PIR Foam Board Material Products UK
2 products with material “PIR Foam Board”, spanning Building Materials & Insulation.
PIR foam board – pronounced ‘peer’ – is a versatile insulation material rapidly gaining popularity within UK homes and gardens, primarily due to its exceptional thermal performance and ease of use. PIR stands for Polyisocyanurate, a type of rigid polyurethane foam known for its high R-value; essentially, it's incredibly effective at resisting heat flow, making it ideal for creating energy-efficient walls, roofs, and even garden sheds. UK homeowners are increasingly seeking out products with a high R-value to reduce heating bills and improve comfort, and PIR board offers a cost-effective solution compared to some other insulation options like mineral wool or rockwool, particularly when considering installation time.
When browsing for PIR foam board across various categories – from building materials and insulation boards to garden shed components and even decorative items – it's crucial to pay attention to several key specifications. Primarily, check the R-value (thermal resistance), which is expressed in metres squared per watt Kelvin (m²K). A higher R-value indicates better insulation; however, also examine the board’s thickness, as thicker boards generally provide greater thermal performance. Furthermore, consider the board's density – a denser PIR board will typically offer superior structural strength and moisture resistance.
Across different product types, you’ll find PIR foam board used for everything from insulating garden sheds and greenhouses to creating lightweight wall panels in DIY projects and even as a core material for decorative items like model kits or crafts. It's important to note that whilst PIR is excellent at resisting heat transfer, it does have a lower moisture resistance than some other insulation types, so consider its application carefully – particularly outdoors. When making your purchasing decision, always refer to the manufacturer’s technical specifications and ensure the board is suitable for the intended use, allowing you to build efficiently and sustainably.
#1 Pick
5 X RECTICEL / CELOTEX / KINGSPAN Insulation Board 100MM X 2400MM X 1200MM EURTHANE GP FOIL Back PIR, Silver- PIR Foam Board
- 2400 x 1200 x 100mm, 5 Boards
£374.99
Pros
- Foil-backed PIR board gives a high insulation value for a relatively thin panel
- Supplied as equivalent stock from Recticel, Celotex or Kingspan depending on availability
- 5-board bulk pack suits a full loft, wall or floor insulation project
Cons
- Large pallet-size order needs van access or ground-floor delivery space
#2 Pick
2400 x 1200 x 100mm Celotex GA4100 / Kingspan TP10 / TF70 / Ecotherm Ecoversal Foil Insulation (10)- PIR Foam Board
- 2400 x 1200 x 100mm (10 boards)
£563.00
Pros
- High-performance foil-faced PIR boards for roofs, walls and floors
- Bulk 10-board pack covers a large loft conversion or extension in one order
- Supplied as Celotex, Kingspan or an equivalent brand of identical spec
Cons
- Very bulky pallet delivery needs ground-floor access and someone to help unload
Related attributes
Price
FAQ
What exactly does ‘R-value’ mean when I'm looking at PIR foam board?+
The R-value measures a material's resistance to heat flow. A higher R-value indicates better insulation, meaning less heat will pass through the PIR board – this is what UK homeowners need to focus on when reducing energy consumption and maintaining comfortable temperatures in their homes and gardens.
How does PIR foam board compare to rockwool or mineral wool?+
PIR generally offers a higher R-value per inch of thickness than rockwool or mineral wool, making it more space-efficient for achieving the same level of insulation. However, rockwool often performs better in terms of fire resistance and moisture absorption, so consider your specific needs carefully.
Is PIR foam board expensive compared to other insulation materials?+
PIR is typically priced competitively against other high-performance insulation options like mineral wool but can be more costly than fiberglass or cellulose. The initial investment is often offset by reduced energy costs over the lifespan of the product, making it a worthwhile consideration.
What thickness of PIR foam board should I buy for insulating a garden shed?+
For standard garden sheds, a PIR board with a thickness of 10mm to 20mm is generally sufficient. Larger or more heavily insulated sheds may benefit from thicker boards (25mm+) to achieve the desired R-value and provide adequate structural support.
Can I cut PIR foam board myself, or should I use specialist tools?+
PIR foam board can be cut with a utility knife or saw, but it’s recommended to use a fine-toothed blade for cleaner cuts. A scoring tool is helpful for achieving accurate lines before cutting, and safety precautions like wearing gloves and eye protection are essential.
How does the density of PIR foam board affect its performance?+
Higher density PIR boards offer greater structural strength and better resistance to moisture absorption compared to lower-density versions. This is particularly important for exterior applications or areas exposed to significant weather conditions.
Is PIR foam board suitable for use in damp environments, like a greenhouse?+
While PIR offers some moisture resistance, it's not waterproof. It’s crucial to apply a suitable membrane or sealant to the board when used in damp environments like greenhouses to prevent condensation and maintain its insulation performance.
What are some common mistakes people make when installing PIR foam board?+
A frequent mistake is failing to properly seal all edges and joints with tape or sealant, allowing for air leaks. Another issue is using boards that are too thin for the application, reducing their effectiveness; always calculate your required R-value accurately.
Does the colour of PIR foam board affect its performance?+
The colour of PIR foam board doesn’t directly impact its thermal performance, but lighter colours tend to reflect more sunlight and can help reduce heat gain in warmer climates. Darker coloured boards will absorb more solar radiation.
What is the fire resistance like with PIR foam board?+
PIR foam board has a good fire rating, offering inherent fire protection compared to some other insulation materials. However, it’s important to check the manufacturer's specifications for specific fire performance data and adhere to building regulations regarding fire safety in your project.