PIR has superb thermal performance and allows buildings to achieve premium levels of energy efficiency, with some of the thinnest available solutions
What is PIR?
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) is a closed cell rigid polyurethane foam made by mixing two main chemical streams (isocyanate and polyol) with appropriate catalysts and a blowing agent. This mixture undergoes a number of processes including foaming and expansion, heating, curing, trimming and cutting followed by quality control to produce the panel as you know it.
These process produce a cross-linked and closed cell structure, which contributes to the rigidity, stability, compressive strength and insulation properties of the panel, by reducing heat transfer through convection.
H1- New Construction R-Values
Increase in minimum R-Values for residential and small buildings
From the 1st of May 2023, residential and small buildings across New Zealand will have to meet a new minimum R-Value in walls of 2.0. This is the same as what was previously applied to zone 3 in the South Island. Ceilings/ Roofs now require an R-Values of 6.6 across the board which is a significant increase.
The new R-Value is achievable using standard 90mm wall framing.
Increase in minimum R-Values for commercial and large buildings
From the 1st of May 2023, new requirements aim to reduce the emissions and energy used to heat and cool a larger building by 23% on average over previous minimum status quo requirements.