4 reasons to specify a Catnic thermally broken lintel

Specifying Catnic’s Thermally Broken Lintels (TBLs) will significantly improve the thermal efficiency of a property and help ensure that the project’s necessary environmental credentials are met.

Plus, when you choose Catnic, you can be assured that you’re getting a quality product that’s trusted by thousands of installers around the globe. Here are the main reasons why you should choose a lintel from Catnic for your next project.

1. A complete thermal break

Pictured: Catnic Heavy Duty Thermally Broken Steel Lintel

Catnic’s TBLs are the only lintel currently on the market to include a complete thermal break between the inner and outer leaf of a cavity wall. Dedicated adhesive is used to bond the powder-coated steel element to the high-density insulating core – as the lintel does not include brackets, a complete thermal break can be promised. This improves the thermal performance of the lintel, providing industry-leading results.

2. Improved thermal performance

Catnic TBLs offer a guaranteed linear thermal transmittance psi value of 0.05 W/mK or less, and we are the only manufacturer who can make this promise.

Part L of the Building Regulations 2013 (which includes the Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard) focuses on the thermal performance for walls, floors and roofs. When specifying a TBL, these guidelines are easily complied with, as TBLs have a psi value of no more than 0.05W/mk – a requirement outlined in Appendix R of SAP 2012.

In a typical four-bedroom house, with a floor area of 57m², the amount of heat lost through a standard lintel can account for as much as 6% of the overall heat loss through the fabric of the house.

Catnic TBLs can reduce this figure to as little as 0.25%. And, when looking at heat loss through the window head detail, a TBL can reduce losses by up to 96%, improving the thermal efficiency of a structure.

3. Guaranteed compliance

Catnic TBLs offer a guaranteed linear thermal transmittance psi value of 0.05 W/mK or less, and we are the only manufacturer who can make this promise.

Part L of the Building Regulations 2021 (which includes the Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard) focuses on the thermal performance for walls, floors, and roofs. When specifying a TBL, these guidelines are easily complied with, as TBLs have a psi value of no more than 0.05 W/mk – a requirement outlined in Appendix R of SAP 2012.

For more help determining psi values for your next project, try our Psi Value Calculator.

4. Easier specification

Pictured: Catnic Extra Heavy Duty Thermally Broken Steel Lintel

Specifying Catnic TBLs can be done with ease as they have the same safe working loads as Catnic’s traditional lintels – meaning TBLs can be specified like for like. Catnic TBLs can also be used for standard duty, heavy duty and extra heavy duty applications, making them suitable for a wide range of projects.

All of Catnic’s lintels, including its TBLs, are also CE marked to EN 845-2, and Structural Testing is independently carried out by The University of South Wales, following EN845-2 & EN846-9. This is a guarantee that Catnic TBLs are a quality solution.

Bonus: Our many years of experience

While you have a few options available to you in the lintel market, Catnic is one of the most experienced manufacturers with a history spanning 55 years in the construction industry.

We have teams of expert advisers on hand to deal with any issues or questions you may have, with our goal being to support you from procurement right through to installation.

Specifying a Catnic Thermally Broken Lintel is an effective way to enhance the energy efficiency, durability, and overall performance of your building. By reducing thermal bridging, improving insulation, and supporting long-term sustainability, these lintels are designed to meet modern construction project demands.

Browse our trusted lintel offering

Efficient, durable, and compliant with regulations, all the products in the Catnic Thermally Broken Lintels range are made to ensure your next project stands the test of time. Browse our entire lintel selection, here.