Independent thermal modeling

Thermal performance, explained without the jargon.

Intertek modeled two 5.5-inch ThermaTech clear-wall configurations, then compared total heat loss with typical wood- and steel-framed baselines under the report’s stated assumptions.

R-20.48–21.07modeled effective clear-wall range

ThermaTech insulated panel components staged during a field demonstration — Thermal performanceThermaTech documentation

The finding

Two useful numbers answer two different questions.

The effective clear-wall value describes the assessed ThermaTech wall section. The higher “equivalent” values come from a separate total-heat-loss comparison with typical framed-wall baselines.

01 / Modeled effective assembly

R-20.48–R-21.07

This is the modeled effective clear-wall range for the two assessed 5.5-inch ThermaTech configurations—not an insulation-only label.

2×4 center-stud configuration: U-0.047 / R-21.07
2×6 center-stud configuration: U-0.049 / R-20.48

02 / Modeled typical-framing comparison

R-42–R-50 equivalent*

These are modeled typical-framing performance-equivalent values from Intertek’s total-heat-loss comparison. They are not the wall’s literal, nominal, or physically tested R-value.

R-42–R-43compared with typical 2×6 wood framing

R-49–R-50compared with typical 2×6 steel framing

Put simply

R-value and heat-loss equivalence are related, but they are not interchangeable.

Effective clear-wall value

The modeled resistance of the assessed ThermaTech wall section, including framing effects in that section.

Typical-framing equivalent

A modeled comparison that asks what conventional baseline would produce similar total heat loss under the report’s assumptions.

The modeled comparison

Lower estimated total heat loss than the stated baselines.

Intertek’s comparison combined wall heat flow with assumed infiltration effects. That makes the assumptions essential to understanding the percentages.

35–37%lower modeled total heat loss than the wood-framed baseline*

60–61%lower modeled total heat loss than the steel-framed baseline*

Keep the scope attached

What this assessment does—and does not—establish.

The report is useful design evidence. It is not a product certification or a guarantee of whole-building results.

Modeled, not laboratory R-value testing

The results come from thermal modeling of specified clear-wall configurations.

Clear-wall scope

Top and bottom framing were outside the assessed sections; openings and interfaces also affect the whole wall.

Assumed air leakage

The comparative analysis used assumed, untested air-leakage and infiltration inputs. Its conventional baselines use R-19 fiberglass batt—not spray foam.

Project approval still controls

Code compliance depends on the complete design, project conditions, installation, and the local authority.

*Actual performance varies with configuration, joints, openings, interfaces, workmanship, climate, mechanical systems, and occupancy.

Keep exploring

See the other evidence stories.

Back to performance

Panel testing + engineering review

See how the panel was put under load.

These photographs document a ThermaTech panel specimen in a controlled loading rig. The test imagery and the engineering pathway answer different questions, and both are explained here.

Explore structural testing Occupied-home field sampling

What indoor-air sampling found—and how to read it.

Mold-spore sampling in two occupied homes and separate TVOC/TMVOC sampling in another residence produced encouraging field observations. The comparisons, terminology, and limits are separated below.

Explore indoor-air observations

Put the evidence to work

Bring us the plans and the questions.

ThermaTech can help your project team connect the relevant system, documentation, engineering pathway, and field workflow.

Start a project review