Minimizing Thermal Bridges in Balconies | Schöck

Balconies can be a major source of energy inefficiency since the structural elements required to support them can cause thermal bridges and produce up to 25% of the whole energy lost in a building.

This guide lays out considerations for safe and energy-efficient balcony design you need to consider and describes how to confront them using Schöck Isokorb®, a system of structural elements with an insulating envelope that prevents energy flowing through the thermal bridge created by the structure to improve the building envelopes' energy-efficiency.

1. Identify a need
   When you are confronted with building issues arising from energy transfer such as energy loss, uncomfortable environments, mold or structural damage, then reducing thermal bridges is a necessary step to take.
   
   

   Cold Climates	Hot Climates
   If you are designing in a cold climate, the building is in danger of losing precious heat resources from the inside to the outside.	In hot climates, the inside will become uncomfortably warm if a thermal bridge at the balcony transfers warmth to the interior.

2. Consider the structure
   A structural element is a requirement for cantilevered balconies however this is what causes the concern around thermal bridging. An ideal solution for this is to combine systems: The insulating material of Schöck Isokorb® has structural elements going through it that able to support the full load of the balcony. Since the Isokorb® is a linear solution, no further elements are required to carry forces from the balcony or extra insulation to reduce the energy flow.
   
   
3. Build in fire protection
   Building to regional specifications and safety concerns means you need to consider the level of fire protection each building component has. The Isokorb® system offers fire protection for up to 120 minutes.
   
   
4. Match the system to the materials
   Depending on the materials in your balcony and building, the thermal bridging solution will be different, here are some options for different types of connections from Schöck:
   
   

   Concrete to Concrete	Insulation - Isokorb® Concrete to Concrete
   Steel to Steel	Insulation - Isokorb® Steel to Steel
   Concrete to Steel	Insulation - Isokorb® Concrete to Steel