Thermally Broken vs Non-Thermally Bro

This came up in comments in one of my posts as I usually use non-thermally broken, non-insulated laminated glass details in my posts. Miami-Dade has been leading hurricane building codes for 25 years and it is a hot tropical climate. Most windows and doors getting hurricane testing were developed in the local South Florida market in aluminum for strength but as the need for hurricane rated products spread up to even New England, more thermally broken products have hurricane testing.

I have been creating a comprehensive overview of most of the hurricane tested and approved windows and doors available for luxury homes and this can be a limiting factor but very important for colder winter climates.

Thermally broken frames are also more expensive due to using two different extrusions and the thermal break material. Each extrusion is painted separately and then joined together, adding labor and equipment.

I help architects, builders, and owners select, specify, and detail luxury residential hurricane glazing systems without manufacturer or dealer biases.
From just one hour to as many hours as you need a glazing expert for your project.

I also give classes in all aspects of hurricane windows and doors on glass aesthetics and energy performance, manufacturer product overviews, detailed installation planning and best practices, and understanding hurricane product approvals.