Dritan Topuzi, P.Eng.

Dritan Topuzi, PhD, P.Eng., P.E., is a Principal at Delta Innoveering Inc. He holds a PhD in structural engineering from the University of Waterloo and is a licensed engineer in multiple Canadian provinces and US states. He is also a certified Passive House Designer and accredited LEED AP.

Presentation Title: Structural Thermal Breaks for energy efficiency, thermal comfort and code compliance

Synopsis of Presentation:

Building envelope penetrations, such as balconies, canopies, slab edges and parapets, break the insulation layer and create thermal bridging. Incorporating a thermal break within such structural elements significantly improves the thermal performance of building envelopes and helps avoid costly issues down the road, while preserving the structural integrity of the thermally broken elements.

This technical seminar discusses available solutions to separate the external components from the insulated interior of the building, minimizing thermal bridging, energy loss and moisture/condensation/mould issues.

Learning Objectives

• How and why thermal bridging occurs

• The three main problems caused by thermal bridging

• The pros and cons of different approaches to addressing thermal bridging

• How, when and why are structural thermal breaks used

• Structural considerations

• Performance evaluation through thermal modelling

• Relevant building codes and guidelines: OBC SB-10, TGS, ASHRAE 90.1, BC Hydro Guide etc.

• Project examples