Polyisocyanurate insulation is one of North America’s most popular commercial roof and wall insulations, offering contractors and building owners many benefits such as excellent R-Value ratings, energy efficiency ratings and fire performance ratings, as well as being compatible with various roofing membrane assemblies.
Carlisle SynTec offers InsulBase and SecurShield products which are “Red List Free,” meaning they don’t contain halogenated flame retardants – helping meet LEED(r) criteria for sustainable construction projects.
Superior R-Value
Foil-faced polyiso has one of the highest R-values per inch among rigid foam insulation products, helping builders meet energy codes while mitigating any energy loss caused by thermal bridging. This exceptional R-value helps builders meet energy codes while mitigating thermal bridging-related losses in energy loss.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that R-values per inch decrease with thickness; eight inches of high quality insulation will have a higher R-value than just one.
Polyiso is an ideal material for building walls as its installation process is quick and cost-efficient, offering many cladding options to enhance its weatherproof qualities. It makes your project weatherproof while adding aesthetic value.
Raw components used to manufacture polyiso are obtained through eco-friendly processes, while insulation manufacturers employ blowing agents with no ozone depleting potential and low global warming potential – these low impact blowing agents are then integrated into rigid insulation boards sandwiched between protective facer barriers for proper insulation performance.
Moisture Resistant
Polyiso insulation, made with liquid polyisocyanurate foam sandwiched between protective facers, offers superior water-resistance compared to other rigid foam insulation products. Closed cell foam offers greater moisture resistance versus open celled insulation such as expanded polystyrene (EPS).
Apart from its exceptional moisture resistant properties, insulation with facers on both sides also serves as a vapour barrier and can significantly decrease diffusion of water vapor into walls through diffusion processes. This feature is especially important in cavity walls which consist of two wythes separated by an aperture.
Atlas EnergyShield polyiso insulation offers superior R-values for sheathing and underlayment projects, making it an efficient roof insulation product with broad applications across many roofing systems. From built-up roofs (BUR), modified bitumen roofs, metal, ballasted single-plys, mechanically attached single-plies to wall and ceiling applications using wood plywood drywall sheathing materials; in some instances it may even serve as both continuous insulation and water resistant barriers (WRB), significantly reducing labor costs and construction times during sheathing or underlayment projects.
Air Barrier
Polyiso insulation when installed properly can serve both as an insulating layer and weather-resisting barrier (WRB), saving contractors the step of applying separate weatherproofing measures and cutting labor costs. Furthermore, its dual functionality enables better moisture control and energy efficiency – helping meet code requirements and lower utility bills simultaneously.
As continuous closed-cell rigid foam plastic insulation, polyiso board insulation uses gas-filled cells pressed together tightly that prevent air and moisture from entering its boards, producing superior R-value compared to products such as EPS or XPS rigid foam insulation products.
Polyiso insulation is created using liquid raw materials applied between engineered facings in a continuous lamination process, providing strength, rigidity and thermal performance improvements. Many facers used are recycled material or contain no ozone-depletion potential; as a result of this manufacturing method, its product can provide R-values up to 6.5 per inch and provide exceptional resistance against water ingress.
Fire Resistant
Polyiso insulation stands out as one of the most fire resistant products available to North Americans, thanks to its surface char which significantly enhances fire protection and stops flame spread. Furthermore, it outshone OSB and other foam plastic insulation types during fire tests – meeting stringent wall application (Types I-IV) requirements with ease.
Polyiso is produced using an eco-friendly manufacturing process, making it more eco-friendly than most rigid foam insulation options. Atlas’ EnergyShield and ACFoam lines use third generation blowing agents with no ozone depletion potential and negligible global warming potential.
When storing polyiso insulation, make sure it is covered or tarped to avoid moisture damage and keep any loose boards weighted down to keep it from moving around too easily. Be mindful of its ability to absorb water; be mindful of manufacturer recommendations; adhere to local code requirements when indoor storage occurs and discard temporary packaging as soon as possible.