Laserfiche WebLink
. � � <br /> h:l{RI?Consumcr's Guidc: Polpisocy:muraic Insulalion Matcrials <br /> U.S. Department of Enerqy-Eneryy E(ticlenq and Renewable Eneryy <br /> A Consumer's Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy <br /> Polyisocyanurate Insulation Materials <br /> Polyisocyanura[e or polylso is a thermosetting type of plastic, closed-cell foam that <br /> con[ains a low-mnductivity gas(usually hydrochlorofluorocarbons or NCfC)In its cells. <br /> The high[hermal resistance of the gas g�ves palyisocyanura[e Insulatlon materlais an R- <br /> value[ypically around R-7[o R-8 per inch. <br /> Polyisotyanurate Insula[lon is available as a Ilquid,sprayed foam,and rigid foam board. [t <br /> can also be made into lamina[ed Insulation panels with a varlery of facings. Foamed•In- <br /> place applicatlons of polyisocyanurate Insulatlon are usually cheaper than installing foam <br /> boards.They also usually pertorm better since[he IlGuld foam molds itself to all of the <br /> surfaces. <br /> Over time,the R-value of polyisocyanurate insula[lon can drop as some of the low- <br /> conductivity gas escapes and air replaces it.Thls phenomenon Is known as[herma!dnR. <br /> Experimental data indicates tha[most thermal drlft occurs wlthin[he flrst[wo years aRer <br /> the Insulation material Is manufactured.The R-value then slowly decreases. For example, <br /> If the insulation has an Initlal R-value of R-9 per inch, it wlll probably eventually drop[o R- <br /> 7 per Inch.The li-value then remalns unchanged unless the foam Is damaged. <br /> Foll and plastic facings on rigid, polyisocyanurete(oam panels can help stabillzr thc R- <br /> value.Testing sugges[s that[he s[abilized R-value of rigid foam wlth metal foll facings <br /> remains unchanged after 10 years. ReOective(oil, If Installed wrreQly,can also ac[as a <br /> radlant barrler, which adds another ft-2 to lhe overail[hermal resistance. Panels wl[h foll <br /> facings have stabilized R-values of R-7.1 [o R-8.7 per Inch. <br /> Learn More <br /> Evaluation Tools <br /> • Polyiso Insulation Calculator <br /> Polyisocyanuiatc Insulalion hlanulaUurers Assoaauon <br /> Flnancing 6 Incent(ves <br /> . Find Federal Tax Credits for Energy E(ptlency <br /> L'N[RGY STAR.u: <br /> Product Information <br /> . Polyisocyanuratc InsulaUon Manufac[urers Asso�la[ion <br /> Professional Services <br /> . Rigid Foam <br /> lllhanCr_Inrthc Polyurclhanes Industry <br /> Department of Energy Resources <br /> • Non-HCFC Closed-Ccll Poam Insulation <br /> Oal. ladqc Nation�d LaUoralory <br /> Consumer's Gulde Home � EERE Mome I U.S.DeDartmen[of Energy <br /> Webmaster� \Yeb Site Poqcles � Searity R Privacy � USA.gov <br /> Content Las[UFOated: December 30, 2008 <br /> � <br /> hup:'�appsLrcr..encrg��.Eoe/consumcdyour_homc/insulu�ion_nirscaling/indcx.cftn/mytopic=11590?print 3/3/2009 <br />