How Does Thermal Performance of Metal Walls Compare to Drywall?

By themselves, aluminum panels exhibit low R-values compared to gypsum board, but when combined with thermal breaks and cavity insulation, they form high-performance wall assemblies. Aluminum’s thermal conductivity can be a disadvantage without proper thermal separation; however, modern wall systems use polyamide or fiberglass thermal struts between panels and mounting rails to interrupt heat transfer. Behind the panels, rigid foam, mineral wool, or spray foam insulation provides the primary R-value, achieving U-factors comparable to or better than insulated drywall systems.

Additionally, aluminum’s high emissivity surfaces reflect radiant heat, aiding in passive cooling strategies when external facades are exposed to sunlight. Interior metal walls can integrate phase-change materials or radiant barrier layers to further moderate temperature swings. While drywall with cavity insulation offers predictable R-values, aluminum wall systems deliver thinner assembly depths with equivalent or superior thermal performance—freeing interior space and reducing energy loads when properly engineered with continuous insulation and thermal breaks.