What is phenolic foam insulation?

Phenolic insulation is manufactured by a process in which a plastic foam forms an insulating core between two flexible tissue faced layers. It has a high closed cell content and fine cell structure. Rigid phenolic insulation is produced by mixing high solids and phenolic resin with a surface acting agent.

What is the R-value of phenolic foam?

2. The listed R-value for the phenolic foam boards is R-6.7 to R-7.5 per inch; Kooltherm insulation is R-8+ per inch.

Is phenolic foam waterproof?

It has fire retardant properties and a low smoke level (even under pyrolysis). It is water resistant.

Is phenolic foam safe?

The composition of the product in normal use does not present a significant health hazard. The reacted foam core has no known toxic effects. Dust generated is nuisance valve only but may cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.

Is phenolic foam combustible?

But there is another popular type of combustible plastic foam, known as “phenolic” foam, which is held to have quite different fire performance.

What is the difference between PIR and phenolic insulation?

As with the PIR/PUR boards above, phenolic insulation boards also have a closed cell structure. Phenolic board has a slightly higher r-value (higher is better, unlike u-values) and a slightly thinner profile than PIR/PUR boards due to the manufacturing process.

Do you need vapor barrier with foam insulation?

Vapor barriers are often installed in basements and crawl spaces to prevent ground moisture from leaking in. In houses with spray foam insulation, however, vapor barriers are not necessary.

What is the difference between open and closed cell phenolic foam?

High quality closed cell phenolic foam has at least 90% closed cell content which can produce approximately double the R-value of open cell foams. Poorer quality foam insulation may have a high percentage of closed cells but the cell walls may be of inferior quality and have ‘windows’, or holes, that allow the gas to escape over time.

What is phenolic insulation made of?

TRYMER® Supercel Phenolic Insulation is a closed-cell rigid phenolic foam insulation, supplied in the form of large buns for fabrication into pipe shells, curved segments, sheets, tank and vessel coverings, and other shapes for a variety of thermal insulation applications.

What is an example of an open cell foam?

An example of an open cell foam is the bath sponge where water can easily flow through the entire structure, displacing the air. By contrast, closed cell materials feature millions of unconnected microscopic intact bubbles which effectively contain the blowing agent long term.

What is supercel phenolic foam?

Our Phenolic Foam, TRYMER® Supercel Phenolic, is a closed-cell rigid phenolic foam insulation. Like our polyiso foam, TRYMER Supercel Phenolic is manufactured large bunstocks and fabricated into the unique shapes and sizes needed for a variety of commercial applications.