Product Testing Confirms Benefits of Fullback^®

Tech & Testing

For more than 16 years, we have focused on innovating, designing and testing the Fullback Thermal Support System. This patented, contoured foam system, accepted by all major vinyl manufacturers, represents the “next generation” in premium insulated vinyl siding technology. It is now poised to become the industry standard for those who demand superior product quality and performance.

Standards & Codes

ASTM International Home Page ASTM Standard for Rigid Foam Plastic Insulation ASTM Standard for Vinyl Siding with Foam Backing: ASTM International is one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world-a trusted source for technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services. Progressive Foam Technologies is an active participant in the development of standards for plastic building materials. We are currently partnering with the Vinyl Siding Institute in the development of ASTM standards for Backed Vinyl Siding as well as Insulated Siding.

Energy Efficiency

Summary: The Fullback^® Thermal Support System exceeds the highest standards and specifications of ASTM International and other standards organizations. Learn more about our engineering, manufacturing process and specific standards testing.
“R”-value: In the 1970s, the Federal Trade Commission helped create the “R”-value Rule, an objective method for reporting the performance of residential insulation materials. Learn more, and discover how the Fullback^® Thermal Support System provides the long-term efficiency now demanded by the construction industry.
ENERGY STAR^®: Progressive Foam, maker of Fullback^®, is a full partner in the EPA’s ENERGY STAR^® program, designed to teach people how home insulation is kinder to the environment and to consumer pocketbooks.

Moisture Properties

Water Absorption: Fullback exceeds ASTM standards testing for superb performance under wet conditions.
Wind-Driven Rain Resistance: ATI tested the performance of the Fullback^® Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) in wind-driven rain to determine how much moisture might penetrate the wall system. Fullback inhibits moisture retention!
Water Vapor Permeability: The average home produces six buckets of water vapor a day. The Fullback^® Thermal Support System produced by Progressive has a perm rating of 5.0 perms per inch. It clearly is not a vapor barrier and will not trap harmful water vapor in your walls.
Moisture Absorption Comparison: Architectural Testing, Inc. (ATI) compared the moisture absorption of a composite wall system clad with Fullback^® to that of an identical system clad with hollow-backed vinyl siding. Tests show that the Fullback composite did not appear to absorb or retain moisture!
Weather Resistant Barrier: Fullback is the most breathable foam insulation on the market and is also highly resistant to water absorption. Fullback is not, however, a weather resistant barrier.
Dew Point and Condensation: A dew point is the temperature at which water vapor in the air condenses. To prevent moisture from moving through the wall, Fullback^® has a perm rating of 5.0 (a rating lower than 1.0 is considered a vapor barrier).

Physical Properties

Impact Resistance: The Vinyl Siding Institute's product certification program administrator tests panels to ensure that they absorb an impact of 60 PSI without rupturing the vinyl. Panels insulated with the Fullback^® Thermal Support System absorb impacts from 160 PSI to 340 PSI!
Thermal Expansion & Contraction: Fullback^® expands and contracts with the siding and is extremely compatible with vinyl siding due to their nearly identical coefficients of expansion and contraction.
Building Codes (ASTM): The Fullback^® Thermal Support System currently meets or exceeds all of the specifications and requirements set forth by the various model building codes. Learn more about our new approvals and specific standard.

General

Burning Characteristics: Extensive tests by independent laboratories confirm excellent performance when exterior walls containing Fullback^® are exposed to a radiant heat source (as from a nearby burning building) and from open flame.
Toxicity: Fullback^® does not produce toxicity as a result of combustion. Fullback products are biologically inert and are not toxic either by contact or ingestion.
Material Safety Data Sheet: This Material Safety Data Sheet is to familiarize you with EPS and aid in the establishment of material handling and employee safety procedures.
Fullback & the Environment: Progressive is channeling 100% of our Fullback^® off-fall or waste from our manufacturing processes to some form of recycling. Learn more here about our product and the environment.
Proven Performance: 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.