The rooftop of the test hut where 8 different types of phenolic foam rigid insulation underwent a corrosion test.
Phenolic foam roof insulation corrosion.
The phenolic foam roof insulation turned out to have a critical flaw.
This article will discuss the evi dence that a combination of factors involving the insulation moisture in the system and inadequate protection by the deck treatments may have con tributed to deck corrosion in these three projects.
Judging by the building s age and structure the engineers believed phenolic foam insulation was the source.
Wt phenolic foam is a closed cell type rigid foam made of phenolic resin and flame retardant foaming agent curing agent and other additives.
Phenolic foam insulation used to be available in board form but today is only sold as a type of foamed in place insulation.
These photos show the inside of the fraunhofer rooftop test hut and show how water is delivered to the roof system to load the installed phenolic foam rigid insulation with moisture.
In order to have corrosion three things are required oxygen moisture and a catalyst.
When it was installed over a lightly primed painted metal deck any water in the roof system from above moisture from operations or humidity within the building activated chemicals in the phenolic foam which caused corrosion of the metal deck.
It offers many advantages including excellent density and an r value of 4 8 per inch of thickness which forms an effective barrier against heat transfer and thus helps you save energy around the house.
Phenolic insulation as part of the sys tem.
While roof systems containing phenolic foam roof insulation may be in good shape it is important to repair and remediate decks as soon as possible.
1 the discovery of corrosion of the.
Trymer supercel phenolic insulation is a closed cell rigid phenolic foam insulation supplied in the form of large buns for fabrication into pipe shells curved segments sheets tank and vessel coverings and other shapes for a variety of thermal insulation applications.
Used extensively throughout north america in industrial buildings and warehouses from the early 1980s to the early 1990s because of its high r value and low price phenolic foam has major drawbacks says halcrow yolles project manager.
The corrosion created the potential for equipment or people to fall through compromised areas.
The phenolic insulation also has a history of crumbling and easily crushes when walked on leaving a residue on the decking.
It has a very low thermal conductivity and an exceptionally low flammability.
W t phenolic foam panel 65kg m3 5 nominal densities 20 30mm thickness cfc hcfc free rigid phenolic insulation core with ozone permeability potential 80 micron aluminum foil facing both sides.
This residue is present regardless of whether the insulation has been crushed or not.
