Knight Wall Systems has released ThermaZee, a simple, rainscreen girt that reduces thermal bridging with thermal performance values over 90 percent effective, dramatically increasing the rainscreen wall assembly performance.
ThermaZee provides specifiers and designers the simplicity of what they already know—Z-furring—with code-compliant performance and reduced thermal bridging that rivals modern thermally isolated clip and rail systems.
The 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 webs unique punch pattern has a substantial reduction in metal penetrating the insulation, about 75 percent, which decreases heat-flow through the girt. Additionally, the girt is reinforced with notched bends and stiffening lips around the punches for extra strength.
As with traditional Z-furring, the ThermaZee can be installed vertically or horizontally; attached to a variety of substrates, such as steel studs, wood studs, CMU and concrete; and insulation can be easily fitted in-between. And just like traditional furring, a variety of claddings can be attached directly or indirectly with secondary rails. These include fiber cement, metal panels, HPL panels or aluminum composite material (ACM), among others.
ThermaZee can be specified and procured as a standalone girt, with or without thermally isolated wall anchors by Knight. Additionally, Knight can provide project-specific engineering if requested. Black PVDF finish and stainless-steel options are available, and the thermal isolation strip is preassembled and delivered ready to install.