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Title
Polyisocynurate Insulation: The Foundation for the 21st Century Roof Systems
Polyisocynurate Insulation: The Foundation for the 21st Century Roof Systems
Date
9/2011
9/2011
Author(s)
John Letts
John Letts
Page(s)
Keyword(s)
polyiso; insulatoin; energy effiiency; high density coverboard; dimensional stabiliy; reroofing; life cycle analysis; ZCS
polyiso; insulatoin; energy effiiency; high density coverboard; dimensional stabiliy; reroofing; life cycle analysis; ZCS
Abstract
High performance roofing systems currently are required to be energy efficient, durable, sustainable, and versatile. Polyisocyanurate insulation, currently a common insulation for roofs, ideally is suited to address these opportunities in this century’s roof systems. Energy codes - past, present and future - are reviewed and compared across all eight climate zones in the U.S. By 2012 R-values will have increased more than 80 percent on average compared with 2004. A strong argument is made that increasing the energy requirements for reroofing will significantly affect energy efficiency in the U.S. The total environmental assessment of polyisocyanurate insulation from raw materials to final installation is called Life Cycle Analysis. It briefly is discussed and its effects are compared to other carbon abatement strategies. The recycling content of polyisocyanurate insulation is outlined and promising new recycling opportunities also are noted. An in-depth study of cell dynamics as related to dimensional stability is reviewed and discussed. The role of temperature, pressure in the cells and diffusion of gases is outlined. The importance of the 2.4-meter (8-foot) edges of a standard 1.2-meter (4-foot) by 2.4-meter (8-foot) board and especially its strength as measured by the Z- direction perpendicular compressive strength is correlated to the board’s overall dimensional stability. And finally, physical properties and performance characteristics of high-density cover boards are reviewed.
High performance roofing systems currently are required to be energy efficient, durable, sustainable, and versatile. Polyisocyanurate insulation, currently a common insulation for roofs, ideally is suited to address these opportunities in this century’s roof systems. Energy codes - past, present and future - are reviewed and compared across all eight climate zones in the U.S. By 2012 R-values will have increased more than 80 percent on average compared with 2004. A strong argument is made that increasing the energy requirements for reroofing will significantly affect energy efficiency in the U.S. The total environmental assessment of polyisocyanurate insulation from raw materials to final installation is called Life Cycle Analysis. It briefly is discussed and its effects are compared to other carbon abatement strategies. The recycling content of polyisocyanurate insulation is outlined and promising new recycling opportunities also are noted. An in-depth study of cell dynamics as related to dimensional stability is reviewed and discussed. The role of temperature, pressure in the cells and diffusion of gases is outlined. The importance of the 2.4-meter (8-foot) edges of a standard 1.2-meter (4-foot) by 2.4-meter (8-foot) board and especially its strength as measured by the Z- direction perpendicular compressive strength is correlated to the board’s overall dimensional stability. And finally, physical properties and performance characteristics of high-density cover boards are reviewed.