Comprehensive Guide to Polyurethane Foam Insulation Boards

1. What Is Polyurethane Foam Insulation Board?

A Polyurethane Foam Insulation Board, commonly referred to as a PU insulation board, is a rigid foam insulation board made from high-performance polyurethane materials. Through a chemical reaction between polyols and isocyanates, the board forms a dense, closed-cell structure offering outstanding thermal insulation, moisture resistance, and compressive strength.

These boards typically come with bonded surface facings such as aluminum foil, kraft paper, or fiberglass cloth to form a composite thermal insulation board suited for building envelopes.

Material Composition

Core Material:

• Rigid polyurethane foam with a closed-cell rate over 90%, offering low thermal conductivity and strong structural integrity.

Surface Facings:

• Metal Facing: Aluminum foil enhances corrosion resistance and aesthetic appearance, ideal for exterior walls and roofing.
• Non-metal Facing: Kraft paper or fiberglass cloth, offering cost-effective solutions for specific environments.

Additives:

• Flame retardants and anti-aging agents improve fire performance and durability.

Physical & Chemical Properties:

• Thermal Conductivity: 0.018–0.024 W/(m·K), one of the lowest among current insulation materials. It offers better thermal performance than XPS and EPS boards.
• Density: 30–50 kg/m³. Lightweight yet strong, with a compressive strength of up to 0.2–0.3 MPa.
• Water Resistance: The closed-cell structure ensures low water absorption (<3%), making it suitable for humid environments.
• Temperature Resistance: Operates within a wide temperature range from -50°C to +120°C, with short-term tolerance for even higher temperatures.
• Chemical Stability: Resistant to acids, alkalis, and corrosion. However, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays may cause aging.

Common Sizes:

• Width: 600mm or 1200mm
• Thickness: 10–80mm

2. Advantages of Polyurethane Thermal Insulation Board

Exceptional Insulation Efficiency

En tablero aislante de espuma de poliuretano has one of the lowest thermal conductivities in the market, outperforming EPS by 1.5–2 times and XPS by 1.2–1.5 times. This allows for thinner wall sections with the same insulation performance, saving indoor space.

Lightweight & High Strength

Despite being lightweight (30–50 kg/m³), it features high compressive strength (≥0.15 MPa), making it suitable for load-bearing insulation applications like roofs and floors.

Excellent Water and Moisture Resistance

The closed-cell structure minimizes water absorption (<3%), making it ideal for damp environments such as basements or cold storage facilities.

Resistencia al fuego

Standard polyurethane boards are rated B2 (combustible), but enhanced formulations with flame retardants can reach B1 (flame-retardant) or even approach Class A performance in some specialized products.

Easy Installation

The boards can be cut on-site to fit irregular shapes and mounted using adhesives, anchors, or mechanical fixtures. Their smooth surface allows tight bonding with wall or ceiling finishes.

Long-Term Performance

Polyurethane foam is chemically stable and retains its insulating properties for 20–30 years when properly installed. Eco-friendly blowing agents such as pentane ensure compliance with modern green building standards.

3. Limitations of Polyurethane Foam Boards

• Higher Cost: Compared to EPS or mineral wool, PU boards are more expensive due to material and production costs.
• Fire Risk in Certain Applications: While flame retardant, they may still emit toxic smoke when burned. Indoor use requires strict fire code compliance.
• Cutting Requirements: The high density requires special tools (e.g., saws), which may create dust and fumes.
• UV Sensitivity: Direct exposure to UV rays can cause aging, discoloration, or surface cracking over time. Outdoor use should include protective finishes.

4. Can Rigid PU Insulation Boards Be Used Indoors?

Benefits of Indoor Use:

• Superior Thermal Control: Ideal for interior retrofits to reduce HVAC energy consumption, especially in cold climates.
• Space Saving: Thinner profiles help preserve usable space in small rooms or old buildings.
• Sound Insulation: Dense structure provides moderate soundproofing for apartments or partition walls.
• Flexible Application: Can be installed in walls, ceilings, or floors and adapted to complex interior structures.

Considerations:

• Fire Safety: As a B1/B2-rated material, it should be used with protective coverings like gypsum boards in living areas.
• Dust Control: Cutting should be done with adequate ventilation and safety protection.
• Surface Finishing: PU boards must be covered with proper interior finishes to prevent aesthetic and structural issues.

Recommended Indoor Applications:

• Interior wall or ceiling insulation covered with drywall or plywood
• Basement walls or floors needing moisture protection
• Sound insulation for partition walls in renovations

Choose GFI for Reliable Polyurethane Foam Insulation Boards

At GFI, we manufacture high-quality polyurethane foam insulation boards with excellent thermal efficiency, structural integrity, and moisture resistance. Our rigid foam insulation boards are available in standard sizes (600mm/1200mm width, 10–80mm thickness) and are produced without CFCs or HCFCs, making them a sustainable choice for modern buildings.

Whether you’re insulating walls, roofs, or floors, GFI’s thermal insulation boards are engineered to meet your performance and compliance needs. Contact us today for tailored solutions or a free quote.