External steel beams causing thermal bridge

10 years ago

I have a very contemporary style house that probably isn't the best for chicago's cold winters and hot summers.
There are exposed steel beams that penetrate through to the inside of the house and have cause a lot of moisture issues.
i have used closed cell spray foam on the inside of the house around the beams, but is there any way to cover the beams on the outside to further prevent thermal bridging?
the beams are both vertical and horizontal.
i've attached a picture of the house.
thanks for your help!
sy

Comments (3)

renovator8
10 years ago
It's better to add insulation inside out of the weather.
worthy
10 years ago
You've got nothing on the Aqua Building, also in Chicago, where architectural style trumps energy efficiency. The sad thing is that a little foresight could have combined style with sense.

Doing anything on the exterior will likely spoil the look.

Aqua Tower, Chicago: a giant radiator

This post was edited by worthy on Sat, Mar 8, 14 at 9:21
Related Professionals
Johnson City Architects & Building Designers · Shady Hills Design-Build Firms · California Home Builders · Fredericksburg Home Builders · McKeesport Home Builders · Arizona City General Contractors · Augusta General Contractors · Bon Air General Contractors · Duncanville General Contractors · Great Falls General Contractors · Spanaway General Contractors · Sterling General Contractors · Warren General Contractors · Wright General Contractors · Avocado Heights General Contractors
_sophiewheeler
10 years ago
It fails the first rule of design which is that the home's style should suit the site location first, then the aesthetic of the occupants. Nothing reallly can be done. The flaw is inherent in the design.