Inflexible PIR foam insulation is frequently used on exterior ductwork. However the Thermal Insulation Contractors Affiliation is caution that PIR may be flamable and will pose a threat when used internally.
More secure possible choices, corresponding to phenolic duct insulation, are dearer and, TICA fears that some contractors are the usage of PIR insulation inside of constructions to chop prices within the face of emerging financial inflation.
It’s not easy that the inner use of PIR be dropped at a halt and may be calling for companies awarding contracts to hold out extra stringent tests that the right kind insulation fabrics are being put in inside of their constructions.
Chris Ridge, TICA’s technical coverage supervisor, stated: “Are contractors who proceed to make use of PIR forums on inside duct programs are wilfully turning a blind eye or are they unaware of the details regarding the merchandise they’re putting in?
“Both means, using PIR board on inside ductwork programs wishes to finish. The present financial local weather, the place spiralling prices are impacting many companies, is not any excuse for prioritising using inexpensive, doubtlessly bad fabrics on the expense of other people’s protection.”
He added: “The accountability for making sure compliance can not start and finish with the specialist contractor and the ones awarding such contracts wish to play their section.
“On the subject of thermal insulation, mechanical and electric contractors must be checking the credentials of the insulation product implemented and asking extra questions in their insulation contractors.”
A spokesperson for Kingspan, insulation product producer, stated: “Therma Duct, our PIR board product for ductwork programs, is examined and CE marked for particular use with externally situated ductwork programs simplest and we’d no longer suggest using Therma Duct within a construction.
“We might as a substitute advise our consumers to make use of insulation merchandise which can be CE or UKCA marked, the place appropriate, to be used in inside ductwork programs, corresponding to our Kooltherm Duct Insulation.”
