Commercial building owners know energy costs are high— the number of zombie buildings is growing and for many the silent killer – outdated insulation is draining their bottom line. and many don’t even realize there is a solution

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, nearly 30% of the energy used in commercial buildings is wasted due to inefficiencies in lighting, HVAC systems, and building envelopes. Of that, poorly insulated walls and roofs are among the top contributors. And while modern energy codes demand higher standards, many buildings—especially those built before 2000—are still insulated with thick, bulky materials that underperform in today’s climate and regulatory environment.

The bottom line is no amount of data tech is going to resolve a bad building!

It’s Not Just a Climate Problem – It’s a Cost Problem – It’s a performance problem.

Poor insulation creates year-round HVAC strain, higher maintenance costs, and constantly rising utility bills. And the problem compounds over time:

• Cooling loads rise in summer, heating loads spike in winter
• Tenants and employees experience discomfort
• ESG benchmarks become harder to meet
• You have to add seasonal machinery rentals to reinforce existing mechanicals

Your building’s asset value begins to suffer

A Retrofit That Pays for Itself

This is where ThermaGel’s ForticoPro and ForticoX panels come in. Unlike traditional materials that require several inches to achieve modest performance, ForticoPro delivers R18 thermal resistance at just 1 inch of thickness—and scales up to R54 at 3inches, with our ForticoX fireproof VIPs delivering R54 at just 3.5 inches thick – particularly useful for roof/ceiling use.

Upgrading your insulation system doesn’t have to mean gutting your building or losing usable space. ForticoPro is designed to install over existing surfaces, enabling quick retrofits with minimal disruption. The material can be  conformed to retrofit in both interior and exterior situations and can be finished in a number of ways. That’s especially important for warehouse operators, hospitals, and schools where downtime is costly.

Plus, with energy prices projected to increase steadily through 2030, every BTU you keep inside translates directly into operational savings. When calculated over a 30-year panel life, the economics are hard to ignore.

The ThermaGel Difference:

• High R-Value in Minimal Thickness: Less material, more performance.
• Fire, Mold, and Moisture Resistant: Reduce risk and long-term maintenance.
• Space-Saving: Preserve square footage, expand functionality.
• Durable for Decades: No crumbling, sagging, or rot.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to wait for new construction or building code mandates to make a smart move. If your insulation is 15+ years old, your building could be losing up to a third of its conditioned air through inefficient walls and ceilings.

ThermaGel’s advanced materials make high-performance retrofits not just possible—but profitable. Let’s talk about how we can help you start saving energy and money today.

👉 Contact Us to explore a retrofit solution that delivers true R-value and long-term value.

Sources:
1. U.S. Department of Energy, “Buildings Energy Data Book,” 2023.
2. Energy Information Administration (EIA), “Annual Energy Outlook,” 2024.