Polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation represents a significant advancement in insulation technology, boasting remarkable thermal efficiency.

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This guide explores the world of PIR insulation, including its production process, applications, and comparative performance against other insulation types. Aimed at both homeowners and construction professionals, the content is structured to provide a deep understanding of PIR insulation.

This knowledge is crucial for making informed decisions on insulation choices, guiding towards energy-efficient and cost-effective construction methodologies.

 

Contents

 

What is PIR Insulation?

Polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation, a type of foam board, is well known for its superior thermal insulation capabilities. The production of PIR involves a chemical reaction between a polyol and an isocyanate, creating a rigid foam. This foam stands out for its high thermal resistance, low water absorption, and impressive structural strength. The distinctive fine cell structure and closed-cell composition of PIR contribute to its exceptional thermal performance and resistance to moisture.

 

Why is PIR Insulation so Expensive?

PIR insulation's notable performance comes with a higher price tag compared to alternatives. Several factors contribute to this cost disparity:

1. Manufacturing Complexity: The production of PIR is more complex and requires more energy than that of other insulations, demanding precise conditions and sophisticated technology.
2. Material Efficiency: PIR's higher thermal efficiency per thickness means less material is needed for equivalent insulation. However, this efficiency comes at a cost, influenced by the manufacturing complexities and material properties.
3. Fire Resistance and Durability: PIR generally exhibits better fire resistance and moisture resistance than other foam insulations, enhancing its durability and impacting its cost.
4. Market Dynamics: With stringent building codes and a push for energy efficiency, the demand for high-performance insulation like PIR is growing. However, supply chain issues and raw material availability can affect pricing.
5. Environmental Regulations: Compliance with environmental standards, particularly regarding chemical use in manufacturing, can increase production costs.
6. Logistics: PIR's rigidity necessitates careful handling and transportation, further adding to its cost.

Despite its higher initial expense, PIR insulation's benefits - superior thermal performance, durability, and fire resistance - justify its cost, offering long-term savings and performance advantages.

 

What are the Pros and Cons of PIR Insulation?

Pros of PIR Insulation:

• High Thermal Efficiency: PIR provides exceptional thermal resistance in a compact form, ideal for space-constrained applications.

• Fire Resistance: It offers improved fire safety over many other foam insulations.

• Moisture Resistance: Its resistance to water absorption minimizes the risk of mould and water damage.

• Durability: PIR's stable performance over time translates to lasting benefits and reduced need for replacement.

• Ease to Handle: Typically supplied in board form, PIR is lightweight and easy to tailor, simplifying the installation process.

Cons of PIR Insulation:

• Cost: It's more expensive upfront than alternatives like fiberglass or EPS.

• UV Sensitivity: PIR can degrade when exposed to UV light, requiring protective measures in some scenarios.

• Installation Precision: Achieving maximum insulation effectiveness requires careful installation.

• Environmental Impact: Chemicals used in PIR production may have environmental repercussions.

• Flammability: Despite being relatively fire-resistant, PIR can still ignite under certain conditions, necessitating adequate safety precautions.

 

UK PIR Insulation comparison chart

There's a PIR board for virtually every part of your building envelope, from stud walls and floors to roofs and lofts.

This chart provides a detailed comparison of various PIR insulation boards available in the market from brands like Xtratherm, Celotex, Recticel, Kingspan, Ecotherm, and IKO. From their thermal properties to compressive strength, and from their versatility in application to their dimensions, we've gathered data from leading manufacturers to help you make an informed decision. 

Comparing PIR to Other Insulation Board Types

When it comes to insulation, one size does not fit all. Each type of insulation board offers unique benefits and limitations, making the choice highly dependent on specific project requirements.

PIR vs EPS Insulation

Feature

PIR

EPS

Summary

Cost

Generally, more expensive

Less expensive

EPS is less expensive, but PIR offers better long-term value through efficiency.

Performance

Higher R-value per inch, excellent moisture resistance and strength

Good insulation but lower R-value per inch compared to PIR

PIR provides better insulation with less thickness.

Specifications

Higher fire rating, making it safer in applications where fire risk is a concern

Lower fire rating compared to PIR

PIR has superior fire safety ratings.

Applications

Suitable for areas requiring maximum insulation in minimal space (e.g., flat roofs)

Versatile, but not as efficient in space-constrained applications

PIR is more suitable for space-constrained applications.

Energy Cost Savings

Superior thermal efficiency leads to significant savings on energy bills over time

Lower initial cost but less effective in reducing long-term energy bills

PIR offers greater long-term savings on energy bills.

So, which is better, EPS or PIR?

The lower the R-value, the better the insulation! PIR may be more expensive to buy, it outperforms EPS in all other aspects.

 

PIR vs HP+

Feature

PIR

HP+

Summary

Cost

Generally, more expensive than HP+

Cheaper than PIR but more expensive than standard EPS, yet cost-effective for its efficiency

HP+ offers a middle ground in cost, balancing efficiency, and affordability.

Performance

Superior thermal efficiency with a high R-value per inch

Enhanced thermal performance due to carbon additive, offering lower U-values

PIR and HP+ are closely matched in performance, with space availability being a determining factor.

Specifications

Superior fire resistance compared to standard HP+

Lower fire rating compared to PIR, HP+ is rot-proof, mould, water and moisture resistant

PIR excels in fire resistance; Both PIR and HP+ provide same level of resistance. They are made of closed cells, so they do not absorb water.

Applications

Versatile for roofs, walls, and floors

Suitable for floors, walls, and roofs

HP+ and PIR both offer broad applications, with the choice often dictated by specific project requirements.

Energy Cost Savings

Significant savings on energy bills due to high thermal efficiency

Can achieve similar energy cost savings to PIR with a thicker board

HP+ can offer similar energy cost savings to PIR when the project allows for the use of thicker insulation material.

So, which is better, PIR or HP+?

Ultimately, for projects prioritising space and efficiency, PIR is the superior choice. However, HP+ is a strong contender for those seeking a balance between cost, performance, and flexibility in installation thickness. Both materials offer significant potential for energy cost savings, with the decision often boiling down to the specific application and project requirements.

 

PIR vs XPS

Feature

PIR

XPS

Summary

Cost

Can be more expensive but offers better performance per unit cost

More expensive depending on specifications

PIR often provides better value in terms of performance per unit cost.

Performance

Higher R-value per inch, providing better insulation

Excellent moisture resistance but lower R-value per inch than PIR

PIR provides better insulation efficiency.

Specifications

Superior fire resistance

Excellent compressive strength, suitable for use below grade

XPS is preferred for its compressive strength, but PIR has better fire resistance.

Applications

Favoured for its thermal insulation and fire performance

Preferred where water resistance and high compressive strength are critical

XPS is ideal for specific applications, but PIR is more versatile.

Energy Cost Savings

Leads to greater long-term savings on energy bills

Higher upfront costs with less impact on long-term energy savings

PIR offers greater long-term savings on energy bills.

So, which is better, PIR or XPS?

XPS and PIR are closely matched in terms of moisture resistance and compressive strength, but PIR edges ahead with its thermal performance and fire safety ratings. For projects where thermal efficiency is paramount, PIR stands out as the more effective solution.

 

 

PIR vs Phenolic

Feature

PIR

Phenolic Foam

Summary

Cost

Generally, more affordable

Usually more expensive due to superior fire performance and manufacturing process

Phenolic Foam is more expensive, but PIR offers a competitive balance of cost and performance.

Performance

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Offers a balance of thermal performance, moisture resistance, and cost

Exceptionally low thermal conductivity (high R-value) and excellent fire resistance

Phenolic Foam has superior thermal and fire performance, but PIR is highly competitive.

Specifications

Moisture resistance and durability under various conditions

Superior fire resistance and thermal efficiency

Phenolic Foam excels in fire resistance and thermal efficiency, but PIR is more versatile.

Applications

Versatile for residential and commercial projects

Used in high-specification buildings for fire safety and thermal efficiency

PIR is more versatile, fitting a broader range of applications.

Energy Cost Savings

Significant potential for energy cost savings, more accessible to a wide homeowner range

Significant potential for energy cost savings, but higher cost may limit accessibility

PIR is more accessible for energy cost savings across more projects.

So, which is better, PIR or Phenolic Insulation?

Phenolic foam offers excellent fire performance and a slightly better thermal efficiency than PIR. However, its higher cost, susceptibility to moisture, and more complex installation process can make PIR a more practical choice for a wide range of applications.

 

Is PIR insulation right for me?

Choosing the right insulation material is a crucial decision in any construction or renovation project. As we've explored, PIR insulation stands out for its exceptional balance of thermal efficiency, fire safety, and versatility across different applications. While other materials like EPS, HP+, XPS, and phenolic foam have their respective strengths, PIR often emerges as the best overall choice for homeowners and builders looking to enhance energy efficiency and reduce long-term costs.

The comparison highlights the importance of considering not just upfront costs but also long-term savings and performance benefits. Ultimately, the "winner" in the insulation race will depend on specific project requirements, but PIR insulation is undoubtedly a top contender for those seeking to maximise energy efficiency and building performance.

FAQs

Can PIR insulation be used in all areas of a building?

Yes, PIR insulation is versatile and can be used in various parts of a building, including roofs, walls, and floors. Its excellent thermal efficiency and moisture resistance make it suitable for both interior and exterior applications.

How does PIR insulation compare to fiberglass insulation in terms of R-value?
PIR insulation typically offers a higher R-value per inch than fiberglass insulation, meaning it provides greater thermal resistance and thus better insulation in a thinner layer. This makes PIR an efficient choice for areas where space is limited.

Is PIR insulation environmentally friendly?
While PIR insulation involves chemicals in its production, many manufacturers are moving towards more environmentally friendly blowing agents and materials. Its high efficiency also means that buildings require less energy for heating and cooling, contributing to overall energy savings.

Can PIR insulation be recycled?
Recycling PIR insulation can be challenging due to its chemical composition and the blowing agents used. However, efforts are being made to improve recyclability and manage end-of-life disposal in an eco-friendly manner.

How long does PIR insulation last?
PIR insulation is known for its durability and can last the lifespan of a building if properly installed and protected from UV light and physical damage. Its resistance to moisture and mould contributes to its longevity.

Does PIR insulation need a vapor barrier?
Due to its closed-cell structure, PIR insulation inherently resists moisture absorption, reducing the need for an additional vapor barrier in many applications. However, building codes and specific project requirements should always be consulted.

Is PIR insulation fire resistant?
PIR insulation has better fire resistance compared to other foam-based insulations like EPS or XPS. It is treated with fire retardant chemicals, which improve its fire performance. Nonetheless, it's important to comply with all applicable building codes and standards regarding fire safety.

How does PIR insulation handle moisture and water exposure?
Thanks to its closed-cell structure, PIR insulation is less prone to water absorption, making it an excellent choice for damp or prone-to-flooding areas. However, prolonged exposure to water should be avoided to maintain its insulating properties.

Can PIR insulation be cut to fit custom shapes and spaces?
Yes, one of the advantages of PIR insulation is its ease of handling and cutting. It can be easily cut with a sharp knife or saw to fit custom shapes and spaces, making it adaptable to various installation requirements.

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A CLOSER LOOK AT THE INSULATION PRICE FACTORS*

Home insulation is a building product typically purchased once to serve for many years. However, its initial cost might appear to be somewhat expensive, considering the materials used in its production. So, what contributes to its price? Why is it so expensive? In this article, we will strive to answer these and other questions. By reading this article, you will also learn about the general cost of home insulation in the UK, the expenses for insulating a loft, the price per square metre of insulation, and the cost of exterior home insulation itself.

IS IT WORTH IT TO INSULATE YOUR HOUSE?

Indeed, it is commonly said that it is more cost-effective to retain the produced heat rather than constantly generating it. The same principle applies to UK homes. By insulating a house, we create a physical barrier for heat, effectively trapping it inside the rooms. As a result, the radiators or underfloor heating system don't need to produce as much heat to achieve the desired temperature of 22°C . This reduction in the demand for natural gas lowers the gas bills significantly. You are free to copy and share the text from this blog, as long as you provide proper credit and a link to the original source - https://insulationgo.co.uk/.

An uninsulated home can be compared to a cup of hot tea. Imagine drinking tea from a styrofoam cup &#; the tea stays warm for a much longer period. That's why all takeaway shops are serving hot drinks in insulated cups. Similarly, our home's walls and roof play a crucial role. By insulating these critical areas, we ensure significant long-term savings.

Therefore, it is highly beneficial to insulate a home.

Retaining heat inside the house for just 4 hours can result in savings of around 17%, which is much higher than the current inflation rate. By investing in proper insulation, homeowners can enjoy these savings for years to come.

 

WHY IS INSULATION SO EXPENSIVE?

If you've already decided on home insulation, you may be wondering why insulation is so expensive. The more so, the materials used for insulation are often of natural origin.

The main reason for the high cost of home insulation is the expensive extraction and transportation of raw materials such as rock or oil. Further processing in the factory adds additional significant costs, as it involves expensive gas and electricity prices, as well as high wages for workers. Additionally, there are costs related to packaging, marketing, and ultimately distribution throughout the country. Moreover, the technological process of production often requires the use of high temperatures, not to mention the very high costs of the necessary machinery.

WHAT IS THE MOST COST EFFECTIVE WAY TO INSULATE A HOUSE?

The cheapest way to insulate a house internally is to insulate its upper parts using glass wool, and less commonly, rock wool. This is the fastest and most economical method of house insulation, especially for a small budget. 
Another option at affordable price is to insulate the house with PIR boards, which have a thermal conductivity level of 0.022 W/mK, ranking second best in the UK market after phenolic boards from companies like Kingspan or Xtratherm (0.018-0.019W/mK)

You are free to copy and share the text from this blog, as long as you provide proper credit and a link to the original source - https://insulationgo.co.uk/. Furthermore, the cheapest way to insulate a house externally is by using EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) together with a thin coat render system, also known as External Wall Insulation System. Applying EPS boards on the outer walls not only saves space inside the house but also eliminates the need for interior renovation work. Therefore, it can be concluded that external house insulation is less invasive. 
While EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) may not have as low thermal conductivity as PIR or Phenolic boards, it performs excellently in atmospheric conditions. Investing in and using EPS with a thickness of 50mm and thermal conductivity of 0.032W/mK should pay off within the next 7-10 years. Its cost-effectiveness, combined with its durability and performance in various weather conditions, makes it a practical choice for external house insulation.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO INSULATE A LOFT UK

 

Loft insulation is the most popular choice for homeowners in the UK when it comes to insulating their homes, and for good reason. As we remember from school, heat always rises, which means that the upper parts of a house experience the most significant heat losses. This is especially true for the loft. Poor insulation in the loft results in constantly working heating systems, leading to unnecessary costs, making it essential to eliminate this issue. However, the question arises: how much does loft insulation cost in the UK? Is it a time-consuming process that requires specialised knowledge? Not necessarily.

When insulating your loft with mineral wool, you should expect costs ranging from £4 to £12 per square metre. Taking into account the average size of a loft in the UK, which is around 35m2, you can quickly calculate that the insulation material itself would cost approximately £280. Additionally, you need to factor in installation costs, often amounting to double the value of the insulation material, which is around £500. By choosing the most affordable insulation, such as mineral wool, you should be able to stay within a budget of less than £.

Considering the price range for installation services in different cities across the UK, a very competitive price would be around £700 to insulate your loft.

 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO INSULATE A HOUSE UK

When insulating a house, we should adhere to a general principle, which is to insulate every part of it. To put this into perspective imagine wrapping a Christmas gift. We need to insulate the bottom of the gift (the house's foundation), the sides of the gift (the walls of the house), and the top of the gift (the house's roof).

In general, this is how proper house insulation should look like in the UK. Specifically, you should insulate the foundations, the floor under wooden beams, the external walls, the loft, and the roof of the house. To achieve effective insulation, all of these areas should be properly insulated. If we skip insulating any of them, we might end up insulating the rest of the house unnecessarily. To find out how much house insulation costs in the UK, we need to assume that we are insulating all the components.

Taking into account the average size of a house in the UK, the costs can be estimated as follows: £-£ for external wall insulation (EWI), £-£ for the floor, around £ for the loft, and approximately £ for the roof. As seen above, this gives us a total of just below £. This is the aprox. sum that we should expect to pay when insulating a house in the UK.

 

INSULATION COST PER M2 UK

The cost of insulation in the UK depends on the material used. For instance, when using 100mm thick expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation, you should expect costs around £19 per m2. A material four times stronger, XPS (extruded polystyrene) insulation, at the same thickness, has a cost of approximately £26 per m2.

The most commonly chosen insulation material in the UK is PIR, such as Celotex or Xtratherm (Unilin), which costs around £23 per m2 for a 100mm thickness. The most expensive insulation material is Phenolic board, which costs £38 per m2. On the other hand, the cheapest insulation material is glass mineral wool, with prices ranging from £8 to £10 per m2. To find out more on best insulation boards click here.

HOME INSULATION COST CALCULATOR UK

If you want to calculate how much insulation material you need to insulate your house and how much it will cost, we have already discussed it in the article: SAVE ON ENERGY BILLS - HOW TO CALCULATE THE AMOUNT OF INSULATION NEEDED TO COVER A SURFACE IN SQUARE METRES?

 

CAVITY WALL INSULATION COST

Cavity walls are frequently found in houses constructed after . Cavity wall, as it is commonly referred to, is a wall that has insulation built into its cavity. Its cost can vary depending on the chosen method of installation. There are two main methods: partial fill installation, where a 50mm gap is left, and full fill intallation, where the gap between the two walls is completely filled with insulation.

Consequently, the cost of insulating a cavity wall can differ significantly based on the selected installation method. This is because different insulation thicknesses are used for partial fill and full fill. Considering only the 50mm gap in the partial fill method, it is evident that full fill insulation is twice as expensive due to the required thickness of the material.

Cost Comparison

Let's assume that for a specific cavity wall area, the cost of partial fill insulation is £800. This is because the partial fill method requires less insulation material, as it only fills part of the cavity.

Now, for the same area, the cost of full fill insulation might be £. Since full fill requires more insulation material to completely fill the cavity, it is more expensive compared to partial fill.

These examples highlight that the choice between partial fill and full fill insulation will not only impact the thermal efficiency of the wall but also affect the overall cost of the insulation. Homeowners and builders should consider these factors when deciding which method to use for cavity wall insulation.
The average cost of filling a cavity with partial fill insulation such as 50mm Xtratherm XT/CW is estimated to be around £18/m2 while the cost of filling the wall with full fill insulation such as 100mm Xtratherm CT/PIR CavityTherm is a maximum of £62/m2.

EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION COST UK

External insulation is accomplished by affixing an insulation layer to the external surface of the wall through mechanical fixings and adhesive. This insulation layer is then shielded with protective coatings of render or cladding.
When choosing this external wall insulation method, you should be prepared for additional costs, such as renting scaffolding, which is not cheap. The rental price for standard 10m high scaffolding is slightly over £700 (7 days), which is a considerable expense. However, for a well-organised installation company consisting of 3-4 people, a week should be sufficient to insulate an average-sized house in the UK.

The costs of insulating an average-sized house also include the entire thin coat render system. The most commonly used insulation materials for this purpose are Grey Polystyrene, Kingaspan K5 Phenolic foam boards, or Rockwool DD slab.

The cheapest insulation option for an external wall insulation system is around £11/m2 (50mm grey polystyrene). Additionally, two rolls of reinforcing mesh, covering 50m2 each, are typically required, costing £90 per roll. To adhere the insulation, adhesive costing £25 for a 25kg bag is needed, covering approximately 5m2. For every 100m2 of surface area, about 20 bags are required, totaling around £500. Priming the wall before rendering is necessary, and the final thin coat renders itself, which often exceeds £125, and covers approximately 10m2.

In conclusion, the estimated cost for insulating external walls is approximately £- per 100m2, depending on the chosen materials and the efficiency of the installation process.

 

CONCLUSION

While insulation may seem expensive at first, it is crucial to remember that investing in high-quality insulation can result in long-term savings by reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills. Moreover, a properly insulated home provides greater comfort and contributes to a more sustainable environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

When considering insulation for your property, it is essential to seek quotes from reputable contractors and carefully assess the cost-benefit ratio.

 

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