Thermal Shim

ACS Thermal Shims reduce the effects of thermal bridging through stainless steel masonry support when used with concrete or steel framing, helping to improve the energy efficiency of the building. Thermal Shims are used predominantly with ACS Masonry Support Systems.

thermal shim

Thermal Shim

ACS Thermal Shims are manufactured from a 3mm thick fibre-reinforced composite that isolates the bracket from the primary structure, acting as an eliminator of bi-metallic corrosion as well as a thermal break. The shim has a compressive strength comparable to that of stainless steel, with a thermal conductivity of 0.27W/mK or less, around 50 times lower than stainless steel, and is available to suit any ACS bracket.
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Installation and Best Practice

ACS Thermal Shims must be installed so the bracket is fully bearing on the shim, particularly at the heel of the bracket, to maintain the strength of the system and ensure compressive forces are transferred back to the structure while the system remains thermally isolated. The maximum allowable thickness of all shims should not exceed the outside diameter of the fixing, typically 12mm on ACS masonry support systems. Where more than one shim is required, the total number should be kept to a minimum to avoid creating slip planes that could allow settlement or creep under load.

Key Specification Details

  • Reduces thermal bridging through stainless steel masonry support used with concrete or steel framing 
  • 3mm thick fibre-reinforced composite construction 
  • Thermal conductivity of 0.27W/mK or less, around 50 times lower than stainless steel 
  • Density of 1450 to 1810kg/m³ 
  • Compressive strength comparable to stainless steel 
  • Acts as an isolator to eliminate bi-metallic corrosion 
  • Available to suit any ACS bracket, including the 3000 range Frame Cramp 
  • Easy to install 
  • Reduces thermal bridging through stainless steel masonry support used with concrete or steel framing
    3mm thick fibre-reinforced composite construction

  • Thermal conductivity of 0.27W/mK or less, around 50 times lower than stainless steel

  • Density of 1450 to 1810kg/m³

  • Compressive strength comparable to stainless steel

  • Acts as an isolator to eliminate bi-metallic corrosion

  • Available to suit any ACS bracket, including the 3000 range Frame Cramp

  • Easy to install

     

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Masonry Support CPD

ACS runs a RIBA-accredited CPD on masonry support systems covering when to specify bracket and angle vs continuous angle, fixing configurations across concrete, steel and cast-in channel substrates, cavity and movement detailing. Available online or in person. Book your place, or get in touch to arrange a session for your team.

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Access the NBS specification and BIM resources for this product to support your project planning, specification and design.

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Technical Data Sheet

The ACS Thermal Shim Technical Data Sheet covers product highlights, thermal and density performance, and installation and best practice guidance.

FAQs

What does a thermal shim do?
It isolates a stainless steel masonry support bracket from concrete or steel framing, reducing thermal bridging and improving the energy efficiency of the building while also eliminating bi-metallic corrosion between the bracket and structure.
The shim is a 3mm thick fibre-reinforced composite with a thermal conductivity of 0.27W/mK or less, around 50 times lower than stainless steel, and a compressive strength comparable to stainless steel.
Yes. Shim thickness should not exceed the outside diameter of the fixing, typically 12mm on ACS masonry support systems, and where more than one shim is needed the total number should be kept to a minimum to avoid slip planes that could allow settlement or creep under load. More details can be found in the Masonry Support datasheet.

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