GreenGirt CMH Continuous Insulation System Delivers Both High Thermal Performance and Structural Support

When insulating building enclosures, architects are typically forced to choose between structural integrity and thermal performance. For example, steel offers structural strength and durability but struggles with thermal bridging. And while composites lend a high level of thermal efficiency, they typically fall short in the structural integrity department. GreenGirt CMH combines the best of both worlds.

“Designers shouldn't have to choose between structural integrity and best-in-class thermal performance,” explains Kevin Mlutkowski, director of marketing, Advanced Architectural Products, Allegan, Mich. “GreenGirt CMH continuous insulation systems offer both, delivering between 92% and 99% thermal efficiency alongside superior structural integrity—unlike other systems on the market that require trade-offs.”

GreenGirt CMH continuous insulation system’s interlocking steel-reinforced flanges lend strength and stability while fiber-reinforced polymer delivers a high level of thermal performance.

By utilizing the properties of both steel and fiber-reinforced polymers, GreenGirt Optima CMH offers one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios in the industry. The product is a composite metal hybrid design with steel-reinforced flanges to deliver that structural integrity with its durable steel-to-steel connection. The system is engineered to support robust screw retention with screws permanently fastening to the continuous metallic structural support.

Simultaneously, a high-performance Z-girt system delivers the corrosion-resistance and insulating properties of fiber reinforced polymers. FRP sub-framing products are gaining traction with their non-conductive fiberglass construction.

A common mistake when insulating around windows is misalignment. When the windows are not properly aligned with the thermal plane of insulation, the efficiency of the insulation decreases, thereby compromising thermal performance. The GreenGirt CMH XO system leverages innovative framing technology to provide the structural support to push the window outboard so that it aligns with the insulation plane. The result is maximized thermal efficiencies more than doubling the R-value of the window opening. In addition, the design eliminates through-wall metal, through-insulation fasteners, conductive metal angles and inefficient wood-blocking.

Whereas legacy framing systems like wood or steel offer an average of 45% thermal efficiency and a 29.3°F wall cavity temperature difference, GreenGirt CMH XO has been tested to achieve 96.7% efficiency with just an 8.7°F wall cavity temperature difference.

Furthermore, the system is structurally engineered to handle both dead loads and live loads with the appropriate safety factors, It also provides a moisture, vapor and airtight barrier, and is fire-resistant meeting NFPA 285 compliance. The recyclable material is Red List Free and manufactured in a net-zero facility.

GreenGirt CMH works with all types of insulation including mineral wool, spray foam and rigid-board insulation like XPS, EPS and dual foil-faced class A polyiso.