What is a concrete-faced continuous insulation panel?

A concrete-faced continuous insulation panel (CI panel) is a composite building product consisting of an insulation core — typically EPS, XPS, Mineral Wool, Hemp Fibre, or ISO — bonded to a concrete face. It provides uninterrupted thermal resistance across the building envelope with no thermal bridging at structural members, meeting ASHRAE 90.1 and IECC continuous insulation requirements.

What makes ThermoShield different from other CI panels?

ThermoShield uses a proprietary SynStone GFRC/UHPC (Glass Fibre Reinforced Ultra-High Performance Concrete) face instead of the standard latex-modified Portland cement used by other CI panels. SynStone eliminates cracking and efflorescence, provides superior impact resistance, is non-combustible, and is available in multiple architectural textures. ThermoShield also offers five insulation core options — EPS, XPS, Mineral Wool, Hemp Fibre, and ISO — compared to the XPS-only offering of most competitors.

What is continuous insulation (CI)?

Continuous insulation (CI) is insulation that is uninterrupted across all structural members without thermal bridges other than fasteners and service openings. CI is required by ASHRAE 90.1 and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for commercial buildings to meet energy performance targets. Concrete-faced CI panels like ThermoShield PerimeterShield™ and RoofShield™ provide CI in a single, durable, self-protecting assembly.

What is a Protected Membrane Roof (PMR)?

A Protected Membrane Roof (PMR), also called an inverted or upside-down roof, places the insulation above the waterproofing membrane rather than below it. This protects the membrane from UV radiation, thermal cycling, and mechanical damage, significantly extending membrane life. ThermoShield RoofShield™ CI panels are designed specifically for PMR assemblies, serving as both continuous insulation and ballast.

Home/SynStone Technology

The Core Differentiator

SynStone Technology

The proprietary GFRC/UHPC concrete face that makes ThermoShield the highest-performance continuous insulation panel on the market.

What is SynStone?

Not Latex Concrete. GFRC/UHPC.

SynStone is a proprietary Glass Fibre Reinforced Ultra-High Performance Concrete (GFRC/UHPC) technology developed and commercialized since 1985. It is the concrete face that makes ThermoShield a true premium continuous insulation panel — fundamentally different from the standard latex-modified concrete found on other CI products in the market.

Standard latex-modified concrete is essentially Portland cement with a latex polymer additive — it improves adhesion and flexibility somewhat, but it remains a brittle cementitious material prone to hairline cracking and efflorescence. These are failure modes that a high-performance continuous insulation panel simply cannot afford, and industry warranties acknowledge this.

SynStone GFRC/UHPC incorporates alkali-resistant glass fibres throughout the concrete matrix, combined with a UHPC binder system. The result is a concrete face with extraordinary flexural strength, crack resistance, and impact resistance — while remaining non-combustible.

Glass fibre reinforcement throughout the matrix — not just on the surface

UHPC binder system — far higher density and strength than standard Portland cement mixes

Proprietary latex modification for superior adhesion and flexibility

Non-combustible — meets the most stringent fire codes

Can be drilled or nailed within 1/4" of the panel edge without cracking

UV-stable pigments — color does not fade or chalk

Manufactured since 1985 — over 40 years of proven performance

Available in multiple architectural textures and custom finishes

Proven Since 1985

SynStone technology has been in commercial production for over 40 years, with thousands of projects across North America demonstrating long-term performance that standard latex-modified concrete products cannot match.

SynStone vs. Standard Latex-Modified Concrete — The CI Face That Makes the Difference

Property	SynStone GFRC/UHPC	Standard Latex-Modified Concrete
Compressive Strength	Ultra-high — UHPC class	Standard — moderate
Flexural Strength	Exceptional — fiber reinforced	Low — brittle
Cracking	Eliminated by fiber matrix	Hairline cracking admitted
Efflorescence	Eliminated	Admitted in warranty
Impact Resistance	Drill/nail within 1/4" of edge	Slight indentation (FM 4470)
Fire Performance	Non-combustible	Not rated
UV Stability	Excellent — color-stable	Moderate — may fade
Freeze-Thaw Resistance	Superior — exceeds 750 cycles	750 cycles (ASTM C 666 B)
Water Absorption	Extremely low	<0.1% by volume (max.)
Aesthetic Options	Multiple textures & finishes	Gray (paintable) or 6 colors

Aesthetic Range

Multiple Textures & Finishes

SynStone is not limited to gray concrete. Choose from a range of architectural textures and custom finishes to match your design intent — something no competitor can offer.

Smooth

Clean architectural finish for contemporary applications

Exposed Aggregate

Natural stone appearance with embedded aggregate

Slate

Distinctive layered stone texture

Stucco

Traditional textured render appearance

Travertine

Elegant natural stone aesthetic

Brick

Classic masonry appearance without the weight

Wood Grain

Warm timber aesthetic with concrete durability

Custom

Bespoke textures and finishes available on request

Experience SynStone Technology First-Hand

Request a sample panel to see and feel the difference between SynStone GFRC/UHPC and standard latex-modified concrete.

Request a Sample Technical Data