What is Phenolic Insulation?
What is Phenolic Insulation?
A slice of KoolDuct phenolic insulation.
Phenolic insulation is a rigid type of insulation with a closed-cell structure, commonly used in construction projects such as ductwork, walls, roofing, and flooring. Due to its design and thermal properties, phenolic insulation is the most thermally efficient insulation commonly used. Phenolic insulation is commonly available in R-values between R-6 up to R-24 in a single sheet of board, but two phenolic insulation boards can be used together to achieve higher R-values such as R-30 to R-45 depending on the thicknesses.
How Phenolic Insulation is Made
Phenolic insulation is made through a process of utilizing a wet foam mix which is first added to the bottom layer of facing. It then expands to meet the top layer. This is then cooked under pressure and cured in a second oven. When ready, the phenolic insulation boards are cut to the right size and packaged up.
Benefits of Phenolic Insulation:
Water Test for Phenolic Insulation Vs. Standard Duct Insulation
High closed-cell content resists moisture penetration. Many phenolic insulation boards have a closed-cell content greater than 90%. The high resistance to moisture helps resist mold and R-value degradation, whereas mineral fiber insulation absorbs moisture and can then lose most of its R-value.
KoolDuct phenolic insulation is UL 181 listed.
Thermal conductivity is much lower than other insulation materials such as EPS, XPS, PIR, or mineral fiber products. That is why phenolic insulation can help you achieve a required thermal performance with a much thinner profile than other insulation materials. Phenolic insulation can commonly provide thermal values of around .018 W/M-K across various thicknesses.
With exceptional fire performance, phenolic insulation demonstrates low flame spread and smoke emission. Since it is a thermoset material, it hardens and chars in fire situations. The material gives off very little smoke compared to thermoplastics, such as polystyrene which melt, soften, and give off thick black smoke. Many brands have a UL 723 Flame spread and/or UL 181.
Phenolic closed-cell insulation is free of CFCs and HCFCs and some are also ZERO-ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) and a low GWP (Global Warming Potential).
This fiber-free insulation minimizes the risk of loose fibers entering the airstream through ductwork, since distributed air does not come into contact with an insulation material that produces loose fibers
Phenolic insulation has significantly low weight, which helps to reduce a construction project’s timeline and cost.
Our Pro-R pre-insulated duct systems use high-quality phenolic insulation to provide industry-leading energy efficiency for both outdoor and indoor applications. Plus, our innovative duct systems are built to last with a durable metal exterior, so you get a solution that not only performs but withstands the punishment from nature.