Frequently asked questions.Answers to the questions we get asked most.
At what stage of my project should I get in touch with Schöck?
The sooner the better. Schöck Isokorb® is an engineered product and a discussion between the design team and our engineering team is the best way to get an optimized solution.
Which documents does Schöck need to develop a technical solution?
Please send us dimensioned floor plans and cross-sections of the component to be thermally separated. For reinforced concrete components, we also need concrete quality, concrete cover and load assumptions or design loads at the connection (ULS factored). For steel structures, we also need design loads at the connection (ULS factored). Drawings can be uploaded through our Project Solution Request Forms. These forms will also prompt you for the additional details listed above.
As a contractor, how do I get a quotation for Schöck structural thermal breaks for my project?
For contractors working on a project that has structural thermal breaks incorporated in the design, please send us the project drawings (ideally both architectural and structural) and we will take it from there. Drawings can be uploaded on our Project Solution Request Form. This form will also prompt you for the additional details listed below, but we can typically obtain the additional details from the drawings. If drawings are not available for distribution, then for reinforced concrete components, we would need balcony sizes (along with quantities), slab thickness, concrete quality, concrete cover and load assumptions or design loads at the connection (ULS factored), and a section at the balcony showing the location of the structural thermal break. For steel structures, we would need beam sizes (along with quantities), and the design loads at the connection (ULS factored).
As an architect or engineer, how do I obtain pricing for Schöck structural thermal breaks?
We can provide budget pricing and layout information working from simple sketches all the way through final drawings and will use as much detail as you have available at any point in your project (from concept through construction). The more information that you can provide (related to specific geometry, forces, and quantities), the more refined our technical proposal and quotation can be. We are more than happy to provide feasibility information along with suggestions on how best to incorporate structural thermal breaks at any stage of your project.
Why am I getting two documents when I ask for pricing – a technical proposal and a quotation?
The technical proposal is Schöck's design illustrating the specific product that is required. This proposal should be supplied to the EOR to ensure that all thermally broken connections and loads have been addressed. The quotation provides the costs associated with this solution.
What is the difference between a preliminary proposal and a technical proposal?
A preliminary proposal is an analysis of the project in order to confirm the feasibility or to give rough pricing. A technical proposal is the fully engineered solution, which also requires more time and communication between the design team and our engineering team.
Who provides the engineering for your thermally broken connections?
Schöck engineers the thermally broken connections as a delegated design from the EOR. These connection designs will be signed and sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in the local jurisdiction.
What is Schöck Isokorb®?
Schöck Isokorb® is a load-bearing thermal insulation element which minimizes thermal bridges through the building envelope. At the same time, this thermal break element transfers loads from interior to exterior structural elements.
Which types of buildings is Schöck Isokorb® used in?
Schöck Isokorb® can generally be used in all insulated, heated buildings with structural elements projecting from the building envelope. Typically, the application is used in buildings made of steel or reinforced concrete. Common building types are mid- to high-rise residential, as well as institutional buildings such as schools, dormitories, museums, gymnasiums, etc. Browse our project references for further information.
Which applications can be connected with Schöck Isokorb®?
The standard Schöck Isokorb® products can be used to connect typical projecting components, such as cantilevered balconies, supported balconies, steel beam supports, slab edges, canopies, sunshades and supports for roof-top equipment. In addition, they can be used for customized solutions for nearly all applications and load situations in high-rise construction (e.g. parapet walls, attics and more). Our experts will be happy to assist you in determining whether your next project could benefit from structural thermal breaks.
Which free cantilever lengths can be achieved with Schöck Isokorb®?
Balconies with standard live loads can be connected with a free cantilever length of up to 9 ' 8" (3 meters) with the standard products. Secondary components, such as canopies, can also be connected with significantly higher cantilever lengths. Our Schöck experts will be happy to assist you.
What is the thinnest slab on which I can use Schöck Isokorb®?
Currently the thinnest allowable slab for a Schöck Isokorb® concrete thermal break is 6.375".
How can Schöck Isokorb® be used for balconies on projects that have post-tensioned slabs?
Isokorb can be used on projects where the main floor slab is post-tensioned, however, the post-tensioning cables cannot run through the balcony slab because Isokorb® is not designed for the large compressive forces from the post-tensioning cables. To use Isokorb® on a post-tensioned slab project, the slab thickness will need to be a minimum of 6.375" (160mm) thick. If your project is post-tensioned, it is best to call us as early as possible in the design process, so that we can have a conversation with the architect and structural engineer to determine the best way to solve the thermal bridging issues on these projects.
Are balcony slab step downs possible?
Yes, balcony steps up to 13.375" (340 mm) are available.
Do Schöck Isokorb® structural thermal breaks provide any fire resistance?
Schöck Isokorb® structural thermal breaks for concrete applications are supplied with fire resistance plates to provide a fire rating of up to 120 minutes.
Can Schöck Isokorb® structural thermal breaks transfer earthquake loads?
Yes. The standard product range includes a special module, the CEQ, to resist seismic loading. It is used in conjunction with the primary supportive connections (e.g. Type CM, type CV, type CMD) and can easily be incorporated into planning and standard designs.
How do Schöck Isokorb® structural thermal breaks fit within balcony waterproofing details?
Schöck Isokorb® for concrete connections are compatible with nearly all types of waterproofing membranes. Our typical details can be downloaded to show how the assembly fits together. There are many options with waterproofing Schöck Isokorb® for steel connections. The membrane can be applied in front or behind the connection plate or to the sides of the thermal break. Do not use hot fluid-applied waterproofing.
Does the weld of the stainless-steel and the carbon-steel reinforcement bars create a weak point in the connection?
No. The stainless steel tensile strength is greater than the carbon steel. The alloy created by the butt weld is also stronger than the carbon steel, making the carbon steel the lowest tensile point in the assembly.
Is there any risk of contact corrosion due to the butt-welded connection of stainless-steel and carbon-steel reinforcement bars?
Both bars are embedded in the concrete. Testing has shown that there is a negligible risk of contact corrosion due to reduced oxygen in the concrete. In addition, the butt weld creates a new alloy, which also helps to prevent galvanic corrosion.
How are the structural design values of Schöck Isokorb® established?
Construction with Schöck Isokorb® C-line has been evaluated in accordance with the ACI 318-11 and CSA A23.3-04, the concrete building codes for the US and Canada. The design capacities of the Schöck Isokorb® type S22 have been independently checked and approved as compliant with ANSI/AISC 360-05 and CSA S19-09, the steel building codes for the US and Canada.
Can you do thermal modeling/images for my project?
Yes, we do have the ability to do thermal models. Please discuss this with your Regional Sales Manager.
Does the energy code require me to address thermal bridging?
Modern energy codes require continuous insulation for buildings in most, if not all, climate zones. The definition of continuous insulation states that the only thing that can cross this continuous insulation layer is a fastener. Structural elements (slabs, beams, etc.) are not fasteners and therefore the thermal bridging at these structural elements must be considered in the design of the building.
How should I incorporate Isokorb into my energy model?
According to the 2016 ASHRAE Standard 90.1 code, "uninsulated assemblies" that typically cause significant thermal bridges "must be separately modelled." This means that a building science professional will model the assembly to determine the energy loss, which becomes an input for the energy model. Earlier code iterations allowed a simpler but less accurate method that can be done in COMcheck or similar software. Simply create an envelope area equal to the total area of the Isokorb® thermal breaks and multiply the area by an equivalent U-value for the Isokorb®, treating it similar to the U-value of a glass area. Schöck can provide equivalent U-values for its products as well as provide more detailed thermal modelling analysis where required.
Why is your product so much more expensive than pads?
In a word, value. Our product is an engineered stainless steel structural thermal break designed and fabricated specifically for load transfer; a pad product is typically an elastomeric shim cut from sheet goods that has no structural components. Isokorb® is manufactured as a welded assembly which incorporates and includes the bolts, nuts, washers and insulation required at the connection in a 3 1/8" thickness; plastic pads are simply cut pieces of sheet goods. Our services include a delegated design, submittal shop drawings, third party stamp and sign validation, and directions for installation; plastic pad providers supply their product and leave the rest to you. We use a combination of stainless steel modules and insulation blocks to provide a structural thermal break that truly resolves the issue of thermal bridging; recent third party research studies show that plastic pads actually worsen the thermal bridging condition when they are utilized in thicknesses less than 1". Comparing our solution to plastic pads is similar to comparing work boots to socks: the costs are not the same, but neither are the products.
Can I use your product when pads are specified?
Yes, however, the EOR would have to approve modifications to the connection (to accommodate the thickness and bolt layout required) for our products prior to having our engineering team engaging.
How is Schöck Isokorb® shipped and packaged?
Schöck Isokorb® products are delivered to the construction site as ready-to-install products on wooden pallets. The products are shrink-wrapped and protected with packaging material.
What forms of payment does Schöck accept?
Schöck USA, Inc. accepts checks, wire transfers and credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, Discover) as forms of payment. Schoeck Canada, Inc. accepts checks, wire transfers, EFT and credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, American Express and Discover) as forms of payment.
All credit card transactions are subject to a 4% processing fee.
To whom should checks be addressed?
All checks must be made out to either Schöck USA, Inc. or Schoeck Canada, Inc., depending on where the transaction takes place. Refer to your invoice for address. DO NOT make checks out to Schöck North America. Check must be addressed to the official business name for the corresponding country.
Can I cut the Schöck Isokorb® products at the construction site?
Schöck Isokorb® structural thermal breaks are designed and shipped to the construction site in standard lengths of 1 meter (3.28 ft.). But the product can be cut as specified in layout drawings to fit any length. A simple hand saw can be used to cut through the plastic and insulation material. Do not cut into any structural components (rebar and compression modules). Please see the installation manuals for detailed illustrations.
Do you offer Schöck Isokorb® installation support services?
Yes, Schöck offers installation support and advice via phone, email and video by Schöck specialists. Each product shipment also includes a fully illustrated installation guide. In certain instances, Schöck can provide in-person guidance at the job site. Speak with your Regional Sales Manager for further information regarding these services.
Can we install Schöck Isokorb® structural thermal breaks after we pour part of the slab (leave the rebar cage exposed in the areas where the product will be installed)?
Yes, although additional labor and coordination will be need to considered.
Are there any changes to the balcony and floor slab rebar installation when incorporating a Schöck Isokorb®?
In a typical balcony installation without a structural thermal break, the bottom and top rebar mats are continuous from the interior slab to the exterior slab edge of the balcony. When incorporating an Isokorb® structural thermal break, reinforcement of two additional slab edges is required, one on the interior side of the Isokorb connection and one on the exterior side of the Isokorb. See installation manual for additional details.
Where are your products manufactured?
Schöck Isokorb® structural thermal breaks are manufactured at our main production facility in Baden-Baden, Germany.
How do you pronounce Schöck?
Some people pronounce Schöck as “shook”; some pronounce it as “shock”. Either is acceptable. Our German counterparts have given up trying to get us to pronounce it the “right” way. As such, we have agreed to use these two North American friendly alternatives and we invite you to do the same!
Why is the Canadian business name spelled Schoeck and the US name spelled Schöck?
Our business is named after our founder, Eberhard Schöck. In Germany, the umlaut (two dots) over the “o” is a common character. In other parts of the world where it is not a commonly used character, its pronunciation and the computer keystrokes to create it are a mystery to many. As businesses developed in other countries, some chose to shift the “ö” to an “oe” to more closely mirror the phonetic sound of the character and make it easier to type. Although our Canadian business still uses the Schoeck spelling for its legal name, our North American operations have decided to streamline all other instances to the original spelling of our founders’ family name.
