Independent Tests Substantiate Claims of Fullback® Thermal Support System

June 06, 2002 - For more than 16 years, Progressive Foam Technologies has focused on innovating, designing, and testing the technology behind the Fullback® Thermal Support System. This patented, contoured foam system is charting a new direction in siding – insulated vinyl siding. Fullback is now poised to become the industry standard of the new market category for insulated vinyl siding.

The performance claims Progressive Foam makes about thermal efficiency, impact resistance and other features are fully backed by rigorous testing carried out by independent testing facilities certified by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).* Progressive Foam continually tests the Fullback system in the critical areas of thermal efficiency, impact resistance, water vapor permeability and absorption, flame retardancy and environmental safety.

Here are some of the findings:

Thermal Efficiency

The Fullback Thermal Support System is ideal for home insulation in both new construction and home remodeling. Siding with Fullback inside can reduce energy bills. Installed behind the vinyl siding as an underlayment or adhered directly to the siding through a lamination process, Fullback provides an “R”-value of up to 5.0.

The Fullback system, because it is a contoured foam product, cannot be tested under the usual ASTM standards that only apply to flat foam “sheets.” Fullback has been tested using the “Guarded Hot Box” as outlined in ASTM C1363 specifications.

Impact Resistance and Durability

Fullback delivers exceptional durability. It fills out the profile of any siding, helping to maintain its original shape through everyday mishaps — and extremes of weather — and adding years to its life. In tests performed by an independent laboratory, panels insulated with the Fullback Thermal Support System can absorb impacts from 160 PSI to 340 PSI depending on the type of vinyl siding. The Fullback Thermal Support System increases the impact resistance of vinyl siding by more than 300%.

Water Vapor Permeability

Fullback discourages the development of mold and moisture condensation behind the wall. Fullback absorbs little water, and has a permeability rating of 5.0 perms per square inch. Material with a perm rating of more than 1 is not considered a vapor barrier, and therefore does not trap vapor behind the wall. Because contoured foam cannot be tested with the same set of specifications as with flat foam, Progressive Foam Technologies commissioned RADCO, a California-based testing facility, to conduct tests on the permeability of the contoured foam and found that Fullback had the highest perm rating compared to other molded and extruded foams.

Fire Retardancy

Fullback is treated with a fire retardant and will not support combustion. Extensive tests by independent laboratories confirm excellent performance when exterior walls containing Fullback are exposed to a radiant heat source. In addition, the thermal support system completely fills the hollow void that exists behind conventional and aluminum siding products. Since there are no air pockets, Fullback completely eliminates the “chimney effect” that can contribute to the flammability of other siding systems.

Repels Pests

Fullback even repels termites and carpenter ants with PreventolTM®, a patented additive made with a material that is safe for humans and pets.