Selecting an insulant type

 

Among the range of insulant types available there are a number of performance criteria and product characteristics to consider.

 

Your decision may be based on suitability for the application e.g. high compressive strength for use with a roof terrace, to satisfy a client/insurance requirement or simply be driven by a policy for eco-friendly products.

 

The choice of insulant types used within flat roofing applications can be categorised as follows:

 

• Rigid PIR (Polyisocyanurate)
• Rigid PUR (Polyurethane)
• EPS (Expanded Polystyrene)
• XPS (Extruded Polystyrene)
• Rock Mineral Fibre
• Cork Insulation
• Expanded Perlite
• High Density Wood fibre
• Cellular Glass Insulation

 

To combine any of the above within a flat roof specification can offer performance, installation and commercial benefit. Some examples:

 

1. Rockfibre combined with Rigid PIR

• Improved acoustic performance
• Reduced overall weight
• Improved thickness to thermal performance ratio

 

2. Rigid PIR combined with EPS

• Reduced bonding area / handling
• Reduced overall product cost

 

3. Perlite bonded to EPS

• Improved resistance to foot traffic
• Reduced bonding area / handling
• Flexibility of falls