Sold under many names
Thermal break
A non-conductive barrier built into a metal frame to interrupt the path heat and cold would otherwise take straight through the metal.
What it means for you
The feature that makes an aluminum frame merely acceptable instead of a sweating energy sieve. If you're ever quoted aluminum, “is it thermally broken?” is the question that matters — and even then it won't match vinyl or fiberglass on insulation.
Where you'll see it
On aluminum and some sunroom frame specs; a key 4-season sunroom detail.
Also sold as: thermally broken
Related terms
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