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Green Building Bible, Fourth Edition
Green Building Bible, fourth edition (both books)
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Products: Composite Insulated Beams (Timber)

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    • CommentAuthorPingy
    • CommentTimeSep 21st 2009
     
    Has anyone used/heard of/know of Composite Insulated Beams made of wood and polyurethane foam? I've tried searching the internet but have only discovered research papers. Is there a supplier?

    The reason I'm asking is that I want to install a post midaway along an area of triple glazing to provide support and prevent flexing. As I'm using triple glazed windows with insulated frames I don't want to create a cold bridge by installing a solid 150mm square timber post.
    • CommentAuthorTimber
    • CommentTimeSep 21st 2009
     
    What is the U value of your windows and frames. 150 mm solid softwood gives a U value of 0.76!

    Timber
    •  
      CommentAuthordjh
    • CommentTimeSep 21st 2009
     
    Timber, I think the effective depth is basically that of the window. Just adding more timber that stands proud doesn't increase the U-value.

    Pingy, what is the design that you have seen? Do you have a URL or title? There is a material called Purenit - you could google for products using that.

    Another alternative is to use a timber post (I-beam?) but clad it and the jamb of the window frame with some insulation (aerogel?)
    • CommentAuthorPingy
    • CommentTimeSep 22nd 2009
     
    djh,

    I remember reading about these beams a long time ago and particularly remember seeing cross sections through them showing the insulating core. I'm sure it was in Scotland where the beams had been manufactured. I've done searches on the net in the last few days and can only find research related information:

    http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/2/1/ABJphd.pdf
    http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/sedotcom_home/start-your-business/turn-research-into-business/poc/proofofconcept-projects/se2008-poc-project-details.htm?ID=68612&pagetitle=Composite%20Insulated%20Beams%20(CIB):%20a%20new%20engineered%20timber%20concept%20of%20potential%20use%20in%20the%20construction%20industry.%20::%20Proof%20of%20Concept%20Programme%20project%20::%20Scottish%20Enterprise

    Oooer that second one is a long link!
    •  
      CommentAuthordjh
    • CommentTimeSep 23rd 2009
     
    Ah, yes, I'd seen those before too. I don't know of any commercial production but that doesn't mean there isn't any. Is your application loadbearing or is it just to provide stiffness (wind load etc)? And is the post to run vertically? If it's vertical and non-loadbearing, I don't think those composite beams would offer any advantage over a conventional I-beam. Both would need wrapping with extra insulation over the ends and window frames.

    Does your window supplier not have a suitable solution? That would seem likely to be best and easiest.
    • CommentAuthorTimber
    • CommentTimeSep 23rd 2009
     
    djh, good point! Hadn't considered that.

    However, depending on thickness of frames, it might still be OK.

    If you have access to CAD, download Therm (free) and do some thermal modeling to see where you are at.

    If you are thinking of insulated box beams, the timber creating the box will still be a thermal bridge.

    Timber
    • CommentAuthorPingy
    • CommentTimeSep 24th 2009
     
    Fair points djh and Timber. I'm seeing my window supplier on Saturday. Sadly I haven't got access to CAD :sad:
    • CommentAuthorTerry
    • CommentTimeSep 25th 2009
     
    Not sure if I understand what you are doing, but can the support not be internal to the windows in some way ?

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