10 Things to Consider When Buying PIR Core Panels

We know the advantages of the insulated panel construction system, but do we know how to choose the most appropriate insulated panel for our building project? In this post, you will find a series of questions you should ask yourself in order to choose the most suitable insulated panels for your building.  The usage of the building, the climate, the temperature conditions, proximity to the sea and extreme conditions are some of the aspects to think about.  Considering all these questions, you will be able to define materials, finishes, and thicknesses for the panels you use.

Wiskind New Materials Product Page

Deciding which insulated panel characteristics to choose

Insulated panels are a material that over time has gained market visibility over other materials and, given this growth, it has stopped being a product difficult to find or a rejected innovation (like most innovations). Increasingly, builders are leaning more towards using the panels for their projects and these are no longer limited to those in the industrial sector, as you may think since panels are found in buildings as diverse as schools, churches, gyms, sports centers, transport terminals, and homes.

However, deciding which sandwich panel to use for each project is a task for which the technical team must take due action. The inexpensive option will not always be the best (e.g. polystyrene) and, even worse, it could be counterproductive, affecting everything from the building’s efficiency to putting the safety of its users at risk. Taking this into account, there are a number of aspects that must be taken into account. Here are the most important ones.

Aspects to consider

The use that will be given to the building.

Depending on the purpose of the property, panels for both ceiling and wall will vary. For example, office buildings tend to have a less “rough” use than product warehouses.

Technical considerations.

These are aspects that have a relation to the safety of the building. Thus, the following should be taken into account:

– The characteristics of the panel in relation to the resistance to snow loads on the roof for those locations with harsh winters.

– Wind resistance should always be taken into account, especially for buildings of considerable height and those in coastal locations or exposed to hurricanes and similar phenomena.

– Water tightness, something that has more to do with the joints of the panels and the quality (brand) of the products to acquire.

– Main and secondary structures of the building

The Climate and Weather

The climate is going to be a determining factor on the panels to install, for example, coastal locations usually have a very salty air, something that is essential to define what type of paint will be used for the panel. Also, wind, snow, rain, and humidity have to be analyzed in order to determine the best option.

Insulating considerations

The thermal factor is crucial and determined by the type of foam core material and its thickness. For example, you will not be able to use the same type of panel for a furniture store as for a cold warehouse for salmon. Thus, if high thermal insulation is desired, a PIR panel is one of the primary options, while mineral wool may not be as adequate.

Fire resistance is a very important issue. Depending on each country or region, there are minimum regulations to comply with. Under equal conditions and dimensions, rock wool panels perform better when it comes to fire in comparison to PIR or PUR.

Sound insulation. This will determine the thickness of the panel. In general, rock wool tends to have better sound insulation properties.

Aesthetics Considerations

Insulated metal panels give the facilities a modern, industrial, and maybe tough appearance to a certain extent, something that may not be desired for homes, although this will depend on the design capabilities of the architect. Still, there are alternatives such as corten steel and wood panels, which allow a cozier yet modern appearance.

As a conclusion

It is highly relevant to recall that the ecological aspects should not be forgotten, since insulating panels give the building important advantages in this regard, due to their low impact on the environment, reduced energy consumption, and recycling properties. Moreover, it has to be analyzed if a certification like LEED or another would be desired, not only because of the financial and image benefits these permit but also because the planet needs this more than ever!

These are the most significant matters to consider when designing a building with insulated panel covers, however, there are others that require evaluation according to the provider chosen, such as their experience with this type of materials, technical support, quality of products, and the ability to provide additional services like logistics and detailing. We cover these in other posts.

When selecting thermal insulation for your projects, it's crucial to consider factors like thermal performance, fire resistance, structural integrity, environmental conditions, and budget. Here’s a quick overview of the top sandwich panels and where they excel:

1. Polyurethane (PUR) Sandwich Panels

   Thermal Performance: PUR panels offer excellent thermal insulation with a low thermal conductivity range of approximately 0.022-0.028 W/m·K.

   Ideal Applications: These panels are suitable for environments requiring superior insulation, such as cold storage facilities, food processing plants, and industrial buildings where temperature control is critical.

   Advantages:

     - High insulation efficiency

     - Lightweight and easy to handle

     - Good structural strength

   Disadvantages:

     - Limited fire resistance, making them less ideal for buildings with strict fire safety requirements.

2. Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Sandwich Panels

   Thermal Performance: PIR panels offer enhanced thermal performance with a thermal conductivity of around 0.020-0.026 W/m·K, making them one of the most efficient insulation options available.

   Ideal Applications: These panels are commonly used in industrial and commercial buildings, especially where both high insulation and improved fire resistance are required.

   Advantages:

     - Superior fire resistance compared to PUR panels

     - High thermal efficiency, leading to better energy savings

     - Lightweight and structurally sound

   Disadvantages:

     - Higher cost compared to PUR panels, though the added fire resistance and efficiency may justify the investment.

3. Mineral Wool (Rockwool) Sandwich Panels

   Thermal Performance: With a thermal conductivity of about 0.037-0.045 W/m·K, mineral wool panels provide good insulation while excelling in fire resistance and sound insulation.

   Ideal Applications: Best suited for industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and areas with stringent fire safety regulations.

   Advantages:

     - Exceptional fire resistance (non-combustible)

     - Excellent acoustic insulation

     - High durability and resistance to environmental factors

Are you interested in learning more about PIR Core Panels? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

   Disadvantages:

     - Heavier than PUR and PIR panels, which may require stronger structural support

     - Generally more expensive due to the superior fire and sound insulation properties.

4. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Sandwich Panels

Thermal Performance: EPS panels provide adequate insulation with a thermal conductivity of around 0.032-0.038 W/m·K, offering a cost-effective solution for many applications.

Ideal Applications: Suitable for residential buildings, warehouses, and industrial facilities where cost efficiency is a primary concern.

   Advantages:

     - Cost-effective and widely available

     - Lightweight and easy to install

     - Reasonable thermal insulation for general purposes

   Disadvantages:

     - Lower fire resistance compared to PIR and mineral wool panels

     - May require additional fire protection measures in certain applications.

5. Vacuum Insulated Panels (VIP)

Thermal Performance: VIPs provide the highest thermal insulation efficiency with thermal conductivity as low as 0.003-0.008 W/m·K, making them ideal for applications where space is limited, and maximum insulation is needed.

Ideal Applications: Best suited for high-performance buildings, cold storage, and other environments where minimal space is available for insulation materials.

   Advantages:

     - Unmatched insulation efficiency, allowing for thinner panels

     - Space-saving design, ideal for tight spaces

   Disadvantages:

     - High cost, often limiting their use to specialized applications

     - Sensitive to punctures, which can compromise insulation performance

     - More complex installation requirements.

6. Fiberglass Core Sandwich Panels

Thermal Performance: These panels offer moderate insulation with thermal conductivity around 0.035-0.040 W/m·K, and are particularly useful in environments with high humidity or exposure to chemicals.

Ideal Applications: Often used in industrial buildings, chemical plants, and environments requiring resistance to moisture and chemicals.

Advantages:

     - Resistant to moisture, chemicals, and mildew

     - Good fire resistance

     - Decent thermal insulation and soundproofing properties

  Disadvantages:

     - Heavier than PUR and PIR panels

     - Less thermally efficient than other insulation materials.

Key Considerations When Choosing the Best Sandwich Panel:

1. Thermal Performance: For projects where energy efficiency and high insulation are critical, PIR or VIP panels are top choices due to their superior thermal properties.

2. Fire Resistance: In buildings with strict fire safety requirements, mineral wool panels are preferred due to their non-combustible nature and excellent fire resistance.

3. Cost: EPS panels provide a budget-friendly solution with reasonable insulation, though PIR panels offer a better balance of cost and performance if fire resistance is also a priority.

4. Weight and Structural Considerations: Lightweight panels like PUR and EPS are easier to handle and install, while heavier options like mineral wool may require stronger structural support.

5. Durability and Environmental Resistance: For environments exposed to moisture, chemicals, or extreme conditions, fiberglass or mineral wool panels are ideal for their durability and resistance to environmental factors.

Conclusion

PIR sandwich panels are often considered the best overall option due to their excellent balance of thermal insulation, fire resistance, and durability, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. However, the choice of panel should be based on the specific needs of your project, considering all factors like insulation performance, fire safety, cost, and environmental conditions.

For more Insulated Cold Room Doorsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.