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Everything you need to know about Phenolic Insulation

What is

Phenolic insulation

?

Phenolic insulation is manufactured by a process in which a plastic foam forms an insulating core between two flexible tissue faced layers. It has a high closed cell content and fine cell structure. Rigid phenolic insulation is produced by mixing high solids and phenolic resin with a surface acting agent.

Is

Phenolic insulation

combustible?

The first indicative test looked at the behaviour of 25mm Xtratherm Safe-R SR Phenolic PIR, a phenolic, fibre-free rigid thermoset material, recognised as "combustible". The second test looked at the behaviour of a rock mineral fibre insulation with a density of 40kg/m3 + 100kg/m3, recognised as "non-combustible".

What is the difference between

PIR

and

Phenolic insulation

?

As with the PIR/PUR boards above, phenolic insulation boards also have a closed cell structure. Phenolic board has a slightly higher r-value (higher is better, unlike u-values) and a slightly thinner profile than PIR/PUR boards due to the manufacturing process.

How is

phenolic

made?

Phenolic sheet is a hard, dense material made by applying heat and pressure to layers of paper or glass cloth impregnated with synthetic resin. ... When heat and pressure are applied to the layers, a chemical reaction (polymerization) transforms the layers into a high-pressure thermosetting industrial laminated plastic.

What is

Xtratherm Safe-R

| Superior Performance

Phenolic Insulation

made of?

Xtratherm Safe-R is a superior performance phenolic insulation with a Euroclass B classification. It is faced with low emissivity foil facings on both sides and has a Lambda value as Low as 0.020 W/mK.

Partial Fill Cavity Wall SR/CW

Safe-R SR/CW Partial Fill cavity insulation for traditional masonry walls, achieves excellent U-Values whilst maintaining a residual cavity, offering protection from wind driven rain.

Product Features
Superior Performance Phenolic Insulation
Euroclass B -s1 d0 Fire Classification
Lower Lambda Values for improved U-Values
For New Build or Refurbishment
Fast Response Heating
BRE Green Guide A+ Rated

Key Facts

FIRE PERFORMANCE The fire performance of phenolic foam is exceptional. It combines zero or very low flame spread with negligible smoke emission and a very low level of toxic gas emission

ENVIRONMENT Phenolic foam has very low embodied energy per unit thermal performance compared to other insulation materials &#; Significant CO2 savings can be achieved compared to other insulation materials

MOISTURE RESISTANCE Phenolic foam has been used successfully in insulation systems where moisture resistance is a key issue. The reasons for this excellent performance are: &#; Phenolic foam has a low water vapour permeance and is therefore highly resistant to the passage of water vapour &#; Phenolic foam has low water absorption which takes place predominantly in the cut/broken surface cells of the foam

STRUCTURAL STRENGTH Phenolic foams have an excellent strength/density relationship being lightweight but strong. Higher density phenolic foams are typically used for: &#; Pipe supports &#; Duct supports &#; Steel faced composite panels (including walk-on ceilings

THERMAL PERFORMANCE Phenolic foams offer a range of thermal conductivity performance. The closed cell type offers the lowest thermal conductivity available from any insulation material resulting from: &#; Closed cell structure &#; Extremely small cell diameter &#; Low thermal conductivity gas permanently encapsulated in cells.

Conclusion

Phenolic foam is used in many building applications, typically continuously laminated phenolic board is used in roofing, cavity board, external wall board, plasterboard dry lining systems, wall insulation, floor insulation and as a sarking board.

The superior fire performance of phenolic foam is being recognised and this is leading to increased market share in these areas. Phenolic foam is used in factory engineered composite panels. These composite panels comprise of a high density structural phenolic foam core with steel facings both sides and an appropriate jointing system. These panels are used in a range of applications including food processing factories, cold stores, semi conductor clean rooms and hospitals. These panels are structurally sound and fit for purpose for use in walk-on ceilings.

The excellent fire performance provided by the phenolic foam core gives both good insulation and integrity performance in the 3m furnace fire resistance test. Phenolic foam is used in process/petrochemical applications for the insulation of pipework, tanks, vessels etc. Phenolic foam is also used in a number of highly specialised applications including fire doors, highly fire resistant panels and for insulation in surface ships, off-shore installations and submarines.

It is clear that phenolic foam is a very versatile material being suitable for a large range of applications where thermal performance, moisture resistance, fire performance and in certain cases structural strength are key performance criteria. Phenolic foam is the only material that can provide this unique range of benefits.

If you have questions about Phenolic Insulation systems please call us on ! You can also text us back in our live chat.

Please find all datasheets in PDF & BROCHURES section.

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A Complete Guide To Insulation Boards

Insulation boards are the best option for roof insulation, and insulating walls and floors. Some of the obvious benefits of using insulation boards include:

What Are The Benefits Of Insulation Boards?

Insulation boards are rigid boards or sheets made of gypsum or foamed polystyrene , polyiso, or polyurethane. Their closed-cell insulation works primarily to restrict heat loss in any given application.

Before going into the details, let's discuss insulation boards in general:

Different insulation boards also mean choices. Choices can be overwhelming, and that is why we have put together a brief guide on insulation boards for you.

There are several types of insulation boards available in the market today. From foamed insulation boards like PIR or polystyrene to plasterboards - standard, insulated or specialised - all used to protect your home from fire, heat loss or moisture.

How To Cut Insulation Boards?

Insulation boards can be cut to size using a sharp utility knife or a table saw. To cut insulation boards, you need to lay them flat on a surface and measure and mark the surface using a pencil or marker. Ensure that you have protective gear like masks and gloves on while cutting insulation boards.

Where Are Insulation Boards used?

Insulation boards can be used for:

Roof Insulation:

Board insulation can be used to insulate pitched and flat roofs. Insulation boards can be cut to size and used either under or above the roof rafters or between the ceiling joists (though loft insulation roll works better between ceiling joists since they can be easily rolled out). 

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Langfang Clear Chemical.

PIR insulation boards like Celotex GA or Xtratherm XT/PR and lightweight insulated plasterboards like Knauf XPS laminate work best for roof insulation applications.

Wall Insulation

Foam insulation boards, like PIR or polystyrene insulation, can be used to insulate walls. For stud wall insulation, PIR boards are an excellent choice. Alternatively, you can also use insulated plasterboards like Celotex PL or Knauf XPS thermal laminates for internal walls. Foam insulation boards, like Celotex CW, can be used for cavity wall insulation.   

Floor Insulation: 

Insulation boards like extruded polystyrene and expanded polystyrene are perfect for floor insulation. They have high compressive strength, making them ideal for underfloor insulation as well. At Buy Insulation Online, we also stock underfloor insulation boards or underfloor heating boards from leading brands like Cellecta, Prowarm, and Warmup.

Different Types Of Board Insulation:

Polyisocyanurate Insulation Boards

PIR insulation is the market-leading insulation board, simply because of its unmatched thermal efficiency. The closed-cell nature of PIR boards allows a low thermal conductivity of 0.022 W/mK, which ensures that the heat stays indoors, no matter the application.

PIR or Polyisocyanurate insulation boards are generally about 2.4m long and about 1 2m wide. They are available in different thicknesses ranging from 25mm to 200mm. 

These insulation boards offer high thermal performance per inch thickness. Additionally, they have low-emissivity foil facings that reflect radiant heat. The foil-facings also serve as a moisture barrier that protects these foam boards and their application against moisture ingress.

PIR insulation is dimensionally stable, long-lasting, and durable. Additionally, they are environmentally friendly, with zero ozone depletion potential, and low global warming potential. 

As discussed above, PIR insulation boards are very versatile in application. They are used to insulate walls, cavity walls, roofs, floors, and much more. These insulation boards can be cut to size using a sharp saw. They are secure to place using adhesives or drywall screws. 

At Buy Insulation Online, we stock Celotex PIR insulation boards like Celotex GA, XR and TB at a low cost. We also stock PIR boards from known brands like Xtratherm and Iko.

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Polyurethane Insulation Boards

PUR foam boards or Polyurethane insulation boards are extremely effective at maintaining the internal temperature of a building and can last for the entire life of the building. Besides being durable, polyurethane insulation boards also resist moisture ingress and are fungus-free. 

Moreover, they do not emit any hazardous emissions. And since polyurethane is a non-fibrous material, they do not cause any allergies or asthma.

PUR foam insulation boards feature a dual layer of polyurethane insulating material. The polyurethane layer is arranged between the inner and outer panels.

Additionally, the grooves in polyurethane insulation boards allow for rapid installation and fixation, which greatly improves work efficiency. Another benefit of polyurethane insulation boards is that they are lightweight, making them easy to install and maintain.

Polystyrene Insulation Boards

Depending on their manufacturing process, polystyrene insulation boards can be divided into: 

Extruded polystyrene Insulation Boards:

EPS insulation boards have excellent insulating and shock-absorbing characteristics. The cellular structure of EPS insulation makes it water-resistant and vapor-permeable with a low moisture absorption rate. Although water vapor cannot affect the mechanical properties of EPS, it does attract insects, such as termites.

EPS insulation boards are available in varying densities and thicknesses. A standard expanded polystyrene insulation board is about 2.4m long and 1.2m wide. EPS insulation boards are easy to install and lightweight. This makes them an excellent choice for many applications.

EPS insulation boards are also durable and provide superior thermal insulation. They are cost-effective as well. Their high compressive strength is what makes these EPS boards ideal for floor insulation applications

At Buy Insulation Online, we stock Jablite and Stylite EPS70 insulation boards. They are sold as loose sheets at highly competitive prices.

Extruded polystyrene boards:

XPS insulation boards are a step up from EPS insulation. They are more durable, have a lower K-Value, and are suitable for load-bearing situations. Extruded polystyrene boards are mostly used for floor and underfloor insulation applications. 

Its unique closed-cell structure allows it to exhibit high compressive strength while maintaining low thermal conductivity. Its lightweight construction, low cost, and ease of installation make it ideal for insulating any surface. We at Buy Insulation Online stock XPS insulation boards from top brands like Prowarm and Polyfoam.

XPS and EPS insulation boards are a great choice for energy-efficient buildings. Both materials offer high thermal efficiency and compatibility. Moreover, their closed-cell structure prevents water penetration and offers long-term strength.

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Plasterboards:

Plasterboards or drywall, are made of calcium sulfate dihydrate or more commonly called gypsum. Plasterboards gained popularity over recent years due to their ease of use. They are a faster, better alternative to the traditional lath and plaster. 

Plasterboards can be used for drylining applications. There are different types of plasterboards:

Insulated Plasterboards:

In these cases, an insulating material like PIR or polystyrene - expanded polystyrene or extruded polystyrene, is backed on standard plasterboard. They are generally about 2.4m in length and about 1.2m wide. 

Insulated plasterboards combine insulation and drylining into one lightweight, easy-to-use insulation board. They save space and have good thermal efficiency. These insulation boards can be used to insulate roofs and walls. 

Depending on the type of insulating material, insulated plasterboards can be further classified into:

PIR insulated plasterboard - As the name indicates, the insulating material used here is PIR foam. PIR board of varying thickness is backed on a 12.5mm standard plasterboard. At Buy Insulation Online, we stock Xtratherm and Celotex insulated plasterboards.

XPS insulated plasterboard - Here, the insulation comes from the extruded polystyrene, which is backed on a 9.5mm plasterboard. At Buy Insulation Online, we stock Knauf XPS laminate plus, for superior insulation.

EPS insulated Plasterboard- Commonly called thermal laminates, EPS insulated plasterboards contain EPS boards of varying thicknesses backed on a 9.5mm standard plasterboard. At Buy Insulation Online. we stock Knauf EPS thermal laminates at a low cost.

Specialist Insulation Boards:

These plasterboards are made specially made with high-quality gypsum for applications that require high moisture resistance, fire resistance, sound insulation etc. 

At Buy insulation Online, we stock the following specialist insulation plasterboards:

Knauf Moisture panel: These moisture-resistant plasterboards can be used to insulate bathrooms, kitchens and other applications where superior moisture resistance is required.

Knauf vapour Panel: These foil-backed plasterboards give excellent vapour resistance. They are ideal for use on the underside of a roof, loft conversions, insulating walls or areas that need high vapour resistance.

Knauf sound shield plus and Knauf sound panels: These plasterboards are made with high-density gypsum and are perfect for applications that require superior sound resistance. If you want to block your noisy neighbors out, but have space constraints, then acoustic plasterboards are the way to go.

Knauf Fire panels: Knauf fire panels are specialist plasterboards by Knauf Insulation give superior fire resistance for 0.5 to 4 hours, depending upon their thickness. They are used in applications that need greater fire insulation.

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Underfloor Insulation Boards:

Underfloor heating and underfloor insulation is gaining popularity in recent years, which is why we have sourced some underfloor insulation boards for electric and water underfloor heating applications just for you. 

At Buy Insulation Online, we stock Prowam Lo-Flo screed boards, chipboards, dual overlay systems, and underfloor heating panels from some of the leading brands in this niche, like Prowarm, Cellecta and Warmup.

These underfloor insulation boards ensure that the heat is directed upwards, that is, towards the floor and is not lost through the subfloor. Pre-routed chipboards secure the pipes of wet underfloor heating easily and ensure that the heat is not lost.

Duct Insulation Boards: 

Rectangular and square shared ductwork can be insulated easily using duct insulation boards. These specialized insulation boards are made of mineral wool, PIR or phenolic foam and give superior insulation to ducts. 

At Buy Insulation Online, we stock duct insulation boards from the leading brand, Rockwool. Additionally, for improved fire insulation to ductwork applications, we also supply Rockwool FirePro DuctRock which can be used for improved fire resistance in smoke and ventilation ductwork.

In Conclusion:

Insulation boards are rigid, closed-cell structures that give better insulation compared to traditional wool insulation. There can be used to insulate the floor, underfloor, roof etc, and almost always help achieve your target U-values. They save energy and improve your EPC ratings whilst making your home energy efficient.

If you are unsure about the right insulation board for your application, you can either drop a message on our Facebook group or call or us. We will be happy to assist you.

To buy plasterboards or insulation boards online, visit Buy Insulation Online. Along with insulation boards, we also supply batt insulation, insulation on a roll and more. We supply technical insulation products like ductwrap, valve insulation jackets, pipe lagging, trace heating cables, condensate pipe insulation and so on. With every order, we plant a tree for free, and also save five trees in the Amazon! 

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