Advertisement
We’ve made it out of winter, and what a relief! Thanks to the mild weather this year, we weren’t freezing our socks off and the spike in heating bills wasn’t as sharp as we expected. Nevertheless, the weather is unpredictable, especially with the drastic changes caused by global warming. So, when next winter comes, you don’t want to be caught feeling the chill in your wallet, am I right?
The best way to protect yourself and your hard-earned money from the cold is by installing good insulation. Think of it like a cosy sweater for your home, providing a layer of protection against the cold and keeping warmth where it belongs – inside.
And isn’t just about comfort – it’s also a key factor in energy efficiency. If it’s not properly insulated, your home could be losing up to 25% of heat, which translates to higher bills, more emissions, and a bigger carbon footprint.
And who wants that? Not you, that’s for sure. So, let’s explore the benefits of PIR insulation and provide some tips on how it can help transform your home into a warm and efficient haven.
What Is PIR?
The abbreviation is short for polyisocyanurate, a kind of foam material that is frequently used to insulate the interior and exterior walls of buildings. Polysiocyanurate boards are made of a firm foam core placed between two sheets of aluminium foil. This innovative insulation material is transforming homes across the globe, making them warmer, more energy-efficient, and better for the environment.
The boards come in a wide range of thicknesses to suit any project. The thinnest boards are 20mm while the thickest options are 200 mm. However, for most applications, it’s enough to go with the versatile 30mm PIR insulation. They are frequently put in place on walls, roofs, and floors to enhance a building’s thermal performance and lessen heat loss.
The strong thermal performance of the polyisocyanurate makes it ideal for use in high heat loss regions including attics, pitched roofs, and exterior walls. It is frequently used in applications for commercial and industrial buildings.
What Are the Benefits of These Boards?
Greater R-Value
These boards have a greater R-value than conventional foam boards like EPS and XPS. The R-value is important since it’s what measures how well a material resists heat. For comparison, the R-values for EPS are 4, XPS is 5, PUR is 6.25, PIR is 7, and phenolic board is 7.5.
Because of this, PIR boards can be significantly thinner than conventional boards while maintaining a high level of heat resistance. This is all thanks to the fact that these boards have a foil facing, closed cell structure, and use blowing agents. So, even at the smallest thicknesses such as 20mm and 30mm PIR insulation still performs better than thicker alternatives.
Noise Reduction
It goes without saying that any insulation you install on floors or walls should offer some degree of soundproofing. PIR insulation can help reduce noise levels in your home by absorbing sound waves.
These foam boards have been found to reduce noise by up to 38 dB on average, which is typically more than enough to deal with regular noise levels in a house or business. And if you live or work near a busy street, train station or airport, or if you just have noisy neighbours, you’re really going to love this.
Exceptional Durability
Polyisocyanurate is very dependable in terms of durability and lifespan and can last for decades without experiencing any significant damage. For one it has non-absorbent properties, which allow it to stay protected against moisture. It’s also resistant to UV rays and can withstand general wear and tear.
Cost Savings
Good insulation helps save money by reducing your home’s cooling and heating costs. Additionally, since your HVAC system needs to work overtime, these boards can help extend its life by reducing the strain on it. And this means you’re less likely to spend money on repairs or get a new replacement.
Good for the Environment
Besides helping you save money, PIR can also help save the environment. Since it reduces your home energy needs, it means that you’ll produce less greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, unlike other types of insulating material, these boards do not produce toxic fumes when they burn, making them a safer choice.
It should also be stressed that this type of material is recyclable. In other words, should you decide to do some remodelling or tear down the object in the future, the boards can be reused or repurposed.
Tips for Using This Type of Insulating Material for Your Project
Choose the Right Type and Thickness
When it comes to type – you can choose between faced and unfaced. Faced PIR insulation works best in areas where radiant heat transfer is a concern, such as on exterior walls or roofs. On the other hand, if you need to use insulation in areas that aren’t visible, like walls or floors, the unfaced type is a good option.
When it comes to thickness, consider the R-value needed for the area, as well as any moisture or fire resistance requirements. The thicker the board, the greater the R-value will be. However, as previously mentioned, for most home applications, a 30mm board will prove to be enough.
Install It Properly
It’s best to hire a professional contractor to do a complete installation to ensure your house will be properly sealed off. But still, you want to understand the installation process to be able to ensure that the work is done correctly.
It may vary depending on the specific area being insulated, but generally, the process involves cutting the boards to fit the space, securing them in place, and sealing any gaps or joints. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
Take Care of It
While this type of insulating material is generally low-maintenance, it’s important to inspect it regularly to ensure that it hasn’t been damaged or compromised in any way. Any damage or deterioration to the boards can reduce their effectiveness, so it’s important to address any issues as soon as they arise.
Additionally, it’s important to avoid compressing or crushing the insulation, as this can also affect its insulating properties.