External / Siding
Document Version: 1.0 Date: November 2025
Metal Sheets & Barriers
Aluminium
Aluminium provides nearly impermeable vapour protection. Widely used in exterior cladding systems. Requires proper detailing to prevent condensation at interfaces. Standard gauge 26-22 (0.5-1.5mm). Anodized finishes improve durability in corrosive environments. Excellent thermal conductor; thermal bridging requires insulation breaks.
Basic Information
Type
Architectural Metal
Thickness (m)
0.001
Thickness (mm)
1.0
Thickness (inches)
0.039"
Colour
Silver/Grey
Primary Applications
Cladding, roofing, curtain walls, flashing, trim
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
237 W/(m·K)
1,364 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
510 J/(kg·K)
0.12 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
8050 kg/m³
502.7 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.00 m²·K/W
0.00 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Heat Capacity (per m²)
4.11 kJ/(m²·K)
0.72 BTU/(ft²·°F)
Steel
Steel sheets provide superior vapour barrier performance and structural capability. Available in various gauges; 1mm represents 18-20 gauge. Galvanized coatings essential for corrosion resistance. Thermal bridging must be addressed in design. Typical standing seam roofing uses 0.5-0.7mm thickness. Good thermal mass relative to thickness.
Basic Information
Type
Architectural Metal
Thickness (m)
0.001
Thickness (mm)
1.0
Thickness (inches)
0.039"
Colour
Silver/Grey
Primary Applications
Roofing, structural panels, cladding, ductwork
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
160 W/(m·K)
924 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
510 J/(kg·K)
0.12 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
8050 kg/m³
502.7 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.00 m²·K/W
0.00 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Heat Capacity (per m²)
4.11 kJ/(m²·K)
0.72 BTU/(ft²·°F)
Zinc
Zinc offers excellent long-term durability with natural patina formation. Typical roofing applications use 0.6-0.7mm. Superior corrosion resistance in marine and industrial environments. Self-healing properties through patina layer. Lower thermal expansion than aluminium. Good thermal conductivity; thermal breaks recommended.
Basic Information
Type
Architectural Metal
Thickness (m)
0.001
Thickness (mm)
1.0
Thickness (inches)
0.039"
Colour
Silver/Grey
Primary Applications
Roofing, cladding, flashing, architectural metalwork
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
129 W/(m·K)
745 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
510 J/(kg·K)
0.12 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
8050 kg/m³
502.7 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.00 m²·K/W
0.00 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Heat Capacity (per m²)
4.11 kJ/(m²·K)
0.72 BTU/(ft²·°F)
Wood & Wood Products
Hardwood
Hardwood represents standard solid hardwood flooring thickness. Hygroscopic material responsive to moisture changes. Dimensional stability varies by species. Typical US flooring standard 3/4" (19mm). Must be properly acclimated before installation. Moisture content 6-9% recommended for interiors. Excellent thermal mass and comfort underfoot.
Basic Information
Type
Solid Wood Flooring
Thickness (m)
0.019
Thickness (mm)
19.0
Thickness (inches)
0.748"
Colour
Medium Brown
Primary Applications
Interior flooring, solid wood planks
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
0.13 W/(m·K)
0.75 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
1400 J/(kg·K)
0.33 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
650 kg/m³
40.6 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.15 m²·K/W
0.83 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Heat Capacity (per m²)
8.75 kJ/(m²·K)
1.54 BTU/(ft²·°F)
Plywood
Plywood represents 9-ply construction (typical 15/32" structural sheathing). Cross-grain lamination provides dimensional stability and strength. Suitable for exterior applications with appropriate grade (CDX/OSB equivalent). Vapour permeability varies by veneer orientation and resin type. Standard moisture content 12-15%. Good thermal properties with moderate insulation value.
Basic Information
Type
Engineered Wood Sheathing
Thickness (m)
0.010
Thickness (mm)
10.0
Thickness (inches)
0.394"
Colour
Light Brown
Primary Applications
Structural sheathing, subflooring, wall bracing
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
0.13 W/(m·K)
0.75 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
1500 J/(kg·K)
0.36 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
560 kg/m³
35.0 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.08 m²·K/W
0.44 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Heat Capacity (per m²)
6.72 kJ/(m²·K)
1.18 BTU/(ft²·°F)
Weatherboard (Wood Siding)
Weatherboard profile siding is typical for North American standards. Wood species includes Western Red Cedar, Pine, Fir. Requires weather-resistant backing and proper drainage plane. Annual maintenance (sealing/staining) extends service life 40-60 years. Expansion/contraction 0.1-0.2% across grain requires gap design. Natural insulation aids thermal performance.
Basic Information
Type
Wood Siding
Thickness (m)
0.019
Thickness (mm)
19.0
Thickness (inches)
0.748"
Colour
Natural Wood
Primary Applications
Exterior cladding, wall siding
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
0.13 W/(m·K)
0.75 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
1500 J/(kg·K)
0.36 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
650 kg/m³
40.6 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.15 m²·K/W
0.83 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Heat Capacity (per m²)
9.18 kJ/(m²·K)
1.62 BTU/(ft²·°F)
Pine Weatherboards
Pine Weatherboards represent traditional Nordic/European cladding profiles (12mm nominal). Lower µ-value reflects tight grain structure of slow-grown pine. Excellent for exterior exposure with proper finish protection. Minimal expansion (0.06-0.08% across grain). Thermal performance improves with ventilation cavity design. Lower density provides better insulation.
Basic Information
Type
Wood Cladding
Thickness (m)
0.019
Thickness (mm)
19.0
Thickness (inches)
0.748"
Colour
Light Tan
Primary Applications
Exterior wall cladding, Nordic/European facades
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
0.13 W/(m·K)
0.75 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
1600 J/(kg·K)
0.38 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
510 kg/m³
31.8 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.15 m²·K/W
0.83 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Heat Capacity (per m²)
7.81 kJ/(m²·K)
1.37 BTU/(ft²·°F)
Stone & Masonry
Sandstone
Sandstone represents typical veneer thickness (2.4"). Porous stone with good vapour permeability. Particle size and cement content influence durability. Suitable for dry climates; requires careful detailing in wet climates. Density 2200-2400 kg/m³. Repointing mortars must match original specifications. Excellent thermal mass for building envelope.
Basic Information
Type
Natural Stone
Thickness (m)
0.050
Thickness (mm)
50.0
Thickness (inches)
1.969"
Colour
Golden Tan/Brown
Primary Applications
Stone veneer, architectural cladding, masonry
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
1.684 W/(m·K)
9.71 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
771 J/(kg·K)
0.18 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
2224 kg/m³
138.9 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.03 m²·K/W
0.17 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Heat Capacity (per m²)
85.71 kJ/(m²·K)
15.08 BTU/(ft²·°F)
Limestone
Limestone represents thin veneer or finish panel thickness. Calcitic limestone composition determines acid-rain resistance. Hygroscopic with 0.02-0.05% expansion potential. Density 2300-2700 kg/m³. Excellent for interior applications; exterior requires protective sealants in acidic environments. Compatible with limestone mortars. High thermal mass despite thin section.
Basic Information
Type
Natural Stone
Thickness (m)
0.012
Thickness (mm)
12.0
Thickness (inches)
0.472"
Colour
Cream/White
Primary Applications
Interior finishes, stone cladding, architectural details
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
3.0 W/(m·K)
17.31 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
2600 J/(kg·K)
0.62 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
2650 kg/m³
165.5 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.00 m²·K/W
0.03 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Heat Capacity (per m²)
82.80 kJ/(m²·K)
14.57 BTU/(ft²·°F)
Terracotta
Terracotta represents typical roof tile thickness. High porosity (10-15%) requires traditional clay firing. Minimal dimensional change (<0.5%). Density 1600-2000 kg/m³. Excellent hygrothermal performance; allows structure to dry. Hand-crafted units show aesthetic variation. Compatible with lime mortars and breathable construction. Significant thermal mass for climate moderation.
Basic Information
Type
Clay Tile
Thickness (m)
0.035
Thickness (mm)
35.0
Thickness (inches)
1.378"
Colour
Red/Orange/Brown
Primary Applications
Roof tiles, architectural cladding, ornamental features
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
0.81 W/(m·K)
4.68 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
800 J/(kg·K)
0.19 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
1922 kg/m³
120.1 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.04 m²·K/W
0.25 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Heat Capacity (per m²)
53.88 kJ/(m²·K)
9.48 BTU/(ft²·°F)
Plaster & Finishes
Cement Lime Plaster
Cement Lime Plaster represents typical finish coat thickness (3-5mm) multiplied for this modelling scenario. Hybrid binder system (cement + lime) balances strength and breathability. Cure time 7-28 days depending on composition. Lower vapour resistance compared to cement-only finishes. Compatible with breathable substrates. Good adhesion to most surfaces. Moderate thermal mass contribution.
Basic Information
Type
Finish Plaster
Thickness (m)
0.020
Thickness (mm)
20.0
Thickness (inches)
0.787"
Colour
Off-white/Cream
Primary Applications
Interior wall finish, exterior render, surface coating
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
0.8 W/(m·K)
4.62 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
850 J/(kg·K)
0.20 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
1900 kg/m³
118.7 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.03 m²·K/W
0.14 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Heat Capacity (per m²)
32.30 kJ/(m²·K)
5.68 BTU/(ft²·°F)
Insulation & Specialty Materials
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC)
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete blocks represent 60mm nominal dimension (typical 100-200mm structural units). Autoclaved high-pressure steam curing ensures dimensional stability ±1.5mm. Open-cell porous structure with 80-85% air content. Excellent thermal and acoustic performance. Low vapour resistance enables vapour management. Compatible with vapour-open finishes. Superior insulation value with good thermal mass.
Basic Information
Type
Lightweight Concrete
Thickness (m)
0.075
Thickness (mm)
75.0
Thickness (inches)
2.953"
Colour
Light Grey
Primary Applications
Structural blocks, interior/exterior walls, thermal mass
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
0.1 W/(m·K)
0.58 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
850 J/(kg·K)
0.20 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
350 kg/m³
21.9 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.75 m²·K/W
4.26 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Heat Capacity (per m²)
22.13 kJ/(m²·K)
3.89 BTU/(ft²·°F)
Cork
Cork represents renewable material harvested from cork oak bark. 6mm thickness typical for underlayment applications; structural requirements 25-50mm. Extremely low vapour resistance; excellent for vapour-open systems. Elastic recovery >90% after compression. Biodegradable and compostable. Superior acoustic absorption 250-2000 Hz. Non-toxic; FSC certification ensures sustainable sourcing. Excellent thermal insulation for its thickness.
Basic Information
Type
Natural Cellular Material
Thickness (m)
0.006
Thickness (mm)
6.0
Thickness (inches)
0.236"
Colour
Golden Brown
Primary Applications
Underlayment, thermal insulation, acoustic damping
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
0.043 W/(m·K)
0.25 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
1560 J/(kg·K)
0.37 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
160 kg/m³
10.0 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.14 m²·K/W
0.79 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Heat Capacity (per m²)
1.50 kJ/(m²·K)
0.26 BTU/(ft²·°F)
Fibre Cement
Fibre Cement combines cement matrix with cellulose/synthetic fibres. High µ-value reflects dense composite structure. 6mm thickness typical for cladding panels; 10-12mm structural boards. Non-asbestos formulations meet modern health standards. Colour fastness excellent; minimal colour change over 15-20 years. Requires ventilation cavity and drainage plane. Excellent durability in extreme climates. Moderate thermal mass.
Basic Information
Type
Composite Cladding
Thickness (m)
0.006
Thickness (mm)
6.0
Thickness (inches)
0.236"
Colour
Grey/Natural
Primary Applications
Exterior cladding, structural panels, wall sheathing
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
0.25 W/(m·K)
1.44 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
1000 J/(kg·K)
0.24 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
1360 kg/m³
84.9 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.02 m²·K/W
0.14 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Heat Capacity (per m²)
8.16 kJ/(m²·K)
1.44 BTU/(ft²·°F)
uPVC
uPVC represents typical window frame wall thickness. Provides excellent vapour barrier performance and thermal insulation. Impact and UV resistant; colour stability superior. Thermal expansion coefficient requires design accommodation (±2mm per 1000mm per 30°C). Recyclable material with established collection systems. Low maintenance; no painting required. Good thermal insulation in profile system.
Basic Information
Type
Plastic Profile
Thickness (m)
0.003
Thickness (mm)
3.0
Thickness (inches)
0.118"
Colour
White/Grey
Primary Applications
Window frames, door frames, thermal breaks
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
0.16 W/(m·K)
0.92 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
1500 J/(kg·K)
0.36 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
1379 kg/m³
86.1 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.02 m²·K/W
0.11 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Heat Capacity (per m²)
6.21 kJ/(m²·K)
1.09 BTU/(ft²·°F)
Notes
All materials are assumed to have a solar absorptance and a solar reflectance of 0.4.
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