Too good to be true for a 1mm application?

The U-value of ThermaCote is often commented upon as “too good to be true for a 1mm application”, but when you understand how the product works and the advanced technology behind it you will see it is absolutely true! . Here’s why:

1. Innovative Use of Reflective Technology

ThermaCote doesn’t rely solely on traditional insulation methods like trapping air in thick layers, which is the approach of conventional materials such as fibreglass or foam. Instead, it incorporates reflective ceramic particles that can significantly reduce radiant heat transfer. These particles reflect up to 90% of infrared heat, which means the U-value (the measure of heat transfer through a material) can be improved without the need for significant thickness.

2. Thermal Barrier Instead of Bulk Insulation

Traditional insulation materials rely on their bulk to slow down the movement of heat by trapping air. In contrast, ThermaCote creates a thermal barrier that reduces conductive, convective, and radiant heat transfer through surfaces like walls and roofs. This means that the product doesn’t have to be thick to achieve its insulating effects. The U-value reflects the overall performance in reducing heat flow, and ThermaCote’s innovative approach optimises this with a much thinner layer.

3. U-Value vs. R-Value

When people evaluate insulation, they often focus on R-value, which measures resistance to conductive heat flow. The U-value, on the other hand, measures overall heat transfer, including radiation and convection. ThermaCote’s performance comes from addressing all three modes of heat transfer (conduction, convection, and radiation). Because it excels at reflecting radiant heat, the U-value is more than competitive with thicker traditional insulation.

4. Field-Tested Results

ThermaCote has been tested in real-world applications, and its performance has been verified in various climates and conditions. The U-values achieved in these tests are the result of the product’s multi-modal approach to insulating buildings. These results aren’t just theoretical; they’re backed by measurable data from actual use, which shows that the U-value is effective in improving energy efficiency.

5. Complementary Insulation Approach

While ThermaCote performs exceptionally well for a thin coating on its own, it can also be used in conjunction with other insulation products or construction techniques to optimise overall energy efficiency. It’s particularly effective in reducing radiant heat transfer, which is something that bulk insulation can’t address as effectively.

6. Proven in Extreme Conditions

ThermaCote’s performance isn’t just theoretical—it has been used in extreme environments like industrial facilities, commercial buildings, as well as residential around the World. These real-world examples demonstrate that the U-value isn’t inflated or exaggerated, but rather a reflection of how well the product performs in diverse settings to minimise heat transfer.

In summary, the U-value of ThermaCote might seem “too good to be true for 1mm” because it doesn’t rely on the bulk of traditional insulation. Instead, it uses advanced technology, particularly reflective ceramic particles, to achieve real-world heat transfer reduction. This innovative approach allows it to deliver excellent insulating performance without the need for excessive thickness, making the U-value entirely credible and certainly not “too good to be true.”