A fluid-applied, high-build coating containing aerogel technology as an insulating additive is making its mark as a thermal break. When applied to structural steel members as a thermal break, Tnemec Series 971 Aerolon Acrylic insulating coating prevents condensation from occurring in the wall cavity.

"The thermal properties of Aerolon reduce condensation caused by the difference in the temperature between the two sides of the wall space by insulating the substrate's surface and keeping it above the dew point," explained Andy Hoffman, Tnemec Market Support Manager, Industrial Market. "It is a simple solution that provides condensation control while being cost effective when compared to thermal pads that require a physical break in the steel beam."

The use of Aerolon as a fluid-applied thermal break represents a new innovation for the construction industry, and the coating is already being specified in dozens of architectural applications, such as high-rise apartment and office buildings, airport terminals, museums, and sports facilities.

"Aerolon can be used as a thermal break on metal decking, concrete slab edges, metal studs, canopies and window frame systems," Hoffman noted.

The effectiveness of Series 971 as a thermal break in controlling the condensation effect has been confirmed in thermal modeling conducted by Morrison Hershfield engineering consultants, and by Cabot Corp. Tnemec has also created an educational course that discusses the use of fluid-applied coatings to minimize thermal bridging in both new and existing buildings. The course, titled "Mitigating Thermal Bridging with Fluid-Applied Coatings," is available online at http://tnemecuniversity.com/.

A water-based formulation, Aerolon conforms to regulatory requirements for low-VOC coatings. It is part of a complete coatings system that can be customized for any given environment and is compatible with a wide variety of primers and topcoats.

An extensive amount of testing data is available on Series 971, including ASTM E 84-01 Standard Test Method for Surface Burning, ASTM G 85 Standard Practice for Modified Salt Spray, and ASTM 870 Standard Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Water Immersion. Aerolon Acrylic has passed ASTM E 84-01 testing and is Class A fire rated under the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publication NFPA 101 Life Safety Code.

Visit www.tnemec.com/thermalbreak.