[+] Is PUR insulation suitable for cavity wall insulation?
Yes, PUR can be used as insulation either for partial-fill cavities or fully-filling cavities.
For many years PUR injected into cavity walls has been used, not only as a highly efficient insulant but also as a means of stabilising masonry cavity walls where wall ties have corroded or failed. It has also been used by many local authorities and housing associations for stabilising and insulating high rise buildings.
[+] How can homes with solid walls be insulated?
There are several ways in which homes can be refurbished your home to the highest insulation standards. The Energy Saving Trust Guide CE 184 Practical refurbishment of solid-walled houses (2006 edition) offers practical guidance on the most appropriate methods for the energy efficient refurbishment of solid-walled houses, where PUR and PIR products are cited as being able to achieve best practice in almost all insulation applications. It considers performance targets as well as installation details for floors, walls, windows, doors and roofs. To view a copy of the guide click here
[+] Does PUR/PIR insulation meet fire regulations?
PUR/PIR insulation products meet a wide range of fire performance requirements as stipulated by both the Building Regulations and the insurance industry. For more information click here.
[+] Is PUR/PIR insulation suitable for use at high temperatures?
PUR and PIR are widely used in the insulation of pipes, ducts and vessels. Typically, depending on the formulation they can withstand high temperatures of up to 130°C.
[+] Is PUR/PIR insulation suitable for use at low temperatures?
PUR/PIR Insulation has been used successfully to insulate pipes and storage vessels in cryogenic applications at temperatures of –190°C. The insulation also has the flexibility to withstand temperature cycling from cryogenic temperatures to ambient.
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[+] How effective is PUR in terms of flood resilience?
In a recent report published jointly by DEFRA, DCLG and the Environment Agency “Improving the flood performance of new buildings” rigid PUR foam is shown to be the best performing when installed into cavity walls. The report states “Cavity insulation should preferably incorporate rigid closed cell materials as these retain integrity and have low moisture take-up. Other common types, such as mineral fibre batts, are not generally recommended as they can remain wet several months after exposure to flood water which slows down the wall drying process. Blown-in insulation can slump due to excessive moisture uptake, and some types can retain high levels of moisture for long periods of time (under natural drying conditions).” The results of the report are based on laboratory findings and classifies wall components as good, medium or poor with regard to:
- water penetration – the leakage (rate and volume) through the entire wall thickness (note that this is different from “water absorption”)
- drying ability – the capability to regain its original surface moisture condition (assessed by the average drying rate and the time taken to reach the original value)
- retention of pre-flood dimensions, integrity – the lack of deformation or change in form or appearance of the wall panel.
PUR foam gained a Good rating for retention of pre-flood dimensions, integrity and a Medium rating for water penetration and drying ability with all other insulants having a Poor rating.
Closed cell insulation is also recommended when installing floor insulation in order to minimise the impact of flood water.
To see a complete copy of the report click here.
[+] Where can I buy PUR/PIR products?
Some products, such as roofboards, pipe insulation and insulated plasterboard are available through builder’s merchants. For more detailed information, contact please contact the manufacturers directly who will be able to put you in touch with your nearest stockist.
[+] Can PUR/PIR insulation help reduce aircraft noise in the home?
Yes, spraying the underside of a roof with PUR insulation can help reduce aircraft noise pollution, as well as offering thermal insulation of your home to Building Regulations standards at the same time. For more information click here.
[+] Will the use of PUR/PIR Insulation reduce carbon dioxide emissions?
One of the biggest contributors to global warming is carbon dioxide (CO2). The energy used for heating, lighting and power in homes produces more than a quarter of the UK’s CO2 emissions – other buildings produce a further one sixth. By installing PUR/PIR insulation you can help to reduce emissions and thus protect the environment.
