Many Types of Foam

According to the polyurethane foam association over 1.8 billion pounds of flexible polyurethane foam (FPF) products are produced annually in North America. There are many different types of foam out there; they are all based on altered forms of plastic filled with micro bubbles.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Wiskind New Materials.

Some examples of FPF products are: polystyrene foam, polyethylene foam, styrofoam, and polyurethane foam. Polystyrene foam (often blue) is used in rafts, life preservers, and insulation wraps for residential homes. Polyethylene foam is used in cushions, pillows, and beds. Styrofoam is usually white, and typical uses are white foam for coolers, mugs, or cups (e.g. coffee/ or hot chocolate). Finally, polyurethane foam is a yellow type of foam for roofing, insulation, refrigeration warehouses, foam boards. Foam roofing is one of the most common polyurethane foam applications.

Foam Roofing Myths

There are probably as many myths as there are types of foam. Some of these misconceptions may be partly due to the fact that there are so many different kinds of foam. With about three decades of foam roofing experience we have heard some myths so absurd we wont bother listing them here. This article is an attempt to dispel some of the most typical myths and rumors about foam roofing. Without further adieu, here are ten of the most common polyurethane spray foam roofing myths, listed in no particular order.

Picture: A Sprayed Polyurethane Foam roof (SPF) installation on a warehouse. SPF foam roofing is plagued by myths and misconceptions .

Myth #1: Foam Roofing is New

Although the groundwork for polyurethane foam was done by Otto Bayer and his team in , polyurethane foam would not become available until much later. In polyisocyanates became commercially and commercial production of polyurethane foam began in based on toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and polyester polyols. Commercial production of flexible polyurethane foam began in , based on toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and polyester polyols. The invention of these foams (initially called imitation Swiss cheese by the inventors) was thanks to water accidentally introduced in the reaction mix. These materials were also used to produce rigid foams, gum rubber, and elastomers.

Dr. Otto Bayer began working with polyurethanes in . However, it was not until further innovations, and Walter Baughman’s discovery of the Blendometer in that mass production of polyurethane foam began. As a product, polyurethane foam is over half a century old.

Initially polyurethane spray foam was used in the s for refrigeration and industrial insulation projects, although by the late 60s and early 70s polyurethane foam had evolved into exterior roofing applications. The earliest foam roofs are now around 50 years old. So, as a product, polyurethane foam has existed for the better part of a century, and it has been in use on roofing in applications for about half a century. For most of the living world, foam roofing is indeed not new.

Myth #2: You Can’t Stop a Determined Bird From Pecking a Foam Roof

This is very much a myth, and if you believe it, you should be ashamed. Now, keep in mind that If you have a sadly deteriorating foam roof, with large patches of exposed foam (where the acrylic coating has worn away), then birds may peck at your deteriorating and exposed foam.

One popular foam roofing myth involves birds pecking a foam roof into oblivion.

However, it’s very easy to stop the birds from doing this (i.e. the “can’t stop” part is a myth). Simply replace the coating with a fresh layer or use some acrylic caulking to seal up the exposed area. When an added layer of rubberized coating covers the foam, surface toughness increases such that birds tend to stop pecking as they find that their beaks bounce-off the roof surface. Keep in mind that this type of work is best performed by qualified technicians who understand surface preparation procedures and have access to suitable materials. If you do find a bird pecking at your foam roof, think of it as a compliment. Even a bird’s brain is smart enough to realize that foam is both lightweight and has great insulating qualities (e.g. for a nest).

Myth #3: You Can’t Walk on a Foam Roof

You CAN walk on a foam roof without having the skills of those ninjas that walk on rice paper; just leave your spiked heels and cowboy boots in the closet–its best to use soft rubber sole sneakers. Unless you’re walking on a condemned (or soon to be) building, a foam roof is completely capable of sustaining the weight of a normal person.

Employees walk on an SPF foam roof while making an inspection.

Soft sole shoes are advised because an extremely sharp object can damage or penetrate the foam. Since spray foam roofing structure is composed of millions of tiny closed cells, only a hole in the roof that penetrates to the underlying substrate can potentially cause a leak. However, foam can only last forever if it is protected from UV rays (sunlight). If your foam roof has a hole or is damaged, a proper type of coating or caulking should be used to coat the roof again and protect it from UV rays.

Myth #4: Foam Roofing Material is Just Like Memory Foam Mattress Material

Sure, and monopoly money is accepted by your local bank. On a more serious note, memory foam mattresses are very low density and open cell, while foam roofing foam is still flexible, it is relatively much higher density and composed of closed cells. Polyurethane closed cell foam used in roofing applications is a completely different material composition vs memory foam. Polyurethane foam used for roofing applications is exponentially stronger and more durable than the type of foam used in a mattress. For example, Dura-Foam has many roofs approaching the 35 year mark which are still in near perfect condition.

Myth #5: Foam Roofing is Expensive

A foam roof actually costs about the same as a typical BUR or single ply roof. Also, consider that BUR or Asphalt roofs are actually an oil based product. Rising oil prices are driving up the costs of most typical flat roof alternatives, while the cost of foam roofing has remained more constant. An additional benefit to consider, is that a foam roof is the last roof you’ll ever need to buy. Furthermore, a foam roof provides exceptional insulation, and we always use reflective cool roof coatings (on completed foam projects) which results in even further reduced energy costs. Cool roof coatings alone can cut down cooling costs by 30 percent or more in warmer climes.

If you’re only considering a 5 or 10 year window, a foam roof may or may not be more expensive than a traditional roofing material. However, when you start considering 15, 20 or more years in your evaluation, the foam roof becomes much more cost effective than other alternatives. You wont need to replace the foam roof in 20 years–you can simply maintain a foam roof by periodically adding re-coats to protect the roof from prolonged UV exposure. This is not a viable option with a traditional roofing installation.

Myth #6: Foam Roofing is Not Durable

When you think about ‘tough’ materials, foam products probably don’t come to mind. However, Dura-foam has built many 30 year old (and counting) foam roofs which remain in great condition. Many of the earliest foam roofs are still standing (50 years and counting). Foam roofing has already stood the test of time, and its a fact; a foam roof can last the life of your building.

Image: This is a pair of polyurethane soled shoes. Polyurethane is often used in the soles of shoes due to its extreme durability.

Mtyth #7: Foam Boards Insulate as Well as a Sprayed Foam Roof

Not really–whether you DIY (Do-it-Yourself) or have a contractor install a foam board roof, you’ll only see a fraction of the benefits possible with sprayed foam roofing. Sprayed foam roofing is manufactured on site, and is sprayed to perfectly conform to your roof as a single monolithic barrier to the elements. A foam board roof is full of seams which allow moisture and vapor transmission, which greatly reduces the insulation capacity.

Although the R-value rating of a foam board roof appears to be on par with a foam roof, the actual performance of such roofs is substantially inferior. In other words, in this case, the R-value of the insulation does not factor air-infiltration with thermal resistance which makes it an inaccurate comparison. One should also consider a sprayed foam roof also seals a roof better (prevents leaks) better than any traditional pre-manufactured material (even foam boards).

Myth #8: Polyurethane Foam is Toxic

Here’s just one more myth to add to our list. Polyurethane foam is really just a form of altered plastic with millions of tiny trapped air bubbles. Although the formulation is designed for roofing applications and optimized for the best combination of thermal resistance and durability, the base material is the same thing used in most refrigerators or foam mattresses. Polyurethane foam materials are completely inert, and are just as safe as the foam pillows you probably have on your couch by your TV or in the seat cushions inside your car.

Myth #9: Soy Foam is Substantially ‘Greener’ Than Polyurethane Foam

We have looked at the most recent Soybean oil based foams, and they presently contain a maximum of about 15% soybean oil. Considering the expense, and the risk that these formulations wont stand the test of time (last the life of your building), we are not completely sold on this product.

Perhaps one day, Soybean oil based foams will be substantially different from traditional foam. For now, its 85% exactly the same as your every-day polyurethane foam, and for us, it’s not enough to justify the added expense. Although we will look for new developments in bio-based foams in the future, our present conclusion is that soy (and other bio-based) foams are just a gimmick. Once technology changes and the second generation of soy based (and other bio-based) foams are released, we will re-visit the subject.

Myth #10: Foam Roofing Absorbs Water

If foam on a roof system is found to soak up water, either the wrong material was used or the material components were not applied using the proper equipment and expertise. The Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) used in roofing applications is “closed cell”. In other words, it is a plastic with millions of tiny closed cells which are impenetrable by water. A block of SPF submerged under water will remain buoyant and dry indefinitely. For this reason, spray polyurethane foam is used in flotation docks and the hulls of sea vessels. In roofing applications, closed-cell SPF is manufactured at the job site using specialized equipment. Foam that soaks-up water is not classified as “closed cell” SPF.

Summary

During the last few decades foam roofing has grown in popularity and become the flat and low slope roofing material of choice for environmentally conscious consumers. Unfortunately, there are some obstacles for foam roofing contractors due to large amounts of misinformation that have propagated through society. There are many foam roofing myths; the ones we have listed here are just some of the most common ones. Foam roofing is truly a highly quality, high performance product. Hopefully this article will help at least a few people separate fact from fiction in reference to foam roofing.

What you need to know about insulated panels for walls and roofs

The following text about sandwich panels for walls and roofs is intended for beginners. It is intended to provide an introduction to the subject and provide information on various aspects such as transport, relocation, etc. Of course, this text can not replace any training. It is therefore always essential to have specialists who are familiar with the transport, storage and assembly of sandwich panels.

1. The basics: What are insulated panels?

Smart and insulated: Facade made from insulated panels

As the name suggests, “sandwich” panels consist of several layers – usually two thin covering sheets and in between there is a core. That, however, is the only similarity between them and a sandwich! When it comes to durability, the sandwich panels are way ahead of their edible namesake: The individual layers are firmly connected with each other, and are therefore often referred to as composite panels.
Insulated panels, composite panels, or sandwich panels, come in a wide variety of designs. In most cases, the outer shell consists of a galvanised steel sheet. The inner shell can be made of galvanised steel sheet, thin aluminium sheets, stainless steel or GRP (glass-fibre reinforced plastic). The core is mostly made of insulating material such as polyurethane (PUR), polyisocyanurate (PIR), or rock wool. The joining of the outer and inner layers helps to combine the properties of the materials used: bending or breaking of the surface is made difficult thanks to the core, in turn the stability of the surface protects the soft core from external influences.

2. Using insulated panels

Insulated panels are used in many industries, such as aerospace, automotive and construction. This text focuses on the use of insulated panels as ready-made elements for the construction industry.
Insulated panels are perfect for the building sector: You save time, cut costs and reduce weight and they can be used as wall, ceiling and roof. If the panels come straight from the factory, they are immediately ready for use. In one easy step, they can be attached to a support structure and are simultaneously stable walls or roofs with excellent insulation properties.
Because of the above named properties, today insulated panels are particularly popular for lightweight construction of halls, roofs for residential buildings, but also as insulation panels for insulating or also as sound proofing in drywall construction. Insulated panels with a fireproof core are also often used as fire protection panels.

Hall constructed from insulated panels

3. Types of insulated panels

3.1. Insulated roof panels

Roof panels have two uses: as roofing insulation and roofing. They can be recognised at a glance by their regular elevations on the sandwich element. These elevations are known as high ridges and serve to stiffen the panel. Good stability is indispensable – especially in the case of roof panels – since they must not only carry their own weight, but also have to withstand potential snow loads or wind loads. The space between the two high ridges is known as the low ridge. This is where the core thickness is measured. In order to ensure a seamless transition between two roof panels, there is an overlapping flap on one side of the panel. This lies on top of the adjoining panel.

Roof panels are available in a wide range of RAL colours.

3.2. ECO roof panels

A special type of roof panels are the ECO roof panels. They are covered on the underside aluminium foil rather than steel. As a result, they are classed as single-use products according to building regulations and do not need to be approved. In addition to this legal advantage, ECO roof panels have many more plus points. The aluminium foil reliably protects against products such as ammonia, which can have a negative effect on the environment. As a result, ECO roof panels are particularly suitable for use in agricultural buildings, such as stables and barns.

3.3. Insulated wall panels

Insulated wall panels have a lined profile for stability, instead of the high beadings on the roof panels. Since there is no overlapping flap due to the lack of a high ridge, the panels are connected with each other using a tongue and groove joint, which is more pronounced than on the roof panels. Optionally, it is also possible to use fastening screws, which are invisible from the outside, using a secret fixing system.

In detail: secret fixing

Wall panels can also be used as ceilings or floors.

3.4. Cold room panels

Cold room panels are a special form of wall panels. They are usually more insulated than normal insulated panels and have better quality of joints. This makes them ideal for the construction of refrigerated cold rooms and walk-in fridges. Cold room panels often also come in a food-safe coating.

4. Composition of insulated panels: the exterior

The outer shell of an insulated panel consists of several different layers, which protect the panel from environmental influences such as UV radiation and from corrosion. The following diagram provides a nice overview of the outer shell structure:

Since all the individual layers fulfill certain functions, it is important to analyse the environmental factors to which the panels will be exposed, before purchasing the insulated panels. After doing so, the right materials and coatings can then be selected. Since the exterior and interior sides of the insulated panels are frequently exposed to very different conditions, the lacquers and materials which are used, vary according to the side they are on. For example, the exterior shell should always contain a UV protection layer and in damp interior spaces, such as swimming pools, good corrosion protection should be used.

4.1. Exterior materials

There are several basic materials from which the outer shell of insulated panels are made. Here is an overview of the properties of the materials:

Material Use Sheet steel Steel sheet metal is most often used in the production of insulated panels. The material impresses with its high stability. The sheet is galvanised and coated against corrosion GRP GRP (glass fibre reinforced plastic) can only be used for the underside of the panels. The material is used in rooms with high exposure to chemicals or salt to prevent corrosion. GRP is not as fracture-resistant as metal. Aluminium Sometimes, but not often, the shell of the insulated panel is made from aluminium. This material is particularly resistant to chemicals and salt and is therefore mainly used in the agriculture industry. Disadvantages include the high price and high thermal expansion, which can lead to structural problems.

Stainless steel

Very rarely the shell is made from stainless steel. The advantage of this material is that it is completely rust-free and is food safe. The price of the material is, however, very high. We produce stainless steel insulated panels on request from a quantity of 2,500 m².

Material thickness

The shell of the panels is available in different material thicknesses. Thinner material is lighter and less expensive but not so stable. In the case of thicker materials, it is possible to walk on a panel without damaging it. Typical values for the thickness of the steel sheet are 0.4mm and 0.6mm. Please contact us if you need any advice regarding thicknesses.

Galvanising

As corrosion protection, all our panels are galvanised in high-quality. Contact us if you have any questions about galvanisation.

4.2. Exterior coating

The coating offer further protection to the insulated panel and protects against corrosion and UV radiation. There are a variety of quality levels, depending on the situation the panels will be used in. The quality of the coating can be increased using one of the following two methods: through newly developed materials and coating methods or by a thicker coating. The standard coating applied to our insulated wall and roof is standard polyester with a thickness of 25 μ, exterior and interior. Most competitors offer only 15 μ. These are the coatings available:

Pre-coated products Standard thickness (μ) Minimum time before appearance of white rust (in h) Corrosion category Standard polyester 25 360 RC2 Polyester with high durability 25 360 RC3 PVDF 25 500 RC4 PVDF 35 500 RC4 PUR-PA 50/55 700 RC5 Plastisol 100/200 RC5 Plastic coated 100 500 /

In order to make it easier for you to choose the right coating, we provide you here with a small decision aid based on EN . Simply allocate your project to one of the following categories.

External environmental influences:

Category Description C1 - very low C2 - low

Surroundings with low pollution Agricultural areas

C3 - average

Urban and industrial areas, medium levels of sulfur dioxide pollution Coastal areas with low salt content – between 10 and 20 km from the sea

C4 - high Industrial areas and coasts with medium salt content, between 3 and 10 km from the sea C5 I – very high Industrial and coastal areas with high humidity and aggressive environments C5 M – very high Coastal areas with high salt levels, between 1 and 3 km from the sea

Internal environmental influences:

Category Description C1 – very low Heated buildings with clean air: e.g. offices, shops, schools and hotels C2 - low Non-heated buildings where condensation is possible: store rooms, sports halls C3 - medium Production rooms with high humidity and reasonably high air pollution: e.g. food industry, laundries, breweries, dairy industry C4 - high Chemical installations, swimming pools, shipbuilding and coastal installations C5 I – very high Buildings or areas with constant condensation and high air pollution C5 M – very high Buildings or areas with constant condensation and high air pollution

With the help of the following diagram, you can ensure you choose the right coating for both the exterior and interior shell of your insulated panels.

5. Composition of insulated panels: the core

The extraordinary insulation properties of insulated panels are largely achieved thanks to the insulation core, which is protected by the external sheets made from steel or aluminium. The core of the insulated panels can be made from a variety of materials and in different thicknesses. Following, we provide you with a short overview of the materials and their functions.

5.1. Polyurethane (PU)

Polyurethane is a synthetic resin used developed in the s by Otto Bayer and his research group for IG Farben. We all know the material from around our households: our sponges are made from it. In the field of insulated panels, polyurethane is the most popular insulation material. But how good are the insulation properties? The following table is based on a standard-lined Eurobox type panel, and provides information on the insulation values (U-values) achieved according to the core thickness:

U Thickness of the panels (mm) 25 30 35 40 50 60 80 100 120 W/m² K 0.83 0.70 0.61 0.54 0.44 0.37 0.28 0.22 0.19 kcal/m² h °C 0.71 0.60 0.52 0.46 0.38 0.32 0.24 0.19 0.16

5.2. Polyisocyanurate (PIR)

Polyisocyanurates have even better insulation properties when compared to polyurethane. Thus, the same insulation value can be achieved with a lower core thickness. In addition, insulated panels with a PIR core have better fire-rating values than those with a PUR core, withstanding higher temperatures for longer. Due to this, insulated panels with a PIR core are somewhat more expensive than PUR core panels.

5.3. Rock wool

If you happen to have special fire protection requirements, then there’s no way around panels with a rock wool core. In contrast to polyurethane and polyisocyanurate, rock wool is not combustible. However, this advantage is tempered by the fact that rock wool panel have a slightly poorer insulation properties. Take a look at the U-values based on the example of a standard-lined Eurobox profile:

U Nenndicke des Paneels (mm) 50 60 80 100 120 150 W/m² K 0.75 0.63 0.49 0.39 0.33 0.27 kcal/m² h °C 0.65 0.54 0.42 0.34 0.28 0.23

​ 6. Transportation of insulated panels

If you decide on using insulating panels as part of your construction plans, transport is the first step after placing your order. For panels with lengths of up to 24 metres, there are some very important rules that you need to pay attention to in order to ensure that the insulated panels arrive undamaged.
Insulated panels usually come packaged. In order to not damage the panels during transportation, these packages must be placed horizontally on spacers made from plastic foam or wood. Please note that the spacers must be placed at a suitable distance apart. The support surface should of course correspond to the shape of the package. That is to say, if the package is flat, the surface it lies on should be flat. If the package is curved, the surface it lies on should also be curved. When stack packages on top of each other, stacking spacers must be used between the packages..
It should also be ensured that packages do not overhang by more than one metre and are secured in at least two cross-sections using straps no further than 3 metres apart. When attaching the straps, it is important to ensure that the do not themselves damaged the panels. The loading surface of the vehicle should, of course, be empty and weatherproof.

7. Storage of insulated panels

For logistic reasons, it is sometimes necessary to store insulated panels on a construction site or in a warehouse. Please ensure that the panels never lie directly on the floor, but always on timber or polystyrene spacers, which are wider than the panel itself. The spacers must be adapted to the shape of the panels and correspond to the product. For example: for a package which is curved, the spacers must have the same curvature. If lack of space means stacking the packages on top of each other, please ensure that spacers are used between the individual packages. The upper spacers should be placed in exactly the same position as the spacers below. The weight of the packages should also be noted when stacking. A maximum of 3 packages with a maximum height of 2.6m can be stacked.
The packs of panels should never be stored for an extended period in a damp environment, since condensation can collect on the poorly ventilated internal panels, and can corrode the metal. If short-term outdoor storage is necessary, it is important that the packages are not exposed to direct sunlight and that water runs off them. The inclination should be at least 5%. However, packets should not be stored outdoors for more than 60 days.
The best storage conditions for insulated panels are dry and dust-free rooms, which are also ventilated to some extent. From experience, we know that even under the best storage conditions, the storage period should still not exceed 6 months, as otherwise the properties oft he panels can change.

8. Lifting insulated panels

Even if insulated panelbelong to the lightweight construction elements, the length of them can mean they carry some considerable weight. For this reason, some basic instructions must be followed when lifting by hand or by crane.
When lifting a package by crane, synthetic sling belts (e.g. from nylon), with a minimum width of 10cm, must be placed in at least 2 places. The straps must have a minimum of half the length of the package. To prevent damage to the panels when they are lifted, apply strong and thin wooden or plastic spacers that exceed the width of the panels by at least 4cm.
When lifting the panels by hand, there should be two people working together. The panels should be always be carried with the horizontal edges upwards and downwards.

9. Cutting insulated panels

Sometimes it is necessary to cut down insulated panels to get them to working length on site.. For this purpose, the panels must be placed on a firm base and cut with a plunge saw, jigsaw or circular saw. It is important to make sure that the cutting surface does not become too hot during cutting. This could lead to the galvanization, and thus the corrosion protection, burning. Please do not use angle grinders or disc grinders as sparks could damage the anti-corrosion coating.

10. Fitting roof panels

​The substructure already in place, the insulated panels can now be put to good use

Insulated panels should always be fitted by experts. The following passage will provide a rough overview of the work.
The installation of roof panels will always be onto a substructure of timber, concrete or steel. When designing the substructure, it is imperative to include the calculation of the panel weight as well as the potential snow loads and wind loads in the region. From all this information, the distance between the supports (the purlins), onto which the panels are laid, can be determined. In order to get maximal drainage, the inclination of the roof must not be less than 5°. If the roof has a crossbar or roof penetrations, the roof should have a slope of at least 7°. Roof panels are therefore not suitable for flat roofs.
You’re now ready to go!

10.1. Laying the roof panels

Before starting the construction, the substructure should be carefully inspected: To avoid corrosion, no incompatible materials should come into contact with the panels. Furthermore, before installing the panels, the gutter and cover plates on the sides of the eaves should be fitted.

The roof panels are always laid opposite the main weather direction in order to keep the wind influences on the joins to a minimum. Therefore, the installation begins on the side facing away from the wind. Extra care should be taken with the first panel to ensure flush alignment. It is advisable to stretch a guideline on the eaves side from one end of the building to the other to ensure fitting parallel to the substructure.

Using a drill screw fix the first panel to the substructure through the middle bead near the eaves. Use a saddle washer with a rubber seal to prevent water getting in. The screw must be suitable for the chosen type of substructure and must have a rubber seal and must be tightened in such a way that the seal is pushed together slightly.

Before putting the second panel in place, it’s a good idea to mark the first panel to show where the beams of the substructure are.
Then lay the second panel: Place the overlap flap over the last bead of the first panel- In order to ensure a good join at the joint, tilt it slightly and place it on the substructure to for a seal that fits optimally.
Then screw on the panel in the same way as the first one, through the middle bead near the eaves. Ensure that you keep pressure on the joint until the second panel has been fixed properly.

Only when the second panel has been fixed as described can the joint between the two panels be screwed together. If the panels are fitted in a different order than that described, it could be that the joints slip away from each other. A saddle washer with rubber seal must be fitted under the screw.

Now repeat the whole process:

1. Mark where the steel beams are on the last panel.
2. Lay the next panel
3. Press the panels together at the joint
4. Fix the new panel through the middle bead.
5. Screw the joint between the two panels.

10.2. Overlapping the short joint

Sometimes it is necessary to join the insulated roof panels at the vertical joint. The following section  describes the procedure for such an overlap along this edge.
Since there is no overlap on this edge as standard, this must be created by removing the lower sheet and the foam insulation. The data sheet for each panel will help you determine the length of the cut-back required.

Preparation for overlapping the upper panel

First the lower panel is laid and then the upper panel is put in place so that it overlaps the lower one. This allows rainwater to drain away without running under the overlap flap. In addition, a self-adhesive seal should be applied to the lower panel at at least two. The final step is to fix the panels through the high beads.

10.3. Completion of the eaves area

The exposed insulation at the front of the building must be protected from the influence of weather and from animals. In this section we will describe the different possibilities.

The exposed insulation must be either painted with a waterproof coating or covered with a flashing. The advantage of a flashing is that animals can’t get to the foam, which they would then burrow into and pull out. On request we can supply the panels for the eaves area with a drip edge.

11. Approval of self-supporting insulated panels according to EU standard

Insulated panels meet official approval. EU standard specifies the requirements for “factory-made self-supporting insulated panel elements with metal sheets on both sides”.

12. Fire protection classes and legislation on fire protection

In many of the scenarios where insulated panels are applied, fire protection plays an important role. The European standard DIN EN has been in place for a number of years. The European standard regulates fire protection classes much more closely.
Here is the corresponding EU table, which defines the fire resistance classes according to DIN EN and their assignment to the corresponding building supervisory requirements:

Building requirements

Weight-bearing elements¹
without clearance

Weight-bearing elements¹
with clearance

Non-supporting internal walls

Non-supporting external walls

Raised floors

Stand alone ceilings

Fire-retardent

R 30

REI 30

EI 30

E 30 (i→o) und
EI 30-ef (i←o)

REI 30

EI 30 (a↔b)

Fire-retardent

R 60

REI 60

EI 60

E 60 (i→o) und
E 60-ef (i←o)

EI 60 (a↔b)

For more information, please visit PU Roof Panel.

Additional resources:
Fiberglass (FRP) Cable Ladder Tray Systems

Fire-resistant

R 90

REI 90

EI 90

E 90 (i→o) und
E 90-ef (i←o)

EI 90 (a↔b)

Fire-resistance
120 minutes

R 120

REI 120

-

-

Fire wall

-

REI-90M

EI 90-M

-

-

¹For reactive fire protection systems with components from coated steel, the specification IncSlow according to DIN EN -2 is additionally required.

In addition to these general tables, there is a further table in which all insulated panels are classified. If you order panels from us, we always provide the European fire protection class:

Classification of fire performance of construction materials (excluding flooring) according to DIN EN -1

Building requirements

Additional requirements

EU classification according to DIN EN -1¹²

No smoke

No flammable dripping

Construction materials, excl. linear pipe insulation

Linear pipe insulation

Non-flammable

●

●

A1

A1L

●

●

A2 - s1, d0

A2L - s1, d0

Fire-retardent

●

●

B - s1, d0 C - s1, d0

BL - s1, d0 CL - s1, d0

●

A2 - s2, d0

A2L - s2, d0

A2 - s3, d0

A2L - s3, d0

B - s2, d0 B - s3, d0

BL - s2, d0 BL - s3, d0

C - s2, d0

CL - s2, d0

C - s3, d0

CL - s3, d0

●

A2 - s1, d1

A2L - s1, d1

A2 - s1, d2

A2L - s1, d2

B - s1, d1 B - s1, d2

BL - s1, d1 BL - s1, d2

C - s1, d1

CL - s1, d1

C - s1, d2

CL - s1, d2

A2 - s3, d2 B - s3, d2 C - s3, d2

A2L - s3, d2 BL - s3, d2 CL - s3, d2

Normal flammability

●

D - s1, d0

DL - s1, d0

D - s2, d0 D - s3, d0

DL - s2, d0 DL - s3, d0

E

EL

D - s1, d1

DL - s1, d1

D - s2, d1

DL - s2, d1

D - s3, d1

DL - s3, d1

D - s1, d2

DL - s1, d2

D - s2, d2

DL - s2, d2

D - s2, d3

DL - s2, d3

E - d2

EL - d2

Highly-flammable

F

FL

¹ In the European testing and classifying rules, the smouldering performance of building materials is not recorded. For applications where the smouldering performance must be demonstrated, national regulations must be used.
² With the exception of classes A1 (not withstanding the use of footnote c to table 1 of DIN EN -2 and E) the fire performance of surfaces on exterior wall cladding (types) cannot be conclusively classified according to DIN EN -1.

Insulated panels with rock wool core are available up to a fire class of up to F120. This means therefore, that they can withstand fire for up to 120 minutes. The panels consist of between 95-99% molten volcanic rock, drawn into filaments to attains a fibrous structure. Certified sandwich panels with a core made of rock wool may be installed in areas subject to fire protection requirements. They can be used both as an internal fire wall, or external wall and also as a low ceiling, as a roof and even as insulation of existing buildings.

2.5.0.0

Last updated May

For more PU Sandwich Roof Panelinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.