When looking for insulation materials for your home or business, fire safety is a major consideration. PIR (polyisocyanurate) insulation boards are known not only for their excellent thermal performance, but also for their improved fire safety compared to other insulation materials. PIR insulation is known for its high fire safety.
Is PIR insulation flammable?
PIR insulation falls into fire class B, meaning it is difficult to burn. This rating indicates that PIR insulation has a low risk of fire spread and offers fire retardancy. This makes PIR insulation a safe choice for a variety of applications, from residential to commercial buildings.
Although PIR insulation is not completely fireproof, it will not easily catch fire at high temperatures. Its fire-retardant properties allow the material to slow the spread of fire, which is crucial for occupant safety and building integrity.
Compared to other insulation materials, such as EPS insulation boards that fall within fire class C, PIR insulation offers higher fire safety. EPS insulation boards are more readily combustible, meaning they have a higher risk of fire spread. PIR insulation is therefore often the preferred choice for projects where fire safety is a top priority.
Fire retardant properties of PIR insulation
PIR insulation has better fire resistance properties than other insulation materials, such as PUR (polyurethane) and EPS (expanded polystyrene). PIR contains chemical compounds that make the material burn more slowly and also produce less smoke and harmful gases when in contact with flame, and it is difficult to set alight. Properties of PIR with regard to fire safety:
- High melting point: PIR has a higher melting point than many other insulation materials. This means it is less likely to melt or catch fire when exposed to high temperatures.
- Self-extinguishing capability: in many cases PIR insulation is self-extinguishing. This means that the material can restrict the spread of fire, increasing safety. This can reduce fire spread between different parts of a building.
- Limited smoke production: when burning, PIR produces less smoke than, for example, EPS or PUR, which is important for the safety of occupants and emergency services. Less smoke means better visibility and less toxic fumes in a fire. PIR insulation ignites at lower temperatures than other insulation materials such as glass wool or rock wool.
- Fire rating: PIR is often classified in fire class B-s1, d0 or similar classifications. This means the material is hardly flammable (class B), produces little smoke (s1), and does not release burning droplets or particles (d0). This makes it safer than EPS and PUR.
Additional fireproofing of PIR insulation
PIR insulation can be made additionally fire-resistant by combining it with other materials, such as plasterboard or Fermacell board. This combination provides an additional fire-resistant layer and a finished PIR board that is even more flame-resistant. PIR insulation boards are also available with a fire-resistant layer pre-fitted, which simplifies installation and further increases the fire safety of the building.
Is PIR insulation suitable for fireproof construction?
Yes, PIR insulation is highly suitable for fireproof construction. In addition to the properties described above, it meets strict European fire safety standards and holds European certifications. This also includes the fire class classification of PIR materials, which affects the flammability and properties of PIR insulation boards in the built environment, an aspect known as PIR bonding. In many cases PIR is recommended for projects where fire safety is a top priority, such as public buildings, offices and homes, partly because of the excellent thermal insulation these boards provide.
