Insulated wall panels offer large-scale buildings substantial energy and cost savings over a prolonged service life.
R-Values
County Prestress & Precast manufactures prestressed wall panels to meet specific R-values, the measure of a material’s capacity to resist heat flow. Insulated sandwich walls have a high R-value, meaning they prevent outdoor heat from entering the building. Instead, the heat is held by the layer of insulation in between the two layers of prestressed concrete that comprise every ISW panel. The concrete layers prevent the insulation from shifting over time or releasing toxic fumes in the event of a fire.
Insulated wall panels are capable of edge-to-edge insulation, a technique made possible by using non-metal connectors. Edge-to-edge insulation allows for consistent insulation throughout each panel, improving R-values and eliminating thermal bridges. The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) describes thermal bridging as “a thermal short circuit that is caused by highly conductive material penetrating or displacing the insulation between the two concrete wythes.” ISWs’ edge-to-edge insulation eliminates this phenomenon and prevents weak points in the building envelope that allow heat to pass more easily.
The R-value of our insulated wall panels can be adjusted to contribute to energy cost savings, depending upon the climate and weather of a location.
Temperature Regulation
The high R-values of prestressed concrete wall panels contribute to more comfortable temperatures within a building. The high thermal mass, high density, and low conductivity of a concrete structure allows for a large amount of heat to be absorbed without a significant change in the interior temperature. During the day, heat is stored in the building’s surface concrete, and at night, heat is released back into the atmosphere. This advantage alleviates the need for heating and cooling equipment, using less energy and lowering operating costs.
Prestressed building envelopes are a high-performance solution that can last 60 years or longer. Use County Prestress & Precast's Insulated Wall Panels for your next project by contacting our Customer Service Team at (708) 562-7700.