Thermal Performance of Lightweight Steel Framed Facade Walls Using Thermal Break Strips and ETICS: A Parametric Study

The thermal performance of lightweight steel framed (LSF) facade walls depends on many factors, such as the studs, batt insulation, external insulation composite systems (ETICS), and sheathing layers. Moreover, high conductivity could negatively affect their due to consequent bridge effect. Furthermore, in LSF walls, is usually bridged by studs. Thus, some analytical calculation procedures defined standards (e.g., ISO 6946) are not valid, further complicating quantification. In this research, a parametric study evaluate presented. Seven relevant parameters assessed, most them related use break strips (TBS) ETICS. 2D numerical models used predict conductive R-values were experimentally validated, precision was successfully verified. As earlier found previous research work for partition it also more effective facades increase TBS thickness rather than width, with R-value increments being slightly smaller walls. These features pronounced double stud spacing (400 mm). major improvements when increasing ETICS decreasing conductivity.