What is thermal transmittance (U-value)?

Thermal transmittance, often referred to as U-value, refers to the rate of transfer of heat through a structure (which can be a single material or a composite), divided by the difference in temperature across that structure and it is a crucial parameter in the design and evaluation of building facades.

Why is thermal transmittance (U-value) important in facades?

Thermal transmittance, or U-value, is a critical parameter in facade design because it directly impacts energy efficiency, comfort, compliance with regulations, environmental sustainability, durability, and long-term cost savings. Choosing and designing facades with low U-values is a fundamental aspect of creating high-performance, energy-efficient buildings that benefit both the environment and building occupants.

1. Energy Efficiency and Wellbeing: The primary purpose of a building facade is to provide a barrier between the interior and exterior environments. A lower thermal transmittance indicates that the facade is better at preventing heat transfer between these two spaces. In colder climates, a facade with a low U-value helps retain heat inside the building during the winter, reducing heating costs. In warmer climates, it helps keep unwanted heat outside during the summer, reducing cooling costs. Consequently, an energy-efficient facade can lead to significant energy savings and lower utility bills for building occupants. A well-insulated facade with a low U-value helps maintain stable indoor temperatures, reducing temperature fluctuations and drafts and this contributes to a more comfortable and consistent indoor climate, improving the overall quality of life for the building occupant.
2. Compliance with Building Codes and Standards: Many building codes and energy efficiency standards require that new construction and renovations meet specific U-value requirements for facades. Compliance with these regulations is essential for obtaining building permits and ensuring that the building meets energy performance targets.
3. Environmental Sustainability: In an era of increasing environmental awareness and concerns about climate change, reducing energy consumption in buildings is a significant factor in sustainability. A facade with a low U-value reduces the overall energy demand of a building, which, in turn, reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production. This aligns with global efforts to create more environmentally responsible and sustainable buildings.
4. Durability and Longevity: An energy-efficient facade can contribute to the durability and longevity of a building. It helps prevent issues like mould growth, deterioration of building materials and condensation, which can lead to moisture damage. By maintaining stable indoor conditions, an energy-efficient facade can reduce the risk of these problems and extend the lifespan of the building.
5. Cost Savings: While the initial investment in high-performance facades with low U-values may be higher than traditional options, the long-term cost savings in energy bills and potential maintenance costs often justify the expense. Over time, the energy savings can offset the additional upfront costs, making it a financially prudent choice.

Why choose Telling Rainscreens and the Argeton cladding system?

At Telling Rainscreens we understand the importance of protecting building user’s livelihoods and our responsibility to care for the environment and building in the most sustainable way possible. 

This is why we are geared with a 3D modelling system support from our insulation partner ROCKWOOL, that allows us to obtain the chi values for the varying cladding support systems that we supply for the Argeton tiles. This enables ROCKWOOL to generate for us, accurate U values specific to a building design. This information can then be provided to the stakeholders so they can make informed and environmentally conscious choices.

Some of the systems that we typically analyse are as follows: 

• ARG-A – Pre-punched T section and brackets to Blockwork or concrete (with Stainless steel or Aluminium brackets)
• ARG-B – Horizontal tophat, bracket and pre-punched T section to SFS (with Stainless steel or Aluminium brackets)
• ARG-C – Hoz tile, Horizontal rail, bracket and T section to Blockwork or Concrete (with Stainless steel or Aluminium brackets)
• ARG-D – Hoz tile, Horizontal rail, bracket and T section to SFS (with Stainless steel or Aluminium brackets)
• ARG-G – Vert tile, Horizontal rail, bracket and T section to Blockwork or Concrete (with Stainless steel or Aluminium brackets)
• ARG-H – Vert tile, Horizontal rail, bracket and T section to SFS (with Stainless steel or Aluminium brackets)