Schöck: A Solution to Thermal Bridges

Among Schöck products that have been enhancing the quality and efficiency of buildings for more than 50 years, Schöck Isokorb® stands out as a cornerstone product, providing the definitive solution against thermal bridges. Schöck Tronsole®, on the other hand, is an unrivalled sound insulation module that prevents noise generated on landings from transmitting to other parts of the building. With numerous innovative products like these in its product range, Schöck continuously develops technologies that add quality to buildings and increase energy efficiency, offering them to the service of the industry. These technologies, developed at facilities in Baden, Germany, continue to earn international recognition from architects, contractors and investors, as they add value to buildings and extend their service life. Schöck Isokorb® Load-Bearing Modules Against Thermal Bridges In most cases, high energy consumption, damp walls and moisture formation are caused by nothing other than thermal bridges. Thermal bridges are particularly common in projecting cantilevers such as balconies. Thanks to Schöck Isokorb®, resolving such challenging details becomes much easier. Although Schöck Isokorb® physically separates the main structure from the cantilever, it remains part of the structural system, which is why "load-bearing thermal insulation module” is considered the most accurate description of this unique product. Definition of Thermal Bridges A thermal bridge refers to areas in a building where heat transfer caused by material or construction is much more intense compared to other parts of the building. Thermal bridges are divided into two categories among themselves. Geometric thermal bridges (for example, the warm surface on the inside being smaller than the cold surface on the exterior façade, the 'cooling effect') and material-based thermal bridges (differences in the thermal conductivity properties of combined materials). Both types of thermal bridges are generally encountered in buildings. Balconies can be given as a typical example of this. The damage caused by thermal bridges is particularly evident in cold seasons, when the surface temperature at points where thermal bridges are located drops below the dew point. As a result, the moisture present in the air causes surface dampness through condensation, and frequently leads to mould formation.

Financial Loss

Because heat transfer is much higher at points where thermal bridges are located, very high energy consumption is required in order to maintain the room temperature at a certain level. It is not possible to effectively utilise an average of 1/3 of total thermal energy consumption due to thermal bridges.

Thermal Insulation for Reinforced Concrete Balconies

Schöck Isokorb® with HTE Compression Bearings, together with its 80 mm thick thermal insulation layer, offers efficient and economical solutions. Thanks to its refined details, this product offers major advantages for building physics, structural performance and usage, making it one of the indispensable products for construction sites.

Ease of Application

Thanks to the components making up Schöck Isokorb®, the modules can be easily placed between the reinforcement bars: this is because the bedding of the reinforcement bars within Schöck Isokorb® is not done randomly, but is provided via an elastomer-based module. This module also serves as the carrier and protector of the component that provides fire safety. The HTE Compression Bearings, equipped with smart clip technology and placed inside the insulation material, allow the reinforcement bars that transmit shear force to remain properly positioned. Application studies have shown that the special shape of the shear force reinforcement bars and the placement of the HTE Compression Bearings within the module provide significant time savings during installation.

For Greater Freedom in Restoration

The New Schöck Isokorb® R The improvements provided/needed in existing buildings are increasing day by day. Approximately 85% of old buildings either have no thermal insulation at all, or have been fitted with a highly inadequate application. For this reason, efforts are being made to add value to such properties by newly installing thermal insulation in these buildings; however, it is also a fact that thermal bridges must be taken into consideration in this context as well. Thanks to such measures, the building and its residents/occupants are prevented from suffering damage over time from negative effects such as mould and moisture formation. Our expert team continues to guide you on this matter, developing and offering recommendations that resolve your requirements to the fullest extent. Thanks to the innovative technology of Isokorb® R, integrity can be achieved even in restoration works while preventing thermal bridges. Whether the building has an existing balcony or not is not important thanks to this product. Schöck Isokorb® R can successfully provide thermal separation of building components in the most ideal way, both in freely cantilevered balconies and in column-supported structures. Balconies designed with Schöck Isokorb® R are certified as "Thermal Bridge-Free Construction” by the Darmstadt "Passive House” Institute.

Concrete/Concrete Connection

Schöck Isokorb® Typ RK guarantees the minimisation of the effect of thermal bridges formed by free-standing balconies connected to reinforced concrete structures. For column-supported balcony systems, the RQP and RQP+RQP models should be preferred.

Steel/Concrete Connection

Schöck Isokorb® Typ RKS can eliminate thermal bridges formed by steel constructions suspended from reinforced concrete structures. For column-supported balcony systems, the RQS model should be preferred.

Steel/Steel Connection

Schöck Isokorb® Typ KST guarantees the minimisation of thermal bridges formed by free-cantilevered steel balconies connected to a steel construction. In cases where the floor is made of wood, the Isokorb® Typ KST model allows the steel construction to be suspended on a steel support. Fatih Demir Sales Manager PYS Proaktif A.Ş.