What are the benefits of PIR insulation? Unlike PUR, it is a low-moisture barrier that is also more affordable. It is also impermeable or semi-permeable, so it has a higher R-value than PUR. Let’s take a closer look at this type of insulation. We’ll also discuss why it’s more effective at blocking cold spots. This article will provide you with an overview of PIR’s benefits over PUR.
PIR insulation is a low-moisture barrier
In this study, PIR insulation was characterized based on its hygrothermal properties. Its hygrothermal properties were studied for various facer materials and thicknesses in varying climates and scenarios. PIR insulation outperformed XPS and fiberglass-faced PIR in terms of hygrothermal performance. The study also examined the moisture barrier properties of PIR board.
The study used an extreme case model, where 0.5% of rain is infiltrated into the building envelope, to test the effectiveness of PIR exterior insulation. For most wall systems, moisture control performance failed due to high moisture accumulation in the sheathing board. For these reasons, many building codes require the application of a vapor barrier for the exterior. PIR exterior insulation can serve as a vapor barrier and be combined with exterior insulation to provide effective moisture control.
The hygrothermal properties of PIR boards are studied using a LaserComp Fox heat flow meter manufactured by TA instruments. The hygrothermal properties are determined by subtracting the water vapor resistance of the PIR core from the facer’s average value. This measurement is used to determine the volumetric heat capacity and specific heat capacity of PIR. The results of this study are summarized in Table 3.
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation is another material commonly used in the building industry. Its R-value is higher than that of cellular glass. It is also resistant to fire and smoke. However, it does not have the same compressive strength as cellular glass, which can make it more difficult to manufacture. For these reasons, most PIR has lower compressive strength than cellular glass.
Compared to a traditional insulation board, PIR can provide superior thermal performance and lower overall structure thickness. In addition, it can be produced with a vapor-open facer material. It can also contribute to energy efficiency by reducing the structure’s thickness. Whether you’re building a house or a commercial building, PIR insulation can contribute to a high-performance building construction practice.
It is cheaper than PUR
When it comes to insulating panels, PIR and polyurethane are similar in their composition, but the difference in performance is in the core material. Both are high-performance materials that are environmentally friendly and recyclable. PIR foams are made from polyol and iso. The OH groups in the polyol part balance out the NCO groups in the iso component. PIR foams are made from a process called trimerization.
While both products offer good fire resistance and are cost-effective, PIR has some advantages. First, it’s cheaper. Unlike PUR, PIR’s cost per square foot is lower. The latter has a slightly higher R-value than PIR, which helps prevent it from settling into the walls and ceilings. Also, PIR is self-extinguishing, which means that it doesn’t burn or release toxic gasses. PIR is generally used in process industries and LNG plants, where the temperature ranges are extremely low. Because of this, it’s cheap and environmentally friendly. PIR pipe trays are also available from Kingspan, which is a leading supplier.
Another important consideration is climate. Depending on where you live, PIR insulation may be more effective for colder climates than PUR. It’s important to consider your climate when evaluating a particular type of insulation. In regions that experience humid, tropical climates, thermal insulation is more important than air-conditioning. This is because PIR insulation has a much thicker core than PUR core, which would increase your operating costs.
PIR is also a cheaper choice when it comes to insulation. While it’s true that PUR is better in some conditions, it’s far from perfect. Its R-value is only R6-6.5 per inch, and its strength-to-weight ratio is excellent. The thickness and weight of PIR boards is sufficient for energy-efficient constructions. Moreover, it’s durable and can be used to line internal brick walls.
A disadvantage to PIR is that it’s less efficient than PUR. It’s harder to work with, and its thermal insulating capacity is lower. However, it’s easier to install than PUR. It also lasts longer than PUR, and is cheaper in many cases. In the long run, you’ll save money by using PIR insulation. The main difference between PIR and PUR is the price.
It is impermeable or semi-permeable
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) is a new type of polyurethane insulation that builds on the benefits of PUR insulation. It is generally cut into boards, and can be used in wall cavities, insulated metal panels, or even insulated plasterboard. It has excellent fire and smoke resistance, and requires less thickness than other mineral-based insulation products. Kingspan’s QuadCore Technology outperforms PIR in certain applications, and it is also available in a vapor-proof version.
In this study, hygrothermal material properties of three types of PIR are investigated. These properties include density, thermal conductivity, sorption isotherm, water absorption coefficient, and vapor permeability. The next sections will discuss the experimental test, simulation setup, and results. Using the LaserComp Fox heat flow meter, we can measure the heat capacity and density of three types of PIR.
Using PIR on exterior sheathing will reduce the moisture problems associated with a commercial flat roof. However, it creates the wrong vapor barrier, which is not desirable for preventing condensation. In addition, vinyl wallpaper and a poly-vapor barrier should be installed on the inside of the building. Those who disagree with Riversong’s conclusion may want to consider an alternative.
One type of PIR insulation is closed cell. This type of foam is composed of tiny air pockets piled together. These air pockets can be impermeable to water, but open cell foam has the advantage of being vapor-impermeable. Both types of PIR insulation are semi-permeable to water, but the difference between them is the thickness. The density of closed cell foam is more than double that of open cell foam.
Thermal Resistance is another consideration. It is a function of thermal conductivity and thickness. A lower SHC value indicates better insulation performance. High Thermal Resistance is expressed as the resistance per unit area (m2K/W), while a greater thickness indicates less thermal flow. The higher the thermal resistance, the less heat it can transfer. The same goes for high Specific Heat Capacity and thickness.
It has a higher R-value than PUR
The main difference between polyisocyanurate (PUR) and PIR insulation lies in the core material. While PUR is less expensive, the quality of the core material is often better, and therefore, has a higher R-value. Thermal resistance is also measured in terms of U-value, with the lower the U-value, the better the insulating capacity. But the R-value of PIR is not the only factor affecting the decision between these two insulations.
Despite the similarities, rigid polyisocyanurate thermal boards are more expensive than EPS SIPs. They both contain rigid polyurethane foam, but PIR thermal boards contain a higher percentage of blowing agent (Methylene diphenyl di-isocyanate). Both products are highly resistant to fire and moisture, and have excellent strength-to-weight ratios. However, PIR is more costly than PUR.
As mentioned, PIR insulation is more effective than PUR because of its better fire resistance. It is typically used for floor and wall insulation. Its low density, bonded to aluminium foil, provides a vapour barrier. PIR is also available with a glass tissue facing for external use. Its closed cell structure minimizes moisture absorption and is almost as effective as phenolic boards in thermal performance.
When choosing between EPS and PIR insulation, you need to consider the amount of heat transfer that each material will experience. The higher the R-value, the more insulation a building will have. PUR, on the other hand, is the more expensive of the two options. Although PIR has a higher initial R-value, it does degrade over time due to thermal drift. It also has lower fire resistance than EPS, and is not as effective in moisture-resistant insulation.
R-value is a useful measure of how well the insulation will protect against heat transfer. The higher the R-value, the more effective it is in preventing heat transfer. Hence, it is best to choose insulation that has a high R-value based on the temperature of the building. And if you have a cold climate, PIR is more effective than PUR when compared to PUR.