Thermal Performance (U-Factor) Tests

The U-factor is used to test the resistance of a product to heat flow. The lower the U-factor, the higher the resistance of the material to heat flow and the better its insulating properties. Simply put, thermal performance is a factor in how well the building retains heat. Thermal performance is measured with a unit called the U-factor, which is used to classify a material's insulating properties on a numerical scale. For example,

• The U-value of the double-glazed window is 2,8 W/m2.
• The U-value of the solid brick wall is 2,0 W/m2
• The U-value of the cavity wall is 1,6 W/m2

Achieving a good thermal performance rating affects the building in many ways. If the building is poor at preventing heat from escaping to surrounding areas, it is inevitable that heating costs will increase in winter. However, high thermal performance reduces costs. This is also important in terms of reducing the carbon footprint of the building. Carbon emissions have increased steadily over the years and are a serious contributor to global warming. Therefore, thermal performance is a crucial factor in being both environmentally sound and financially prudent.

Thermal performance is measured in terms of heat loss and is commonly expressed by the U-factor in the construction industry. Thermal permeability, also known as the U-factor, is found by dividing the rate of heat transfer through a structure by the temperature difference in that structure. The units of measurement are W/m2. The better a structure is insulated, the lower the U-factor will be. Workmanship and installation standards strongly influence thermal conductivity. If the insulation is poorly done with gaps and cold bridges, the thermal permeability will be much higher than desired. Thermal conductivity takes into account heat loss from conduction, convection and radiation.

There are a number of standards covering calculation methods for thermal conductivity. For example, the ISO 6946 Building components and building elements - Thermal resistance and thermal conductivity - Calculation methods standard is one of them.

Our organization also provides thermal performance (U-factor) testing services with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors.