In the modern construction industry, energy efficiency is the key to creating a sustainable environment. The way we design, build and maintain our homes plays a crucial role in how efficient our homes are in terms of energy usage. One way to ensure a home is as energy efficient as possible is by using resilient 100mm PIR Insulation boards as the foundation for a densely insulated wall, ceiling and floor system.
Advantages of using 100mm PIR insulation
But what is PIR insulation and how can it benefit you? In short, PIR stands for Polyisocyanurate, which is a type of insulation material made from polyurethane plastic. The production process involves combining a polyol resin with an isocyanate that produces a foam-like material. Manufacturers blow carbon dioxide gas into the mixture, which expands and hardens the foam. When the final product is finished, it can bring about the following benefits:
High Thermal Insulation
The math here is simple – the thicker the insulation, the more resistance it provides to heat flow. By using 100mm PIR insulation, you can significantly reduce your home’s energy usage and help keep it consistently warm during the colder months.
The way these boards conduct and reflect heat is also highly impressive. Their unique combination of closed-cell structure and reflective facers means that the insulation board can trap air inside its cells, allowing it to act as an insulating barrier and retain heat within the property. Once this heat is retained, it won’t be able to escape through the walls or ceiling.
Learn how to meet the requirements for free loft insulation grants under the ECO scheme by referring to Warma UK’s comprehensive guide
Even during warmer months when you don’t really need an insulated home, PIR boards are still incredibly effective at blocking out hot air and keeping your property cool. The general temperature-regulating properties of the boards will help you save money on electricity bills across all four seasons.
Fire-Resistant
PIR Boards are inherently fire-resistant, as they are made from a highly efficient fire retardant material. They consist of a carefully-curated blend of organic and inorganic substances, such as borate and antimony oxide, which work together to limit the spread of flames. When they come into contact with a flame, they will form a protective barrier of heat-resistant foam.
This is essential in ensuring the safety of any property, as the chances of a fire taking hold and spreading are significantly reduced. Even if a fire does occur, the blaze can easily be contained before it does any serious damage.
Moisture-Repellent
It doesn’t matter if you live in a particularly humid environment or not, there’s always at least a slight chance of a moisture and humidity build-up within a property. If this doesn’t get addressed, it can lead to the formation of mould and mildew, which can then cause serious damage to the structure of a home and put its occupants in danger.
Fortunately, PIR Insulation boards are more than capable of tackling this issue, as they are extraordinarily moisture-repellent. They are made from a combination of polymers that work to wick away water and prevent the development of mould, dampness or any other wetness-related issues.
Longer Lifespan
You can extend the life expectancy of your property by installing thicker PIR boards. The thicker the board, the more resistant it is to physical damage and other stresses that come with time. This means you won’t have to worry about replacing them any time soon and can enjoy the energy-saving benefits of a properly insulated home for decades.
Plus, the thicker the insulation boards, the less likely it is for them to sag or lose their shape over long periods of time. This will help keep their insulating powers at an optimal level and prevent any hot or cold air from seeping in through the gaps.
Common Applications for 100mm PIR Insulation
Due to its denser construction and exceptional thermal properties, you can use these boards across your entire home – including the roof, floors and wall cavities. This doesn’t mean that the 100mm PIR floor insulation is much different than the one used on the walls, but it does mean that you can cover more area with the same amount of material.
For example, if you have a double-height room and need to install insulation for both floors, you can use the same model of boards to provide adequate coverage. This includes areas such as basements and crawlspaces, as the insulation will be able to keep the air temperature consistent throughout.
For your roof, the insulation can help reduce thermal transfer between your ceiling and the outside environment. This is particularly beneficial if you live in a house with a flat roof, as the insulation can help minimise the risk of unwanted heat escaping through your ceiling.
In addition to this, PIR boards can also be used as soundproofing material. By using the 100mm boards to line your walls and insulate your floor, you can reduce the amount of noise coming from outside and lower the risk of sound travelling between rooms.
Preparation for Installation
For the most part, PIR boards are easy to install. Prior to starting your project, however, you will need to carry out a few steps in order to ensure solid and effective coverage. If you don’t set up your project correctly, it could result in inadequate performance and a lack of energy savings.
The first step is to measure and cut the boards according to your desired shape and size. They’re generally supplied in large sheets, so you will need to make sure that you cut them down to fit your specific space. This can be done with a jigsaw or any other cutting tool that you have to hand.
Once you have cut the boards, the next step is to prepare the surface onto which you’ll be fixing them. This should involve cleaning the area of any dust, dirt or debris and checking if it’s completely level.
When you have a clean and level surface, you can then begin fixing the insulation boards. You will need to use screws or nails to secure them into place, with each corner firmly secured. Additionally, you may also need to use sealant around the edges to create an airtight finish.
Finally, you may need to add a vapour barrier if you live in an area with high humidity levels. This is basically an amalgamation of waterproof plastics and membranes that helps to prevent moisture from seeping in. They work by creating a layer between the insulation boards and the outside environment, which can help to improve the overall thermal performance.
