The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has released TIR-A8-04, a Technical Information Report on the structural performance of thermal barriers and aluminum profiles used in fenestration products.

The document was first published in 1990, and now includes a software program to assist designers in optimizing energy efficient framing system designs. It can also help in analyzing the energy efficiency of proposed fenestration designs.

"Aluminum is the most popular material used for multi-story curtainwall, heavy commercial and architectural window grade framing, and its use in energy-efficient systems is enhanced by the integration of a thermal barrier," said Larry Livermore, AAMA's technical standards manager.

According to Livermore, the new report provides detailed information about poured and debridged thermal-barrier designs and mechanically crimped-in-place designs.