Rainscreen thermal strip

With thermal performance values exceeding 90 percent, ThermaZee is a new, simple girt that reduces thermal bridging in precast concrete, cement board and other rainscreen wall assemblies. It provides specifiers and designers the simplicity of a framing configuration they already know, Z-furring, with code-compliant performance and reduced thermal bridging that rivals modern thermally isolated clip and rail systems.

ThermaZee employs a specially designed, hollow, thermal isolation strip attached to its back leg. In addition to the thermal break provided by the strip, the web’s unique punch pattern has a nearly 75 percent reduction in metal penetrating the insulation, thereby decreasing heat-flow through the girt. Additionally, the girt is reinforced with notched bends and stiffening lips around the punches for extra strength.

“This all results in giving ThermaZee the thermal edge,” says Knight Wall Systems President Doug Knight. “Our rainscreens’ thermal isolation was industry-leading when we developed it, and this product will take façade performance to the next level.”

As with traditional Z-furring, the ThermaZee can be attached either vertically or horizontally to concrete, masonry or studs, with insulation easily fitted in between. Much like traditional furring, a variety of claddings can be attached either directly or indirectly with secondary rails. ThermaZee can be specified and procured as a standalone girt, with or without thermally isolated wall anchors. Black PVDF finish and stainless-steel options are available, and the thermal isolation strip is preassembled and delivered ready to install. — Knight Wall Systems Inc., Deer Park, Wash., 855/597-9255