Largely manufactured from recycled glass (e.g. windscreens) and mineral base materials such as sand and without the use of binding agents. The ingredients are melted into molten glass, which is cooled and crushed into a fine powder. The powdered glass is poured into molds and heated (below the melting point) in a "sintering" process that causes the particles to adhere to one another. Next, a small amount of finely ground carbon-black is added and the material is heated in a "cellulation" process. Here, the carbon reacts with oxygen, creating carbon dioxide, which creates the insulating bubbles in the (material). CO2 accounts for more than 99% of the gas in the cellular spaces.
Cellulose insulation is a material made from recycled newspaper. The paper is shredded and inorganic salts, such as boric acid, are added for resistance to fire, mould, insects and vermin. The insulation is installed either blown or damp-sprayed depending on application.
Wood fibre
The success of wood fibre insulation derives from an attractive environmental profile combined with a whole bag of functions including rigid insulation, sheathing and sarking for timber frames, roofs and flooring as well as flexible insulation for studs and rafters.
Wood of course is renewable, it sequesters carbon during its growth and product production is relatively free from pollution. The insulation value of wood fibre boards is not as dimensionally efficient as some of the orthodox petro-chemical materials - but it's no slouch either - typically coming in with a 'k value' range of between 0.038-0.043 W/mK depending on format.
Hemp
Hemp fibres are produced from hemp straw of the hemp plant. Most hemp is imported, but an increasing amount of home-grown crop is becoming available. Hemp grows up to a height of nearly 4 metres within a period of 100-120 days. Because the plants shade the soil, no chemical protection or toxic additives are required for hemp cultivation. The product is composed of, usually, 85% hemp fibre with the ballance made up of polyester binding and 3-5% soda added for fire proofing.
Straw
Straw is an agricultural by-product, the dry stalks of cereal plants, after the grain and chaff have been removed. Straw makes up about half of the yield of cereal crops such asbarley, oats, rice, rye and wheat.
PIR floor insulation (Polyisocyanurate) called POLYISO is a thermoset plastic produced as a foam and used as rigid thermal insulation especially in floor applications. The term rigid insulation typically refers to the large pre-formed sheets of insulation which can be bought in 2400mm x 1200mm (8’ x 4’) size. Board insulation is created via a continuous foaming process that creates a tight cell structure and an inseparable bond between the foil and board. Rigid Insulation boards have a low thermal conductivity, which means less of the product is needed to achieve the desired thermal resistance and the tight-cell, rigid construction is designed for longevity. The insulation boards are also produced with a zero ozone depletion blowing agent. These boards are available in a wide variety of thicknesses from 12mm to 200mm, allowing you to achieve the desired level of insulation in the floor. Cutting of the boards is to be carried out using a fine toothed saw in a ventilated area. To find out on how to cut PIR floor boards click here. Thinner thicknesses of board can also be cut with a fine toothed saw. Alternatively thinner thicknesses can also be cut by scoring the boards with a sharp knife, snapping the board over a straight edge and then cutting the facing on the other side. PIR thermal board could be installed directly under the floorboards with no other materials required. The most important reason to use PIR rigid board for floors is its tightness, cutting and high thermal properties.The Lambda value of PIR is situated between 0.021 to 0.032 W/mK. This means that PIR offers superior insulation with the same thickness. In other words, the insulation layer is thinner and more efficient, leaving more available space. Moreover, boards are simply a better solution, enabling greater savings and better thermal insulation than standard polystyrene or mineral wool.
PIR FLOOR BOARD MANUFACTURING PROCESS
PIR insulation boards are made by reacting a liquid polyol with a liquid polymeric isocyanate known as MDI in the presence of a blowing agent and other additives. The mixed components then react exothermally to form a rigid thermosetting polymer. Since the blowing agent evaporates during this reaction a rigid closed cell low density insulation product is created. Excellent insulation performance is achieved because the gas trapped within the closed cell structure has a very low thermal conductivity and there is minimal heat conduction through the solid cell walls due to the low density. Approximately 97% of the volume of the foam is trapped gas. The manufacture of Polyisocyanurate Foam (PIR) insulation is a continuous lamination process onto facing materials. The facers top and bottom are tailored to match end use, foil faced and glass tissue are the most common.
MOST COMMON PIR BOARDS USED FOR FLOORS
PIR boards are one of the most popular forms of floor insulation available. Polyisocyanurate panels are a good solution to insulate floors, as they meet the insulation levels required by current building regulations, where the U-value of 0.25 W/m2K must be met. The most common recognised PIR brands are Celotex and its GA/TB/XR4000 range followed by Recticel and Unilin Thin-R. Also thermafloor TF70 boards made by Kingspan group, are used in UK constructions, however, they will likely be the most expensive of all the brand options. Rigid polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam insulation boards such as Celotex XR4000 and GA4000 are among the most thermally efficient and commonly available insulation materials on the market.
PIR INSTALLATION BETWEEN FLOOR JOISTS
Arguably the most popular floor solution, installing insulation between the floor joists uses the depth of the structural timbers to best effect. Using a thermally efficient material to get the maximum benefit from as much of the floor joist depth as possible means the under - floor insulation layer can be kept to a minimum, making installation easier. Adding another layer of insulation, either above or below the floor joists gives another key advantage – it reduces the effect of cold bridging through the timber joists. The level of thermal performance required then dictates the thickness of insulation required below the floor joists - usually anything from 80mm to 120mm of PIR foam. That can be a general application board Unilin XT/UF can be considered followed by a separate plasterboard. Alternatively, using a thermal laminate featuring rigid PIR insulation pre-bonded to a plasterboard such as Unilin XT/TL means fitting the insulation and ceiling lining in one operation, reducing storage, cutting and fixing.
Video credit:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDhhyS5r8QE
180mm IKO Enertherm ALU Universal PIR Insulation Board is a 100% CFC, HCFC and HFC-free, BBA approved rigid polyisocyanurate foam core insulation board clad on both sides with a multi-layer gas-tight aluminium foil.
PIR Insulation Board IKO Enertherm ALU 180mm is a multi-functional, lightweight 2..
120mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 2..
120mm Unilin XT/UF Thin-R Floor PIR Rigid Foam Insulation Board is used to insulate solid concrete, suspended ground floors and for use with underfloor heating systems.
XT/UF Underfloor Unilin PIR Board is a high performance insulation with a certified thermal conductivity of 0.022W/mK which help..
120mm Unilin PIR Polyisocyanurate Rigid Foam Insulation Board
Declared Lambda value of 0.022 W/mK (Thermal Conductivity)
120mm x 1200mm x 2400mm Foil Faced PIR Insulation Sheet
Reducing heat loss and saving money on future energy bills
120mm Unilin XT/PR Thin-R is lightweight, easy to install and combines high compressive strength with low thermal conductivity, providing a high performance solution for roof insulation.
XT/PR is a high performance foil faced insulation foam board with a certified thermal conductivity of 0.022W/m..
120mm Unilin PIR Polyisocyanurate Rigid Foam Insulation Board
Declared Lambda value of 0.022 W/mK (Thermal Conductivity)
120mm x 1200mm x 2400mm Foil Faced PIR Insulation Sheet
Reducing heat loss and saving money on future energy bills
120mm Wall Insulation Board XT/TF Unilin Thin-R PIR is a thermal foam insulation board used between studs or as an insulating sheathing material for steel & timber frame wall construction.
XT/TF Unilin PIR Board is a high performance foil faced rigid insulation foam with a certified thermal condu..
130mm Xtratherm Thin-R is a rigid foil faced polyisocyanurate (PIR) thermal foam insulation board designed for all types of small and large projects.
Thin-R Rigid Insulation Board (2400mm x 1200mm x 130mm) is a multi-application product designed for roofs, walls, floors, timber and steel framed s..
200mm IKO Enertherm ALU Universal PIR Rigid Insulation Board is a BBA approved rigid polyisocyanurate foam core insulation board clad on both sides with a multi-layer gas-tight aluminium foil that is used in construction industry.
IKO Enertherm ALU is a 200mm thick lightweight 2400mm x 1200mm PIR..
130mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 2..
130mm Unilin XT/TF Thin-R Wall Insulation Board (PIR) is a rigid thermal foam insulation board used in wall construction, designed to achieve Future Home and Passive House Standards.
XT/TF Unilin PIR Board is a high performance foil faced rigid insulation foam with a certified thermal conductivit..
130mm Unilin XT/UF Thin-R Floor Insulation Sheet is a polyisocyanurate (PIR) rigid foam board used to insulate solid concrete, suspended ground floors and for use with underfloor heating systems.
XT/UF Underfloor Unilin PIR Board is a high performance insulation with a certified thermal conductiv..
130mm Unilin PIR Polyisocyanurate Rigid Foam Insulation Board
Declared Lambda value of 0.022 W/mK (Thermal Conductivity)
130mm x 1200mm x 2400mm Foil Faced PIR Insulation Sheet
Reducing heat loss and saving money on future energy bills
140mm Xtratherm Thin-R is a rigid foil faced polyisocyanurate (PIR) thermal foam insulation board designed for all types of small and large projects.
Thin-R Rigid Insulation Board (2400mm x 1200mm x 140mm) is a multi-application product designed for roofs, walls, floors, timber and steel framed s..
130mm Unilin XT/PR is an insulation board with a rigid foam polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation core, faced on both sides with an aluminium foil used for under rafter or between and over joist applications.
XT/PR Thin-R is a high performance foil faced insulation foam board with a certified thermal..
130mm Unilin PIR Polyisocyanurate Rigid Foam Insulation Board
Declared Lambda value of 0.022 W/mK (Thermal Conductivity)
130mm x 1200mm x 2400mm Foil Faced PIR Insulation Sheet
Reducing heat loss and saving money on future energy bills
140mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 2..
140mm Unilin XT/PR Insulation Board is an easy to install roof board with high compressive strength and low thermal conductivity, providing a high performance solution for roof insulation.
XT/PR Thin-R is a high performance foil faced insulation foam board with a certified thermal conductivity of..
140mm Unilin PIR Polyisocyanurate Rigid Foam Insulation Board
Declared Lambda value of 0.022 W/mK (Thermal Conductivity)
140mm x 1200mm x 2400mm Foil Faced PIR Insulation Sheet
Reducing heat loss and saving money on future energy bills
140mm Unilin XT/TF Thin-R PIR Rigid Wall Board is a PIR (polyisocyanurate) rigid foam insulation board used in wall construction, designed to achieve Future Home and Passive House Standards.
XT/TF Unilin PIR Board is a high performance foil faced rigid insulation foam with a certified thermal con..
140mm Unilin XT/UF Thin-R is a rigid foam insulation board suitable for use below the screed, in block and beam floors, concrete slab floors or beneath concrete and for supporting floating floors.
XT/UF Underfloor Unilin PIR Board is a high performance insulation with a certified thermal conducti..
140mm Unilin PIR Polyisocyanurate Rigid Foam Insulation Board
Declared Lambda value of 0.022 W/mK (Thermal Conductivity)
140mm x 1200mm x 2400mm Foil Faced PIR Insulation Sheet
Reducing heat loss and saving money on future energy bills
150mm Xtratherm Thin-R is a rigid foil faced polyisocyanurate (PIR) thermal foam insulation board designed for all types of small and large projects.
Thin-R Rigid Insulation Board (2400mm x 1200mm x 150mm) is a multi-application product designed for roofs, walls, floors, timber and steel framed s..
150mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 2..
150mm Unilin XT/PR is a pitched roof insulation board with rigid PIR foam core sandwiched between low emissivity foil facings used for under rafter or between and over joist applications.
XT/PR Thin-R is a high performance foil faced insulation foam board with a certified thermal conductivity of ..
150mm Unilin PIR Polyisocyanurate Rigid Foam Insulation Board
Declared Lambda value of 0.022 W/mK (Thermal Conductivity)
150mm x 1200mm x 2400mm Foil Faced PIR Insulation Sheet
Reducing heat loss and saving money on future energy bills
150mm Unilin XT/TF Thermal Foam Insulation Board is comprising a rigid PIR core sandwiched between foil facings designed to achieve Future Home and Passive House Standards.
XT/TF Unilin PIR Board is a high performance foil faced rigid insulation foam with a certified thermal conductivity of 0.022..
150mm Unilin Thin-R XT/UF PIR Floor Board is a rigid foam insulation board used below the screed, in block and beam floors, concrete slab floors or beneath concrete and for supporting floating floors.
XT/UF Underfloor Unilin PIR Board is a high performance insulation with a certified thermal cond..
150mm Unilin PIR Polyisocyanurate Rigid Foam Insulation Board
Declared Lambda value of 0.022 W/mK (Thermal Conductivity)
150mm x 1200mm x 2400mm Foil Faced PIR Insulation Sheet
Reducing heat loss and saving money on future energy bills
165mm Xtratherm Thin-R is a rigid foil faced polyisocyanurate (PIR) thermal foam insulation board designed for all types of small and large projects.
Thin-R Rigid Insulation Board (2400mm x 1200mm x 165mm) is a multi-application product designed for roofs, walls, floors, timber and steel framed s..
160mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 2..
165mm Floor Board Unilin Thin-R XT/UF PIR Rigid Foam Insulation is used below the screed, in block and beam floors, concrete slab floors or beneath concrete and for supporting floating floors.
XT/UF Underfloor Unilin PIR Board is a high performance insulation with a certified thermal conductivity..
165mm Unilin PIR Polyisocyanurate Rigid Foam Insulation Board
Declared Lambda value of 0.022 W/mK (Thermal Conductivity)
165mm x 1200mm x 2400mm Foil Faced PIR Insulation Sheet
Reducing heat loss and saving money on future energy bills
165mm Unilin XT/PR is the thickest roof insulation board with rigid PIR foam core sandwiched between low emissivity foil facings used for under rafter or between and over joist applications.
XT/PR Thin-R is a high performance foil faced insulation foam board with a certified thermal conductivity ..
165mm Unilin PIR Polyisocyanurate Rigid Foam Insulation Board
Declared Lambda value of 0.022 W/mK (Thermal Conductivity)
165mm x 1200mm x 2400mm Foil Faced PIR Insulation Sheet
Reducing heat loss and saving money on future energy bills
165mm Unilin Thin-R XT/TF is the thickest wall insulation board with rigid PIR foam core sandwiched between aluminium foil facings used between studs or as an insulating sheathing material.
XT/TF Unilin PIR Board is a high performance foil faced rigid insulation foam with a certified thermal cond..
170mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 2..
180mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 2..
190mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 2..
200mm EcoTherm EcoVersal PIR Insulation Board 5 in 1 Solution is a universal multi-purpose fibre free rigid polyisocyanurate insulation core faced with an aluminium foil composite on both sides designed for insulating pitched roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and dormer cheeks.
Ecotherm Eco-Versal 2..