Method and system for insulating structural building components
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a structural assembly including a first frame member hingedly coupled to a second frame member. A support member extends outwardly from the first frame member. At least one glazing panel is disposed above the support member. A thermal clip is coupled to the support member. The thermal clip insulates the support member from a building exterior. The support member extends less than an entire length thereof and reduces loss of thermal energy from a building interior to the building exterior via the support member.
1. A method for improving thermal performance of a structural assembly, the method comprising:
forming a first frame member, the first frame member comprising a first horizontal member;
hingedly coupling the first frame member to a second frame member;
forming a support member, the support member comprising a second horizontal member that extends outwardly from the first horizontal member at a level below the first horizontal member;
disposing at least one glazing panel above the support member such that the support member extends less than an entire length of the glazing panel; and
coupling the support member to a thermal clip, which extends outwardly from the support member and insulates the support member from a building exterior by way of an air gap formed between a distal-most vertical boundary of the support member and a vertical exterior member of the thermal clip, wherein the thermal clip reduces loss of thermal energy to a building exterior via the support member.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the air gap isolates the support member from the building exterior.
3. The method of claim 1 , comprising inserting a weather strip into a slot formed on the thermal clip.
4. The method of claim 1 , comprising co-extruding a weather strip with the thermal clip.
5. The method of claim 1 , comprising inserting an edge protector into a slot formed on the thermal clip.
6. The method of claim 1 , comprising co-extruding an edge protector with the thermal clip.
7. The method of claim 1 , comprising coupling an edge protector to the thermal clip.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the thermal clip is constructed of a thermally non-conductive material.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the thermal clip comprises an intermediate member disposed between the distal-most vertical boundary of the support member and the vertical exterior member of the thermal clip.