Metals / Plastics
Document Version: 1.0 Date: November 2025
Metals
Aluminium
Aluminium represents lightweight metallic sheet material with exceptional thermal conductivity and impermeability. Typical 1mm thickness suitable for vapor barriers, thermal breaks, and reflective insulation layers. Extremely high µ-value of 100,000 provides absolute vapor barrier with zero permeability. Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity makes it valuable for radiant barriers. Anodized coatings provide corrosion resistance. Minimal thermal resistance at thin sections due to high conductivity. Reflective surface reduces radiant heat transfer. Non-combustible and durable. Requires thermal breaks in building assemblies to prevent condensation on cold side.
Basic Information
Type
Non-Ferrous Metal Sheet
Thickness (m)
0.001
Thickness (mm)
1.0
Thickness (inches)
0.039"
Colour
Silver/Grey
Primary Applications
Vapor barrier, thermal breaks, reflective insulation, radiant barriers
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
237 W/(m·K)
1345.66 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
510 J/(kg·K)
0.122 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
8050 kg/m³
502.3 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.000004 m²·K/W
0.00002 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Vapour Properties
Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)
100,000
sd-value
100.0 m
Vapor Resistivity
500,000.00 MNs/gm
Vapor Resistance
500.00 MN.s/g
Perm Rating
≤0.0006 perms
Classification
Impermeable Barrier
Copper
Copper represents premium metallic conductor with highest thermal conductivity among common metals. 1mm thickness provides excellent vapor barrier and thermal performance. Extremely high µ-value of 100,000 ensures complete impermeability to water vapor. Superior thermal conductivity 400 W/(m·K) makes it ideal for heat distribution and radiant barriers. Oxidizes to protective patina; requires regular maintenance for appearance. Non-combustible and durable with 50+ year lifespan. Excellent electrical properties. Premium cost limits use to specialized applications.
Basic Information
Type
Non-Ferrous Metal Sheet
Thickness (m)
0.001
Thickness (mm)
1.0
Thickness (inches)
0.039"
Colour
Copper/Brown Patina
Primary Applications
Heat distribution, radiant barriers, specialized vapor barriers
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
400 W/(m·K)
2271.2 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
510 J/(kg·K)
0.122 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
8050 kg/m³
502.3 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.000003 m²·K/W
0.000017 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Vapour Properties
Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)
100,000
sd-value
100.0 m
Vapor Resistivity
500,000.00 MNs/gm
Vapor Resistance
500.00 MN.s/g
Perm Rating
≤0.0006 perms
Classification
Impermeable Barrier
Steel
Steel represents structural metal with balanced strength and thermal properties. 1mm thickness provides excellent vapor barrier and structural performance. High µ-value of 100,000 ensures complete impermeability. Thermal conductivity 160 W/(m·K) is moderate among metals. Density 8050 kg/m³ provides structural capacity. Requires corrosion protection through paint, galvanizing, or stainless grades. Minimal thermal resistance at thin sections. Non-combustible. Excellent durability with 50+ year lifespan when protected.
Basic Information
Type
Ferrous Metal Sheet
Thickness (m)
0.001
Thickness (mm)
1.0
Thickness (inches)
0.039"
Colour
Grey/Metallic
Primary Applications
Structural vapor barrier, metal decking, flashing systems
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
160 W/(m·K)
908.48 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
510 J/(kg·K)
0.122 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
8050 kg/m³
502.3 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.000006 m²·K/W
0.000034 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Vapour Properties
Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)
100,000
sd-value
100.0 m
Vapor Resistivity
500,000.00 MNs/gm
Vapor Resistance
500.00 MN.s/g
Perm Rating
≤0.0006 perms
Classification
Impermeable Barrier
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel represents corrosion-resistant metal alloy suitable for exterior and harsh environment applications. 1mm thickness provides excellent vapor barrier and structural performance. Extremely high µ-value of 100,000 ensures complete impermeability. Thermal conductivity 25 W/(m·K) is lowest among common metals. Chromium content provides passive oxide layer preventing corrosion. Non-combustible and durable. Premium cost limits use to applications requiring superior corrosion resistance. Minimal maintenance required.
Basic Information
Type
Corrosion-Resistant Metal Sheet
Thickness (m)
0.001
Thickness (mm)
1.0
Thickness (inches)
0.039"
Colour
Metallic Silver
Primary Applications
Harsh environment barriers, roofing systems, exterior cladding
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
25 W/(m·K)
141.95 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
510 J/(kg·K)
0.122 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
8050 kg/m³
502.3 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.00004 m²·K/W
0.000227 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Vapour Properties
Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)
100,000
sd-value
100.0 m
Vapor Resistivity
500,000.00 MNs/gm
Vapor Resistance
500.00 MN.s/g
Perm Rating
≤0.0006 perms
Classification
Impermeable Barrier
Plastics & Polymers
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
High-Density Polyethylene combines excellent vapor barrier properties with reasonable thermal insulation. 6mm thickness represents typical sheet or film membrane application. Extremely high µ-value of 100,000 provides absolute vapor impermeability. Superior chemical resistance and durability compared to LDPE. Suitable for ground-contact applications and wet locations. UV stabilization required for exterior exposure. Non-combustible classification available with additives. Cost-effective vapor barrier material. Flexible at service temperatures.
Basic Information
Type
Polymer Sheet / Vapor Barrier
Thickness (m)
0.006
Thickness (mm)
6.0
Thickness (inches)
0.236"
Colour
Translucent/White
Primary Applications
Ground contact barriers, wet location membranes, vapor barriers
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
0.46 W/(m·K)
2.61 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
2100 J/(kg·K)
0.501 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
950 kg/m³
59.3 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.013 m²·K/W
0.074 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Vapour Properties
Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)
100,000
sd-value
600.0 m
Vapor Resistivity
500,000.00 MNs/gm
Vapor Resistance
3000.00 MN.s/g
Perm Rating
≤0.0006 perms
Classification
Impermeable Barrier
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Low-Density Polyethylene provides effective vapor barrier with superior flexibility and impact resistance. 5mm thickness represents typical vapor barrier membrane. High µ-value of 80,000 provides excellent impermeability slightly lower than HDPE. More flexible and puncture-resistant than HDPE. Suitable for below-grade and wet environments. Lower softening temperature limits above-grade applications. Cost-effective moisture barrier. Excellent chemical resistance.
Basic Information
Type
Polymer Sheet / Vapor Barrier
Thickness (m)
0.005
Thickness (mm)
5.0
Thickness (inches)
0.197"
Colour
Translucent/White
Primary Applications
Below-grade barriers, flexible vapor barriers, wet locations
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
0.33 W/(m·K)
1.87 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
2300 J/(kg·K)
0.549 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
920 kg/m³
57.4 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.015 m²·K/W
0.086 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Vapour Properties
Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)
80,000
sd-value
400.0 m
Vapor Resistivity
400,000.00 MNs/gm
Vapor Resistance
2000.00 MN.s/g
Perm Rating
≤0.0007 perms
Classification
Impermeable Barrier
Polypropylene
Polypropylene represents high-performance plastic barrier with excellent chemical resistance and thermal stability. 2.5mm thickness represents thin film or sheet application. High µ-value of 100,000 provides complete vapor impermeability. Superior heat resistance compared to polyethylene with higher melting point. Excellent chemical resistance to acids, bases, and solvents. Suitable for industrial and chemical applications. Lower density reduces weight. Good UV resistance with stabilization.
Basic Information
Type
Polymer Sheet / Vapor Barrier
Thickness (m)
0.0025
Thickness (mm)
2.5
Thickness (inches)
0.098"
Colour
Translucent/White
Primary Applications
Chemical barriers, industrial moisture barriers, thermal stability applications
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
0.22 W/(m·K)
1.25 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
1900 J/(kg·K)
0.453 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
905 kg/m³
56.5 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.011 m²·K/W
0.065 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Vapour Properties
Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)
100,000
sd-value
250.0 m
Vapor Resistivity
500,000.00 MNs/gm
Vapor Resistance
1250.00 MN.s/g
Perm Rating
≤0.0006 perms
Classification
Impermeable Barrier
uPVC (Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride)
uPVC represents rigid plastic material with moderate vapor resistance and excellent durability. 3mm thickness typical for profiles and sheets. Moderate µ-value of 10,761 provides substantial vapor resistance. Excellent chemical and UV resistance without additives. Rigid at service temperatures limiting flexibility. Non-combustible with flame retardant additives. Superior weatherability compared to standard PVC. Durable with 50+ year service life. Recyclable material.
Basic Information
Type
Rigid Polymer Sheet / Profile
Thickness (m)
0.003
Thickness (mm)
3.0
Thickness (inches)
0.118"
Colour
White/Natural
Primary Applications
Window frames, drainage profiles, rigid barriers, weatherproof membranes
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
0.16 W/(m·K)
0.908 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
1500 J/(kg·K)
0.358 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
1379 kg/m³
86.1 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.019 m²·K/W
0.106 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Vapour Properties
Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)
10,761
sd-value
32.28 m
Vapor Resistivity
53,805.00 MNs/gm
Vapor Resistance
161.41 MN.s/g
Perm Rating
0.0055 perms
Classification
Class I Vapor Retarder
Insulating Foams
Polyurethane Closed-Cell
Polyurethane closed-cell foam combines excellent thermal insulation with moderate vapor resistance. 89mm thickness represents standard insulation layer. Low density of 39 kg/m³ provides lightweight structure. Superior insulation value with λ=0.025 W/(m·K) among best available. Moderate µ-value of 88.93 allows some vapor transmission for drying. Closed-cell structure provides air-sealing properties. Excellent durability with 50+ year lifespan. Flame retardant formulations available. Higher cost than open-cell varieties.
Basic Information
Type
Closed-Cell Foam Insulation
Thickness (m)
0.089
Thickness (mm)
89.0
Thickness (inches)
3.504"
Colour
Light Blue/Tan
Primary Applications
Spray foam insulation, rigid board insulation, air sealing
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
0.025 W/(m·K)
0.142 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
1470 J/(kg·K)
0.351 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
39 kg/m³
2.44 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
3.56 m²·K/W
20.2 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Heat Capacity (per m²)
3.11 kJ/(m²·K)
0.55 BTU/(ft²·°F)
Vapour Properties
Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)
88.93
sd-value
7.91 m
Vapor Resistivity
444.65 MNs/gm
Vapor Resistance
39.57 MN.s/g
Perm Rating
0.66 perms
Classification
Class II Vapor Retarder
Polyurethane Open-Cell
Polyurethane open-cell foam combines good thermal insulation with excellent vapor permeability. 89mm thickness represents standard insulation layer. Very low density of 7.5 kg/m³ provides lightweight structure. Low µ-value of 2.38 allows significant vapor transmission and emergency drying. Open-cell structure provides sound absorption and vapor-open properties. Suitable for vapor-open building assemblies. Requires air-sealing at exterior. Lower cost than closed-cell. Excellent acoustic performance.
Basic Information
Type
Open-Cell Foam Insulation
Thickness (m)
0.089
Thickness (mm)
89.0
Thickness (inches)
3.504"
Colour
Light Tan/Green
Primary Applications
Spray foam insulation, acoustic damping, vapor-open assemblies
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
0.037 W/(m·K)
0.210 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
1470 J/(kg·K)
0.351 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
7.5 kg/m³
0.469 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
2.41 m²·K/W
13.6 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Heat Capacity (per m²)
0.584 kJ/(m²·K)
0.103 BTU/(ft²·°F)
Vapour Properties
Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)
2.38
sd-value
0.21 m
Vapor Resistivity
11.90 MNs/gm
Vapor Resistance
1.06 MN.s/g
Perm Rating
24.8 perms
Classification
Vapor-Open / Class III
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