# Metals / Plastics ## 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 | Property | Value | | -------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 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 | Property | Metric | Imperial | | ---------------------------- | --------------- | ------------------------- | | 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 | Property | Value | | -------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | | 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 | Property | Value | | -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- | | 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 | Property | Metric | Imperial | | ---------------------------- | --------------- | ------------------------ | | 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 | Property | Value | | -------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | | 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 | Property | Value | | -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | | 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 | Property | Metric | Imperial | | ---------------------------- | --------------- | ------------------------ | | 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 | Property | Value | | -------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | | 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 | Property | Value | | -------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- | | 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 | Property | Metric | Imperial | | ---------------------------- | -------------- | ------------------------ | | 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 | Property | Value | | -------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | | 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 | Property | Value | | -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- | | 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 | Property | Metric | Imperial | | ---------------------------- | ------------- | ---------------------- | | 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 | Property | Value | | -------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | | 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 | Property | Value | | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ | | 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 | Property | Metric | Imperial | | ---------------------------- | ------------- | ---------------------- | | 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 | Property | Value | | -------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | | 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 | Property | Value | | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 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 | Property | Metric | Imperial | | ---------------------------- | ------------- | ---------------------- | | 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 | Property | Value | | -------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | | 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 | Property | Value | | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | 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 | Property | Metric | Imperial | | ---------------------------- | ------------- | ----------------------- | | 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 | Property | Value | | -------------------------------------------- | ---------------------- | | 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 | Property | Value | | -------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- | | 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 | Property | Metric | Imperial | | ---------------------------- | -------------- | ----------------------- | | 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 | Property | Value | | -------------------------------------------- | ----------------------- | | 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 | Property | Value | | -------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- | | 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 | Property | Metric | Imperial | | ---------------------------- | --------------- | ----------------------- | | 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 | Property | Value | | -------------------------------------------- | ---------------------- | | 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 |