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THERMAL INSULATION FOR EXTERIOR WALLS USING FF-PIR POLYURETHANE INSULATION PRODUCTS

FF-PIR is one of the most effective thermal insulation materials available on the market with a declared thermal conductivity (λ_Declared) of 0.022 W/mK. FF-PIR insulation products are suitable for new construction, low-energy, passive and zero-energy construction houses, and for supplementary thermal insulation of older buildings.

FF-PIR insulation can be used to create very thin and leak-proof structures. In constructing low energy, passive, or zero-energy houses, structural thicknesses will barely increase when compared to conventional houses built using traditional insulation products.

When used in the ventilated facades of P1 fire class apartment buildings, FF-PIR FR improves the safety of the structure substantially, as the flame retardant FR laminate on the surface of the panels expands to fill the ventilation gap and thus prevents fire from spreading through.

*Ventilated facades for P1 buildings less than 28 meters high can also be created using FF-PIR AL insulation products in accordance with separate fire performance testing.*

COMBINATION OF INSULATION AND VAPOR BARRIER

Separate air or vapor barriers are also not necessary in the structures. The aluminum or plastic laminate on the surface of the FF-PIR insulation products has a very high water vapor resistance and also functions as vapor barrier within structures. For the seams and joints between the panels, we recommend using elastic foam sealant and vapor barrier or aluminum tape that is suitable for joints.

FF-PIR insulation products are excellently suited for use with different frame materials in roofs. The frames can consist of wood, steel, concrete, or lightweight concrete (Siporex).

*In a zero-energy house, the frame structure can be protected from weather by installing a sufficiently thick and effective layer of thermal insulation on the outside of the framework of the building.*

FF-PIR INSULATION PRODUCTS ARE SUITABLE FOR ALL FRAME STRUCTURES

FF-PIR insulation products can be used in exterior walls with various framework materials. When the framework is made from wood, the structure can be constructed as a so-called full PIR wall, where a 100 or 150 mm FF-PIR K600 panel is installed between studs with on-center spacing of 600 mm (K600). A second continuous layer of panels is installed on the inside or outside of the structure. If the second layer is installed on the inside, its thickness may be chosen freely based on suitability for the project (30–150 mm). Where the second layer is installed on the outside of a load-bearing framework, the exterior insulation must be as thick or thicker as the FF-PIR insulation in between the framework elements to insure proper moisture performance.

INSULATION THICKNESS BASED ON THE U VALUE

In a so-called hybrid structure, wind-proofing is installed on the outside of the studs as regular, mineral wool insulation is fitted between the studs, and a continuous layer of FF-PIR insulation panels is installed on the inside with the seals seamed with elastic foam sealant and tape. The thickness of insulation is determined according to the desired U value. This will create an absolutely leak-proof and energy efficient structure.

The framework of the exterior wall can also consist of concrete, brick, or breeze blocks, in which case insulation panels are installed as a continuous layer on the outside of the internal framework.

You can find more information on the properties of FF-PIR panels as well as the panel types and dimensions here.

*The FF-PIR PLI insulation products are used where the insulation becomes into contact with poured concrete as they are suitable for use with fresh concrete.*

The below table includes a few examples of wall structures.

Insulation Thickness Chart

Framework	Insulation/framework	FF-PIR	U value W/m2K
Wood	FF-PIR 50 mm + 50 mm wool on the inside	FF-PIR 70 mm on the outside	0,17
Wood	FF-PIR 70 mm + 50 mm wool on the inside	FF-PIR 100 mm on the outside	0,13
Wood	FF-PIR 100 mm + 50 mm wool on the inside	FF-PIR 100 mm on the outside	0,11
Wood	FF-PIR 100 mm + 50 mm wool on the inside	FF-PIR 150 mm on the outside	0,09
Concrete element with insulation in between		FF-PIR 140 mm	0,17
Concrete element, ventilated exterior face		FF-PIR 140 mm	0,16
Concrete element with insulation in between		FF-PIR 180 mm	0,14
Brick	Full-brick construction	FF-PIR 130 mm	0,16
Brick	Full-brick construction	FF-PIR 170 mm	0,13
Wood	Mineral wool 150 mm	FF-PIR 30 mm on the inside	0,17
Wood	Mineral wool 150 mm	FF-PIR 40 mm on the inside	0,16
Wood	Mineral wool 200 mm	FF-PIR 30 mm on the inside	0,14
Wood	Mineral wool 150 mm	FF-PIR 80 mm on the inside	0,12