September 17, 2008—Serious Materials has launched a line of ThermaRock energy-saving drywall. ThermaRock Xl (eXtreme Insulation) reduces energy costs up to 30%, with potential savings of $1,700 per panel over the life of the product, says the company.
ThermaRock XI provides an insulation R-value of up to R4.1, compared to an R value of 0.5 for typical gypsum drywall. This dramatically higher R-value substantially reduces heat transfer through un-insulated or insulated exterior walls, and reduces heating and cooling requirements as a result.
The use of high-performance drywall to add insulation uses much less floor space than other approaches, and makes it particularly valuable for retrofits. It can also be the only practical way to add insulation to masonry or cement walls. ThermaRock XI allows a much faster, simpler construction process than the alternative of building out an inner wall which is especially helpful in owner-occupied situations for minimizing disruption, dust and hotel living expenses, says the company. And increasing insulation in rooms like basements may reduce the risk of condensation and mold.
ThermaRock XI delivers its extreme performance by incorporating a “blanket” of space-age aerogel, a low-density, high performance insulating material, into the panel itself. The product is used like standard drywall.
For more information, see the Web site.
