PUR insulation and PIR insulation are both types of rigid foam insulation derived from polyurethane. They share some similarities, but there are also key differences in their chemical composition, manufacturing process, and performance characteristics. Understanding these differences can help you choose the best insulation material for your specific needs.

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What is PUR Insulation?

PUR stands for polyurethane. It is a versatile plastic material used in various applications, including insulation. PUR insulation is created by mixing two liquid components, a polyol and an isocyanate, which react to form a rigid foam. This foam has a predominantly closed-cell structure, meaning it is composed of tiny cells filled with gas that resist heat transfer.

What is PIR Insulation?

PIR stands for polyisocyanurate. It is a modified version of PUR with enhanced properties. PIR insulation is also created by mixing a polyol and an isocyanate, but with a higher proportion of isocyanate and the addition of a catalyst. This results in a more thermally stable and flame-resistant foam compared to PUR.

Key Differences Between PUR and PIR Insulation

• Chemical Composition: PIR insulation has a higher isocyanate content and includes a catalyst, leading to a more cross-linked and thermally stable chemical structure compared to PUR insulation.
• Thermal Performance: While both offer good thermal insulation, PIR insulation generally has a slightly higher R-value per inch than PUR. This means PIR insulation can achieve the same level of thermal resistance with a thinner profile.
• Fire Resistance: PIR insulation typically exhibits better fire performance than PUR insulation. It has a higher fire rating and tends to produce less smoke and toxic fumes in the event of a fire.
• Cost: PUR is typically less expensive than PIR insulation due to the lower cost of raw materials and the simpler manufacturing process.

Benefits of PUR Insulation

• Cost-Effectiveness: PUR is a more budget-friendly option compared to PIR insulation.
• Versatility: PUR is used in a wide range of applications, including insulated metal panels, wall cavities, and insulated plasterboard.
• Good Thermal Performance: While not as high as PIR, PUR still offers good thermal resistance and can contribute to energy savings.

Benefits of PIR Insulation

• Superior Thermal Performance: PIR insulation provides excellent thermal efficiency, helping to achieve higher R-values and reduce energy consumption.
• Enhanced Fire Safety: PIR insulation offers better fire resistance, contributing to a safer building environment.
• Moisture Resistance: Like PUR insulation, PIR insulation is also resistant to moisture, preventing dampness and condensation.

Applications of PUR and PIR Insulation

Both PUR and PIR insulation are used in various applications, including:

• Insulated Metal Panels: Used as the core insulating material in insulated metal panels for walls and roofs.
• Wall Cavities: Installed in wall cavities to improve thermal performance and reduce heat loss.
• Insulated Plasterboard: Bonded to plasterboard to create thermal laminate boards for internal wall insulation.
• Flat Roofs: Used in flat roof insulation systems to provide thermal and moisture protection.
• Pitched Roofs: Installed between and over rafters in pitched roofs to improve energy efficiency.

Choosing Between PUR and PIR Insulation

The choice between PUR and PIR insulation depends on your specific needs and priorities. If budget is a primary concern and fire resistance is not critical, PUR can be a suitable option. However, if you require higher thermal performance and enhanced fire safety, PIR insulation is the preferred choice.

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Factors to consider when choosing:

• Required R-value: Determine the level of thermal resistance needed for your application.
• Fire safety requirements: Consider the fire rating requirements for your building project.
• Budget: Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of each option.
• Application: Choose the type of insulation that is most suitable for your specific application.

PUR PIR sandwich panels: safety and insulation

PUR PIR sandwich panels are used to insulate and maintain the safety of your building. In today’s world of construction, PUR PIR rigid foam sandwich panels have become the ideal element for engineers, architects and planners to achieve excellent thermal insulation values. PUR PIR sandwich panels are labelled as the best alternative for insulation and safety due to their advantages and performance. Sandwich panels have an insulating core of rigid polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam (PUR-PIR) bonded to two facings which are usually made of metallic material. These metal layers are usually made of steel or aluminium. In the manufacturing process, the covering layers are arranged according to the desired shape at the start. Once they are shaped according to the requirements of the panel type, they are transferred to the press, where the mixing head injects the relevant components at a predetermined dosage, producing the foam in liquid phase. This chemical reaction causes the foam to grow by bonding to the two covering layers, top and bottom. By applying heat and pressure over a period of time for curing, we achieve what is known as dimensional stability of the core. PUR PIR sandwich panels manufactured for safety use are cut to length, lined up and packed so that they can be transported to the construction site.

Differences between Pur and Pir sandwich panels

Polyisocyanurate rigid foam (PIR) is one of the variants of polyurethane foam (PUR) so that its appearance remains the same. Its mechanical and thermal properties favour a better fire performance. PIR foam performs well in fire, forming a carbonised surface layer that serves as a protection and boundary against fire penetration to the previous layers. In terms of thermal properties, PIR remains stable at temperatures from -200°C to 120°C, and PUR achieves thermal stability from -150°C to +80°C. When it comes to dimensional stability, the PIR sandwich panel has a higher stability and a wider temperature range. On the other hand, the PIR sandwich panel has a higher mechanical strength compared to PUR. Although the tensile strength of PIR panels was initially questioned, nowadays, thanks to the incorporation of promoters and the development of their components in the manufacture of this type of panel, this problem has been alleviated. The use of highly qualified raw materials and the existence of strict quality controls allow a product guarantee that can be maintained for a period of up to 10 years, depending on the manufacturer, providing security to the PUR PIR sandwich panels. These characteristics are very much taken into account when choosing a sandwich panel for a building site or project.

Type of PUR/PIR panels

• Roof panels with or without flashings and specials
• Facade panels with visible fastening, standard concealed fastening, architectural and special.
• Refrigerated and FM refrigerated panels

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Applications of sandwich panels pur and pir

PUR PIR sandwich panels can be used in false ceilings, interior partitions, facades, roofs and cold rooms:

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• Thermal insulation of floors for cold rooms and freezing tunnels.
• Thermal insulation in sandwich panels with sheet metal, polyester, fibre cement or wood.
• Thermal insulation for the creation of refrigerated trucks.
• The working temperature ranges from below 0ºC to 80ºC.
• Useful in all types of buildings.