What is a PIR board and what are its benefits? The PIR board is a great material for many reasons. It offers durability, can be used to build with fire resistance, and is easy to cut and shape. It can also be easily stacked or trimmed to size. This type of insulation is recommended for use in high-rise buildings because of its fire-resistant properties. Depending on the thickness you need, a PIR board can be as thick as 12 inches.
Polyisocyanurate
The production of rigid PIR insulation products involves the use of excess MDI component that reacts with an appropriate catalyst to form isocyanurate. This type of foam exhibits excellent heat stability. Fire performance is enhanced with reduced combustibility and higher working temperatures. These products meet the most stringent fire performance requirements. In addition, polyisocyanurate (PIR) is one of the world’s most versatile synthetic materials with a diverse range of applications.
To test the performance of the material, the researchers conducted hygrothermal characterization at BCIT’s Building Science Centre of Excellence. They measured various thermal and hygrothermal properties of the PIR material, including its density, hygrothermal conductivity, heat capacity, sorption isotherm, vapor permeability, water absorption coefficient, and porosity. The results from these tests are compared with those of different facer materials.
Due to its superior thermal properties, PIR boards are often used as wall sheathing materials in residential and masonry cavity wall construction. This type of PIR board can also be made with no facer or with a vapor-open facer. In addition to superior thermal performance, PIR insulation can contribute to high-performance building construction practices. The thermal resistance of Polyisocyanurate (PIR) boards is one of the most important factors in energy savings and comfort.
Ecotherm’s Eco-Versal PIR Rigid Insulation Board is a 5-in-1 thermally efficient solution. This board is ideal for a wide range of applications. Its rigid polyisocyanurate foam core and multi-layer aluminium complex make it easy to install. Eco-Cavity Wall Insulation boards are 1200 x 450mm in size and can be installed with wall ties or clipping methods.
Polyurethane
In the present study, we investigated thermal conductivity of polyurethane PIR boards with aluminum foil facings. This type of PIR board is more heat conductive than polyurethane. In this way, it decreases the thermal conductivity and results in decreased measurement accuracy. The aluminum foil facing was also used in another experiment. Nevertheless, the result was similar to those of the other two. Figure 7 summarizes the results.
The production of PIR requires an excess MDI component, which reacts with an appropriate catalyst to form an isocyanate. The result is a material with exceptional heat stability. Rigid PIR insulation products are able to meet the highest fire performance requirements. In addition, polyurethane is one of the world’s most promising synthetic materials. Moreover, its versatility extends beyond building insulation. Here are some of its benefits:
Polyurethane PIR board is a lightweight material with excellent thermal resistance. It is composed of polyol and isocyanate that are linked together in a ring-like structure. The high degree of linkage makes PIR board stable even at high temperatures. Moreover, the material is recyclable. Compared to polyurethane, PIR foam has higher chemical and thermal stability. Polyurethane degrades at about 110 degrees Celsius while isocyanate degrades at 200 degrees.
In addition, the density of PIR and PUR cores is more appropriate for extreme cold or humid climates. The PIR board has a higher density than PUR core. This makes it more suitable for high-performance construction. The R-value and U-value of PUR and polyisocyanate are inversely related. These properties make PIR panels suitable for insulation purposes. So, choose wisely!
Polyurethane foam
There are several applications of polyurethanes. They are used in rubber and elastomeric flooring, car seats, bumpers, and interior “headline” ceiling sections. They are also used in structural sheathing and flooring, as well as in beams and joists for construction and engineering. Various types of polyurethane binders can bond diverse fibers and particles together.
In general, PIR insulation offers better resistance to heat and cold. Its thermal conductivity is 0.023 W/mK (0.163 BTU/ft2°F). It can be found in many products, including rigid thermal insulation, duct, and insulated board. It can also be used in prefabricated sandwich panels, which feature corrosion-resistant steel facings. They are also widely used in roofing applications and vertical walls.
The production process of PIRs uses excess MDI component in the form of isocyanurate, which has good heat stability. The result is a rigid PIR insulation product with excellent fire performance. Its high-temperature limits and reduced combustibility make it ideal for even the most demanding fire-performance requirements. Polyurethane is considered one of the world’s most promising synthetic materials and has many applications.
The name PIR stands for polyisocyanurate-modified polyurethane, and this is its full technical name. Despite the similarity, it’s still a difference of great importance. While many people mistake PIR for regular polyurethane foam, it is actually made from a different material. It is also less expensive than other materials and is ideal for flooded areas. However, it’s best to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and use the product according to the guidelines.
When it comes to the environmental benefits of polyurethane foam, it’s important to note that the material is CFC-free. As well as being environmentally friendly, polyurethane foam is also extremely tough and has a density of six pounds per cubic foot. In addition to this, it exhibits high strength-to-weight ratios and is resistant to water absorption. Even when wet, polyurethane foam will not split, preventing damage to structural integrity.
Polyurethane board
A Polyurethane board is a versatile material for a wide variety of interior decoration applications. Its high waterproofing contribution, thermal enclosure insulation, and sealing capacity makes it the ideal choice for non-trafficable roofs. Because it is a lightweight material, it also possesses high-performance insulation and moisture control. Polyurethane boards also offer a long lifespan, making them a wise choice for a wide range of building applications.
One major drawback of polyurethane foam sheets is their environmental impact. The petrochemicals used in their production are ozone-depleting and highly toxic. Hence, the people who work with this material should be protected with a full-body suit, respiratory mask, and gloves. Unlike polyurethane foam boards, they can be easily handled and are safe for the surroundings. However, dust particles may remain airborne and could harm people and pets.
Precision Board Plus (Light Density) Urethane is an excellent choice for tooling and other applications. The material is available in a variety of standard sheet sizes and densities. In addition, it can be cut into various shapes. Another example of a rigid Polyurethane product is Precision Board Plus High Density Urethane (PBLT), which is a closed-cell polyurethane product. It can be sliced into many shapes, including ovals, squares, and other shaped pieces.
Another application for Polyurethane board is lining equipment enclosures. Most commonly, it lines the ceilings and walls of mechanical rooms. Its acoustic properties make it an ideal material for absorbing noise and vibration from moving parts. The board is also pressure-sensitive adhesive-backed, which makes it easy to install overhead and in awkward spaces. So, whether you want to line the ceiling or walls of a mechanical room, Polyurethane board is the right material for the job.
Cost of PIR board
Due to the high demand for PIR insulation materials, there has been a shortage in supply. Prices of the pivotal material have skyrocketed. With limited supply, the construction industry hasn’t had enough time to recover from this increase. Unfortunately, small and medium sized builders have suffered the most. The big corporations have little reason to worry about PIR prices. With enough funding, they can afford to make sure that the insulation costs are low and affordable.
In residential applications, PIR boards have a high thermal performance, typically achieving a u-value of 0.022 W/mK. PIR board is used in concrete floor and suspended timber floors and can be cut to size. While this product is more expensive than traditional insulation, it meets UK Building Regulations and is included in the UK government’s Best Practice Guide to Retrofit Suspended Timber Floors.
The cost of PIR thermal insulation board varies by its type. EPS boards are the least expensive, costing between PS5 and PS15 per square metre. PIR boards are more expensive but are still close to phenolic boards when it comes to r-value. However, they require a thicker board for the same r-value. Moreover, these boards are often installed in stud work and floors.
PIR boards are made with precision milled edges. These edges are designed to improve thermal insulation and facilitate insulation assembly. PIR boards are suitable for attics, terraces, walls, ceilings, foundations, floors, and more. However, the cost can vary considerably by location and time. Therefore, it’s important to contact qualified vendors for an accurate assessment of the cost. The cost of installation can increase substantially if the project requires multiple levels.