How does ACP cladding’s thermal performance stack up against concrete panels?

Aluminum composite panel (ACP) cladding delivers competitive thermal performance compared to heavy concrete panels, offering advantages in insulated facade and ceiling designs. ACP systems are typically installed over continuous insulation layers—such as rigid mineral wool or PIR boards—creating a ventilated cavity that reduces thermal bridging. The aluminum skins themselves have high conductivity but minimal thickness, so the majority of thermal resistance comes from the insulated backing. In contrast, precast concrete panels rely on their mass for thermal inertia. While concrete can moderate temperature swings, it conducts heat more readily, requiring thicker and more expensive insulation layers to achieve equivalent U-values. Additionally, ACP’s lightweight nature allows faster installation and tighter tolerances for insulation continuity. The ventilated rain-screen effect behind ACP also promotes moisture evaporation and convective cooling in summer, reducing heat gain. For aluminum ceiling applications, ACP’s ability to integrate acoustic and thermal insulation in a single lightweight panel simplifies installation and reduces suspended ceiling loads. Overall, ACP combined with proper insulation outperforms concrete panels in achieving targeted energy-efficiency standards, while enabling thinner wall assemblies and flexible design aesthetics.