What role do thermal breaks and warm-edge spacers play in curtain walls for mixed climates spanning Gulf and Central Asia?1

Thermal breaks and warm-edge spacers are critical components in curtain wall design when projects must perform across diverse climates—from Gulf heat in Dubai and Doha to Central Asian winters in Almaty or Bishkek. Thermal breaks (insulating sections within aluminium frames) interrupt conductive paths and dramatically reduce heat transfer, lowering HVAC demand and improving interior comfort. Warm-edge spacers at the edge of IGUs reduce edge-area thermal bridging and condensation risk by replacing conductive aluminum spacers with low-conductivity materials; this is especially important in humid coastal Gulf climates where internal dew points can cause fogging, and in cold Central Asian winters where internal surfaces must stay above dew point. Together, these details improve U-values, extend sealant life by reducing thermal cycling stress, and support energy code compliance. For mixed-use developments targeting international energy certifications, specifying continuous thermal breaks, thermally separated anchors, and warm-edge spacers helps ensure predictable performance across seasonal extremes found between the Middle East and Central Asia.