The paper presents calculations of thermoelastic parameters of layered composite structure (substrate + adhesive) using the contact layer method. The corresponding mathematical model (taking into account the presence of a contact layer) has been used to study properties of a layered rod subjected to heating. Temperature dependences of Young's modulus, CLTE and thermal stresses for layered, built-up and polymeric specimens were obtained and analyzed. A comparison of the calculation data on the effective properties of objects under investigation obtained by the classical formulae and by the contact layer method was made. The importance of taking into account the contact layer presence and its parameters in the study of thermoelastic characteristics of layered structures was proved.