--- title: "Understanding Thermal Break Bearings: Thickness, Dew Point & Energy Savings" description: Thermal Break Bearings and Pads are appearing on more projects than ever before. As well, this upward trend is expected to continue indefinitely. image: https://www.thesteelsupplyco.com/hubfs/Thermal-Break-Different-Thicknesses-350-x-217.jpg --- [![Providing Structural and Miscellaneous Steel Fabricators](https://www.thesteelsupplyco.com/hs-fs/file-14727826-jpg/images/bannerfixed-webrdy.jpg?width=750&name=bannerfixed-webrdy.jpg "Providing Structural and Miscellaneous Steel Fabricators")](https://www.thesteelsupplyco.com/) - [![the steel supply company](https://www.thesteelsupplyco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-1.jpg?width=88&name=logo-1.jpg "the steel supply company")](https://www.thesteelsupplyco.com/) - [![The Steel Supply Co, Inc](https://www.thesteelsupplyco.com/hubfs/top-text-new.png)](https://www.thesteelsupplyco.com/) - [![Specialized Supplies for Structural and Miscellaneous Steel Fabricators](https://www.thesteelsupplyco.com/hubfs/bottom-text-new.png)](https://www.thesteelsupplyco.com/) ![BLOG TheSteelSupplyCo banner950x250](https://www.thesteelsupplyco.com/hs-fs/file-730735349-jpg/images/blog_thesteelsupplyco_banner950x250.jpg?width=760&name=blog_thesteelsupplyco_banner950x250.jpg) ## Steel Manufacturing Blog: Keeping it Steel # Understanding Thermal Break Bearings: Thickness, Dew Point & Energy Savings Posted on Fri, Jun 20, 2025 @ 11:01 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) **Two Unknown But Important Issues** Thermal Break Bearings and Pads are appearing on more projects than ever before. As well, this upward trend is expected to continue indefinitely. The benefits are many; Thermal Break Bearings stop unnecessary Heat / Energy loss, help maintain ambient temperature within the structure, reduce fuel consumption and deliver a lower carbon footprint. However, the simplest reason for the increase in applications is they add profit to a structure. Estimates are [Thermal Break Bearings](https://www.thesteelsupplyco.com/structural-bearing-pads) through energy cost savings can pay for themselves in 8 to 12 years. After that, since they do not have an expiration date, the cost of energy savings can be extended for the life of the structure. *                                                                                                  Fig. 1* *![Thermal-Break-Different-Thicknesses-350-x-217](https://www.thesteelsupplyco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Thermal-Break-Different-Thicknesses-350-x-217.jpg?width=314&height=195&name=Thermal-Break-Different-Thicknesses-350-x-217.jpg)Thermal Break Bearings shown in different thicknesses. The thinner bearings having a lower R value and the thicker bearings delivering a higher R value, i.e. they are more resistive to energy passing through.* * *                                                           *                                                          Fig. 2![Thermal-Break-I-Beam-with-End-Plate](https://www.thesteelsupplyco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Thermal-Break-I-Beam-with-End-Plate.jpg?width=216&height=354&name=Thermal-Break-I-Beam-with-End-Plate.jpg)* * **Shown is an I-Beam welded to an End Plate. While the I-Beam only presents 7.1 sq. inch of contact surface, the dimensions of the plate must be included in the Thermal Break calculation.*   To understand the importance of Thermal Break **thickness,** the connection should be examined. (Fig. 2) Using I-Beam dimensions W 8 x 24, the cross sectional surface area is 7.1 Sq. inches. If, to facilitate a connection an end plate is welded to that same I beam the surface area increases to the dimensions of that plate. For example, an 8” x 11-1/2” end plate now has a surface area of 92 sq. inches, or 13 times the surface area of the I-Beam. This then becomes a conduit for up to 13 times the energy transfer as the original I-Beam would allow. The extra conductivity creates the need for a thicker bearing to cancel the energy transfer.   *![Thermal-Break-Moisture-Protection](https://www.thesteelsupplyco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Thermal-Break-Moisture-Protection.jpg?width=362&height=244&name=Thermal-Break-Moisture-Protection.jpg)Fig. 3* *Illustrates how the Thermal Break Bearing moves the area susceptible to condensation out toward building exterior.*       The [Thermal Break Bearing](https://www.thesteelsupplyco.com/blog/thermal-break-cutting-and-steel-fabrication) has a secondary function in that it can move the Dew Point further toward the exterior of the building envelope. (Fig. 3) This will prevent moisture from condensing closer to the structure and behind the water and vapor barriers. If allowed, over time this repetitive condensation can cause decay and allow mold and mildew to form. The Steel Supply Company can provide Thermal Break Bearings to any requirement. Shown above are just two of the many details that should be considered when developing the specifications. For any assistance your project requires regarding design or delivery please contact us. 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