What Is The Difference Between PIR and Phenolic Insulation?

Phenolic foam is often confused with PIR insulation due to the fact that these two materials share a lot of similarities.Both PIR and phenolic are rigid thermoset foams that function as insulating cores between two facings. The main difference between them is the materials and the manufacturing process.PIR foam is made from isocyanate and polyol. PIR insulation boards are manufactured in much the same way as Kingspan Kooltherm insulation. The main difference is that PIR insulation has to be cured for much longer than phenolic insulation. Whereas phenolic boards are cured before they are packed, manufacturers cure PIR boards after they have already been packed. The boards cure in a temperature-controlled environment for one day per each 25mm of thickness. Whilst PIR has good thermal insulating properties, phenolic excels in thermal performance, reaching lows of 0.018 W/mK compared to the 0.022 W/mK of PIR. Despite the many rigid thermoset insulation materials on the market, you will not find a lower thermal resistance figure than phenolic insulation. Both phenolic and PIR foam have combustible properties. However, they do deliver excellent protection against moisture and are ideal for areas with high rainfalls. Rot or fungi growth won't be an issue when you invest in phenolic insulation.

Are Kingspan Phenolic Insulation Boards Flammable?

When fire touches phenolic foam insulation it undergoes thermal decomposition, which is called pyrolysis. There are two byproducts of pyrolysis: the first is pyrolysis gas and the second is a black char on the surface of the board. Pyrolysis gases are hot and combustible, meaning that phenolic insulation is not entirely anti-flammable. The fire resistance of insulation boards is measured against the Euroclass rating. Insulation materials undergo up to five different tests and get a rating that ranges from A (non-combustible) to F (very combustible). There are lots of Kingspan Kooltherm boards to choose from, which means that there are a few different ratings to consider when meeting thermal performance targets and building regulations. Most Kooltherm boards have a rating of C on the Euroclass scale, meaning that they are classed as combustible materials with limited contribution to fire.

How Is Rigid Phenolic Insulation Made?

To make phenolic insulation boards, Kingspan applies a layer of wet phenolic directly onto a facing. The plastic foam forms an insulating core and expands to meet the top layer, achieving the desired thickness. When phenolic dries, it becomes tacky. It adheres to the top and bottom facings to create thin sheet material. Kingspan cooks the resulting board under immense heat, then cures it in a second oven. Cooked and cured phenolic is a distinct pink colour, which is distinguishable from yellow PIR foam. The boards have very low thermal conductivity and provide the best thermal protection that you can buy. They can also withstand continuous temperatures of up to 120 degrees C, making them the ideal choice for high specification projects.

What Is A Cavity Closer?

A cavity closer is a vital component that maintains continuous insulation in modern construction, designed to close the gap or cavity found in a wall structure, specifically around window and door openings. These cavities are common in cavity wall construction, where there are usually two parallel walls with a gap or "cavity" between them.

Kingspan Kooltherm | Phenolic Foam Insulation Board

150mm Kingspan Kooltherm K103 Floor Insulation Board 2400mm x 1200mm (2/Pack)

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Kingspan Kooltherm Phenolic Insulation Board

150mm Kingspan Kooltherm K103 Floor Insulation Board 2400mm x 1200mm (2/Pack)

60mm Kingspan Kooltherm K107 Pitched Roof Insulation Board 2400mm x 1200mm (5/Pack)

90mm Kingspan Kooltherm K103 Floor Insulation Board 2400mm x 1200mm (3/Pack)

70mm Kingspan Kooltherm K103 Floor Insulation Board 2400mm x 1200mm (4/Pack)

60mm Kingspan Kooltherm K5 External Wall Insulation Board 1200mm x 600mm (5.76m2/Pack)

70mm Kingspan Kooltherm K112 Framing Insulation Board 2400mm x 1200mm (4/Pack)

25mm Kingspan Kooltherm K103 Floor Insulation Board 2400mm x 1200mm (12/Pack)

115mm Kingspan Kooltherm K106 Cavity Insulation Board 1200mm x 450mm (2.16m2/Pack)

40mm Kingspan Kooltherm K103 Floor Insulation Board 2400mm x 1200mm (8/Pack)

60mm Kingspan Kooltherm K108 Cavity Insulation Board 1200mm x 450mm (4.32m2/Pack)

60mm Kingspan Kooltherm K112 Framing Insulation Board 2400mm x 1200mm (5/Pack)

120mm Kingspan Kooltherm K103 Floor Insulation Board 2400mm x 1200mm (2/Pack)

140mm Kingspan Kooltherm K103 Floor Insulation Board 2400mm x 1200mm (2/Pack)

80mm Kingspan Kooltherm K112 Framing Insulation Board 2400mm x 1200mm (4/Pack)

75mm Kingspan Kooltherm K110 Soffit Insulation Board 2400mm x 1200mm (4/Pack)

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