10
06
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2025
5 FAQs About Fabreeka Thermal Breaks
Fabreeka thermal break products are becoming some of our most popular offerings. They also generate a high percentage of the questions we field over the phone and through our website.
That’s only natural. Even many experienced builders and engineers haven’t had a lot of experience with these types of products and materials. That means new calculations, different materials to consider, and corresponding concerns about cost and durability.
This brief blog post might not be able to tell you everything you want to know about thermal breaks for construction, but it will give you five straightforward answers to inquiries we hear most often.
Let’s start with the one that comes up when an engineer or builder is hearing about the solutions for the first time.
#1 Why Would a Building Need a Thermal Break?
Thermal breaks are becoming more common than they used to be across the United States and North America. Essentially, they help to control energy and condensation in places where insulation can’t (typically at connection points within the building).
In addition to providing energy savings, thermal breaks can help our customers to comply with local building codes and regulations. In some parts of the country, any new structure of a certain size must include thermal breaks by law. And even when they aren’t required by the letter of the law, they still add to the efficiency of the building, making them more cost effective and eco-friendly over time.
#2 What Are Fabreeka Thermal Breaks Made From?
Fabreeka manufactures thermal breaks from three different materials:
- The first is a fiberglass product, dense and heavy with reinforced laminate.
- The second is made from a reinforced rigid foam, which is much lighter.
- The third is constructed from reinforced recycled rubber.
We’ll go into the advantages and disadvantages of each in another post, but what you need to know is that each material has its own best use cases. And of course, our company has built its reputation on quality and durability, so you can rest easy knowing that each one will be best-in-class.
#3 What Makes One Thermal Break Better Than Another?
In truth, there is no “better” or “best” thermal break. That’s true whether you’re sorting by material or manufacturer. What matters is that you have the right material and construction to fit your budget and use case.
However, the main differences come down to the compressive strength of the thermal break in question, as well as measurable values for heat transfer and resistance. Some hold up better than others against corrosion, and naturally, well-manufactured products from trusted suppliers will last longer. In other words, the added costs can be justified by durability and long-term energy savings.
#4 Do Thermal Breaks Add to the Cost of a Construction Project?
Yes and no. Adding a thermal break to a new construction project can increase the upfront expense just as any component would. But thinking about these products in that way can cause you to miss the bigger picture.
A thermal break will be included in a set of plans because it increases the efficiency of a commercial or residential building. And so, even though it may add to the initial construction budget, it’s going to help reduce energy costs day after day, month after month, for years on end. Those savings should add up to many times the original cost in subsequent years.
It’s also worth reiterating that thermal breaks are required in many urban areas, with more cities expected to incorporate them in their building codes soon. So, while they might represent an expense, it’s one that can’t be avoided in some cities and shouldn’t be passed over in others.
#5 How Can I Find the Right Thermal Break for the Job?
That’s the easy part. If you already know the technical specifications for your construction project, then we can help you to find the product from our catalog that best meets your needs. Or, if you aren’t sure about the exact technical dimensions of your plans, our team can help you to evaluate your blueprints or double-check your figures.
Ultimately, our goal is to ensure you have a product that fits your construction requirements, meets any local regulations, saves on energy costs, and lasts a long time.
Let the Experienced Team at Fabreeka Help
We may not have answered every question you would have about thermal breaks for new construction, but the truth is you don’t need to become an expert. We have a team of designers, engineers, and product specialists at our New England headquarters who can help you to sort through the details. They have the expertise to evaluate your plans, double-check your specifications, and clear up any unresolved concerns you might have.
