What is isocyanurate insulation
Olivia House
Published Apr 21, 2026
Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso) is a closed-cell, rigid foam board insulation that is bonded to facers on both sides, which are composed of various organic and inorganic materials. Polyiso is used in roof, wall, ceiling and specialty applications within commercial and residential buildings of all types.
What is polyiso used for?
POLYISO Applications POLYISO is a versatile, high-performance insulation solution that is suitable for a multitude of applications. POLYISO is most commonly used as a continuous insulation for roofs and walls, and as a protective roof cover board.
Is polyiso a foam plastic?
Polyiso remains the only foam plastic insulation product for direct application to steel roof decks to earn FM Approval for Class 1 Roof Systems. … As a result, direct-to-deck assemblies containing polyiso insulation meeting NFPA 276 (FM 4450) or UL 1256 can be installed without a thermal barrier.
Which is better EPS or XPS?
XPS, at about R-5 per 25 mm, has only a slightly better thermal performance than EPS. The thermal insulation performance of EPS and XPS in identical densities is quite close. However, EPS with the same level of density is less expensive.What is ISO board insulation?
What is ISO board? Polyiso, or iso, is a high-performance insulation solution used in a multitude of applications, most notably, in this instance, residential and commercial roofing. Polyiso is short for polyisocyanurate, a rigid insulation board made of closed-cell foam.
What is the difference between polyurethane and polyisocyanurate?
Polyisocyanurate typically has an MDI/polyol ratio, also called its “index”, higher than 180. By comparison polyurethane indices are normally around 100. As the index increases material rigidity (stiffness) increases.
Is polyiso insulation good?
Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso) insulation is an excellent choice for a variety of renovation applications because of its excellent energy conserving qualities. … Polyiso insulation is a thermoset, closed-cell, rigid foam plastic insulation manufactured in board form.
Is EPS the same as Styrofoam?
The foam that you formerly knew as styrofoam is actually expanded polystyrene foam or EPS. This material is made from polystyrene, a plastic that’s often used to make clear products like food packaging or lab equipment.Where would you use XPS insulation?
Expanded Polystyrene, referred to as XPS, is a closed cell insulation product commonly used in remodeling and new construction applications. Due to the manufacturing process, XPS insulation is typically available only in standard dimension square or rectangular boards.
Is EPS and XPS the same?Extruded polystyrene insulation (XPS) is manufactured using a process of extrusion. … Expanded Polystyrene insulation (EPS) is manufactured using beads of foam within a mould, heat or steam is then applied directly to the beads which causes them to expand and fuse together.
Article first time published onHow thick is polyiso 30?
Polyiso roof insulation is typically manufactured in incremental thicknesses from 0.5” to 4.5” with versatile options for meeting energy code requirements.
What is EPS in foam?
Expanded Polystyrene ( EPS ) is a lightweight cellular plastic material consisting of small hollow spherical balls. It is this closed cellular construction that gives EPS its remarkable characteristics. EPS is produced in a wide range of densities providing a varying range of physical properties.
Is Foamular a vapor barrier?
An insulating sheathing keeps the wall stud cavity warmer. Warmer air and surfaces are less likely to experience condensation than colder air/surfaces at any given level of humidity. So, FOAMULAR® insulating sheathing, that is also semi-permeable, is not a “double vapor retarder” concern.
Is polyisocyanurate insulation waterproof?
Polyiso. Polyiso is a rigid foam board insulation used for roofing and for insulating walls and ceilings. … This creates its closed-cell structure and makes polyiso exceptionally waterproof.
Does XPS insulation need a vapor barrier?
XPS is manufactured in both an unfaced form or with different plastic facings. However, XPS is considered a vapor retarder, not a vapor barrier. … Innovative applications of EPS and XPS have improved a building’s envelope thermal performance.
Which rigid foam insulation is best?
Expanded polystyrene (EPS), or beadboard, serves as the best insulating rigid foam for homeowners on a budget. This material costs less than other rigid foam boards, but still offers an R–value of 3.6 to 4.2 per inch, according to Fine Homebuilding.
What is the R-value of 3 inch polyiso?
For the R-value of polyiso wall insulation, a full thickness, 180 day aged value is recommended. Foilfaced polyiso has an R-value of about 6.5 per inch and permeability faced polyiso wall insulation has an R-value of around 6.0 per inch.
How much does polyiso cost?
Polyiso Insulation Cost The cost of a polyiso board will be determined by the type and thickness of the material. On average, the price of polyiso insulation can be anywhere between 0.042 and $0.70/sq. Ft. for a 1″ thick panel.
What is the R-value of 2 ISO board?
Thickness (Inches)R-value (in I-P/Imperial)RSI (R-value in Metric)1.06.21.081.59.31.622.012.42.162.515.52.7
Is polyisocyanurate insulation flammable?
Polyiso insulation, like wood and other organic building materials, is combustible. Therefore, it should not be exposed to an ignition source of sufficient heat and intensity (e.g., flames, fire, sparks, etc.) during transit, storage or product application.
Is polyurethane foam insulation?
Open-cell polyurethane foam (OCPF) is a soft, flexible, spongy insulation with broken cell walls that permit air to fill them. … Builders often choose open-cell foam for the following advantages it affords, including: its low cost.
What is difference between PU and PUR?
The difference between PU and PUR Read on to learn more. … While PU is just a coat over the top, PUR flooring has been treated and then cured under a UV-light for extra PUR-ness.
Is XPS foam the same as Styrofoam?
As we said, Styrofoam™ is a Dow trade, blue in color, and is an extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam made for thermal insulation, construction and craft applications. EPS is an expanded polystyrene available in various densities for insulation, construction and craft applications and so much more.
Is XPS mold resistant?
That is a substantial difference to be taken into account when specifying a durable project. The closed-cell structure of XPS makes it more resistant to water. … A higher potential for water absorption means a higher potential for the growth of mold.
Does XPS foam absorb water?
FOAMULAR® XPS products have an R-value of 5 per inch of thickness, and due to their closed cell structure they resist water absorption, maintaining a high R-value for reliable long term service.
Is EPS foam fire resistant?
It is both the fire retardant and the insulation value of the foam that makes it perfectly suited to help protect structures during a wildfire. … Untreated EPS foam burns at 650° to 700°F with a flame source. It won’t continue burning on its own until 840° to 930°F is reached. Wood burns at 480° to 660°F.
Is EPS flammable?
EPS is flammable, as is the case with so many other building materials. However, this is only relevant if you assess EPS as an exposed insulating material.
How can you tell if foam is EPS?
You will often see original Styrofoam sheets in a blue color while EPS foam blocks start out as white, unless custom dyed. EPS foam is lightweight but has a high-density which makes it stronger and more durable than Styrofoam.
How good is EPS insulation?
EPS is an extremely durable material Expanded polystyrene will last the lifetime of any building where it’s installed. The thermal performance of EPS does not degrade over time, meaning the U-value you first achieve with EPS will not change.
Is XPS toxic?
Rigid Foam with Flame Retardants Most rigid polystyrene foam insulation boards, both the EPS and XPS types, contain the toxic flame retardant HBCD, which was banned by the European Union in 2015.
Does XPS compress?
What is the compression behaviour of XPS insulation? Among widely available insulation materials, extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation offers one of the broadest range of compressive strengths and is one of the few products where manufacturers invest the time to test and declare compressive creep.