broken aluminium
Thermally broken aluminium is an aluminium section split into inner and outer parts, joined by a low-conductivity polyamide strip. The break slows heat passing through the metal, so the frame stays warmer inside, loses less energy and attracts less condensation than a plain aluminium frame.
Where does it work well?
Heated shops, restaurants, offices and upper-floor glazing where comfort and energy use matter, and frontages taking double-glazed units. It adds less value on unheated kiosks or units where the doors stand open all day.
Pros
- Lower heat loss than non-insulated aluminium
- Less condensation on the inner face
- Allows different colours inside and out
- Takes double-glazed units
Cons
- Costs more than non-insulated sections
- Deeper profile
- Harder to match on repair once a profile is discontinued
How long does it last?
Typically as long as standard aluminium, with gaskets and seals renewed as they wear.
What should you check when buying?
Ask for the whole-frame U-value with your chosen glass, not the glass figure alone, and check what Approved Document L expects for the work. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and building control can confirm what applies.
Common questions
Do I need thermally broken frames in my shop?
Not always. It depends on the work and how the building is used, so check with building control. For a heated shop with a long frontage, insulated frames usually improve comfort even where they are not strictly required.
Can an existing frame be upgraded with a thermal break?
No, not in place. The break is built into the section during manufacture, so getting one means new frames. Sealed units and better seals can still help an existing frame, but the metal itself stays cold.