What Is PIR Insulation? Everything You Need to Know

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• PIR - short for polyisocyanurate - is a polymer-based home insulation material. 
• PIR has an impressive thermal efficiency, reaching an R-value range of 3.6 - 4.5 m²K/W.
• Found in the form of rigid insulation boards, PIR boards cost around £5 &#; £15 per m2.

Polyisocyanurate - commonly known as PIR insulation - is a synthetic polymer derived from polyurethane, one of the most highly effective and popular materials used for insulation in homes and properties. 

With its incredibly high R-value, flame resistance, and long-term durability, PIR insulation is a popular option for various house insulation projects. But what is PIR insulation? This ultimate guide by GreenMatch UK will break down everything you need to know about PIR insulation, its properties, pros, cons, costs and applications.

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What is PIR insulation?

You may be wondering; what does PIR insulation stand for? PIR insulation stands for polyisocyanurate, a highly effective thermal insulation material. This is a material that has the same components as PUR insulation (polyurethane) but with more improved properties such as high flame and smoke resistance, durability and thermal efficiency. 

PIR insulation is also one of the most thermally efficient on the market today, exhibiting an impressive R-value range of 3.6 - 4.5 m²K/W and a very low thermal conductivity. PIR insulation boards can cost around £5 &#; £15 per m2 of material and are normally found in the form of rigid insulation boards and sheets. 

While slightly more expensive than some other insulation materials, PIR insulation boards are certainly very effective, durable and long-term beneficial solutions for home insulation.

What is PIR insulation used for?

PIR insulation is most often used as insulation for walls (internal and external), concrete floors, and insulation for loft spaces, most often via roof rafters. PIR boards can also be used as insulation on roof solutions for flat roof properties but must be covered properly to avoid sunlight and moisture damage.

Due to the rigid nature of PIR boards, they are not so suitable for insulating awkward angles, curves and hard-to-access spaces, but are highly ideal for flat unobstructed spaces. 

During the installation process, these rigid insulation boards can be cut into desired shapes and lengths, and attached directly to the surface being insulated alongside a vapour barrier. This can be followed with plasterwork or covering for a clean seamless finish.

What are the types of PIR insulation?

Polyisocyanurate (PIR) based insulation materials are found in the form of rigid panels, sheets and boards. All three of these forms are very similar to each other, and usually only differ in thickness, ranging from about 20mm to 200mm. 

Standard PIR insulation boards are found to be around 2.4m long and about 1.2m wide. Most of the panels, sheets and boards on the market will also come with a pre-bonded low-emissivity foil layer to increase thermal insulation and double as a vapour barrier. 

Can PIR insulation get wet?

Even though PIR insulation is inherently water resistant, it is certainly not immune to water damage. As a rule of thumb, all insulation can accrue serious damage if there is prolonged exposure to moisture. 

To avoid such situations from taking place, it&#;s important to work with a professional installer who can also address existing issues, and make sure your insulation is installed properly. Creating healthy ventilation can also help keep insulation dry in the event of a moisture breach.

How long does PIR insulation last?

PIR insulation is extremely robust, boasting a lifespan of up to 50 years when taken good care of. This gives it one of the longest lifespans of insulation materials on the market.

As a general rule, assessing the condition of your home insulation every 15 - 20 years is a great way to preemptively avoid serious issues from taking place, but with proper care and checks, you can enjoy up to 5 decades of home comfort and uninterrupted peace.

Pros and cons of PIR insulation

PIR insulation is without a doubt a highly effective home insulation option, but like any insulation material, there are a series of pros and cons worth considering. Let&#;s first begin with the pros:

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• Excellent thermal performance: PIR insulation has some of the best thermal retention capabilities of all insulation materials on the market. PIR insulation has an R-value range of up to 3.6 - 4.5 m²K/W.
• Durable: The robust nature of PIR board insulation makes it exceptionally tough and resistant to weathering and age damage.
• Long-lasting: When taken care of, PIR insulation can last up to 50 years, providing your home with sustained thermal comfort.
• Great properties: PIR-based insulation boasts excellent smoke and flame resistance, as well as moisture resistance, making it a very safe material to work with.

With all of its positives, it&#;s also worth having a look at some of the shortcomings of PIR insulation to get the best picture. Here are some key points to remember:

• Environmentally unsustainable: Polyisocyanurate is an entirely synthetic polymer material. These plastics take a lot of energy to produce, release harmful gases, and are not able to be discarded appropriately.
• Limited application: PIR insulation is almost entirely found in the form of rigid boards. This means that their application is limited to flat surface use, such as floors, walls and roof rafters. PIR insulation is not suitable for awkward angles and shapes.
• Risk of damage: PIR insulation boards are susceptible to sunlight and UV damage, meaning they have to be kept safe from sun exposure and covered appropriately. This will ultimately increase installation costs, for example for external wall insulation jobs. 

With all these pros and cons in mind, it&#;s safe to say that there's plenty to applaud about PIR insulation, but also to be mindful of. The best approach to choosing home insulation is to consult with a professional installer and home insulation companies to find your best fit.

Unfortunately, not everyone has endless weeks at hand to spend on researching and vetting installers, often also missing out on key bargains. Luckily, GreenMatch UK can help out.

Through our services, you can receive up to 3 free home-tailored quotes directly from our network of pre-vetted installers. The best part? There are no charges or obligations in place. Simply fill out our 30-second form and let the bargains come to you. Click the button below to begin! 

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FAQ

PIR insulation is a thermal insulation material made from polyisocyanurate, a synthetic polymer with an exceptionally high R-value, making it one of the most effective insulation materials on the market today.

PIR insulation is made of polyisocyanurate, made of complex chains of hydrocarbons for heightened thermal efficiency, durability and robustness.

PIR insulation is normally found in the form of rigid boards and is commonly used for concrete floors, internal and external walls, and roof rafters. Generally speaking, these boards are most suitable for flat surface insulation and are not handy for awkward shapes and curves.

PIR insulation may have better water resistance than most other insulation materials, but prolonged exposure to moisture can cause permanent damage. Any insulation material needs to avoid contact with water and moisture buildup.

If cared for properly, PIR insulation can last effectively up to 50 years.

GOOD LEVELS of product availability continue across the board in the latest report from the Construction Leadership Council&#;s (CLC) Material Supply Chain Group.

However, there are reports of price volatility affecting PIR insulation boards, feeding into housing projects. PIR insulation prices have increased significantly due to issues around the supply of chemicals used in their manufacture, and a continued rise in demand could drive further price increases, the CLC says.

The report also shows a steady increase in timber prices as the result of reduced production and stock in a slowing market.

Supply

Supply lines via the Red Sea continue to be managed with only slight delays, although there are reports of increased container costs on this route. The group is also aware that hostilities in the region have the potential to widen and says it is monitoring this to assess the potential impact on other routes. In addition, the Asia/UK route is seeing further bottlenecks caused by the prolonged drought reducing traffic through the Panama Canal.

Merchant Sales

Throughout the year sales through builders&#; merchants have shown a direct relationship between the weather and construction activity. Inclement weather dampened demand for landscaping and groundworks throughout the first quarter, but more recent spring-like conditions have driven an improvement in demand.

While the group says it does not anticipate a dramatic uplift in activity, optimism is increasing as summer approaches. Many say they are now planning for an uptick at the year end and into , which will necessitate careful planning to ensure adequate lines of supply.

The CLC&#;s advice to everyone involved, particularly SME contractors and housebuilders, is to plan in advance, work closely with your supply chain and communicate your requirements early with suppliers, distributors and builders&#; merchants.

The Material Supply Chain Group statement comes from it&#;s co-chairs, John Newcomb, CEO of the Builders&#; Merchants Federation and Peter Caplehorn, CEO of the Construction Products Association.

>> Read more about construction products in the news

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