Masonry walls often include shelf angles, ties, and concrete elements that can create thermal bridges. Learn how to mitigate these effects and improve building performance.
Overview
Masonry veneer systems commonly use steel shelf angles to support brick or stone cladding, but these create direct thermal bridges through the insulation plane. Without mitigation, these details can reduce R-values significantly and create cold spots on the interior face of the wall.
Thermal Break Solutions
- Use thermally broken shelf angle brackets
- Install continuous insulation between shelf angles and sheathing
- Consider horizontal thermal clip systems
- Analyze systems with 2D heat flow modeling tools like THERM
🔍 Quick Picks
- Thermal Shelf Angle Bracket: Isoclip Thermal Brick Support
- Fire-Resistant Insulation: ROXUL Comfortboard 80
- Flashing Tape for CI: 3M All Weather Flashing Tape
Conclusion
Thermal bridges in masonry systems can be reduced through detailing, bracket selection, and accurate thermal modeling. Code compliance and occupant comfort depend on it.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, EnvelopeIQ earns from qualifying purchases.
Code Requirements and Modeling Tools
Building codes such as IECC and ASHRAE 90.1 now require thermal bridging analysis in high-performance walls. Tools like THERM or HEAT3 help architects and engineers assess linear transmittance and make informed material choices. Even a small thermal bridge can have a large impact on overall R-value in a long wall run with repeating shelf angles or embeds.
