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Justin Hardy is Leviat's North America Director of Business Development for High-Rise solutions.
Use his Calendly link to schedule a meeting to review Leviat's portfolio of construction accessories or to set up a webinar or on-site lunch and learn at your office.
Chicago, long known for its innovative architectural landscape, is once again at the forefront of promoting sustainable design and construction practices with recent code changes that require buildings to have thermally broken balconies and parapets.
Thermal bridging, or the transfer of heat through building materials, is a common issue in traditional construction methods and can result in thermal energy loss, increased electricity costs, and decreased comfort for occupants. To address this and other sustainability goals, the City of Chicago updated its building codes in 2022 to require that new buildings are constructed with stronger energy efficiency standards. One of the included mandates is the use of thermally broken balconies and parapets in new construction and major renovation projects.
Thermally broken balconies and parapets feature insulation or a non-conductive material between the exterior and interior components, effectively preventing heat transfer between balcony and building to reduce energy loss. By incorporating these elements into building design, developers and architects can improve the overall energy efficiency of their projects while also enhancing occupant comfort.
These code changes align with Chicago's commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, as outlined in the city's Climate Action Plan. By requiring thermally broken balconies and parapets, the city is taking a proactive approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting environmentally responsible building practices.
In addition to environmental benefits, the reduction of thermal bridging in a building can also offer financial advantages for owners and developers. By lowering energy consumption and improving building performance, these elements can lead to reduced operating costs and increased property value over time.
Overall, the inclusion of thermally broken balconies and parapets in Chicago's building codes represents a significant step forward in promoting sustainable and energy-efficient construction practices. As the city continues to prioritize eco-friendly development, these code changes serve as a model for other municipalities looking to increase energy-efficiency and reduce environmental impact in the built environment.
This progress will mark a significant adjustment for some designers and building owners in the city. Thermally broken balconies and parapets have been common across Europe for decades, but the building process has only been embraced in the US for the past 10 years.
Fortunately, Leviat and its global network of engineering and manufacturing experts has a long history of innovative approaches to thermal bridge-free design and construction. Leviat’s Halfen HIT product line offers a portfolio of thermal break solutions specifically designed to eliminate thermal bridging. These solutions include insulating profiles that are placed between structural elements to ensure a continuous insulation layer throughout the building envelope.
One of the key features of the Halfen HIT product line is its versatility and ease of installation. The profiles are lightweight and easy to handle, making them ideal for a wide range of construction applications, including balcony and parapet construction. Additionally, the products can be customized to fit the specific requirements of each project, ensuring seamless integration with the overall design.
By utilizing the Halfen HIT product line, construction professionals can achieve thermal bridge-free design and construction, leading to improved energy efficiency and reduced heating and cooling costs. Additionally, the products help to create a healthier indoor environment by minimizing the risk of condensation and mold growth.
Leviat's Halfen HIT product line offers a comprehensive solution to thermal bridging in construction projects. By incorporating these innovative products into their designs, architects and builders can ensure that their buildings are energy-efficient, sustainable, and comfortable for occupants.
