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Questions You Should Know about Phenolic Floor Insulation

05 Jun.,2025

Everything you need to know about Phenolic Insulation

What is Phenolic insulation?

Phenolic insulation is manufactured by a process in which a plastic foam forms an insulating core between two flexible tissue faced layers. It has a high closed cell content and fine cell structure. Rigid phenolic insulation is produced by mixing high solids and phenolic resin with a surface acting agent.

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Is Phenolic insulation combustible?

The first indicative test looked at the behaviour of 25mm Xtratherm Safe-R SR Phenolic PIR, a phenolic, fibre-free rigid thermoset material, recognised as "combustible". The second test looked at the behaviour of a rock mineral fibre insulation with a density of 40kg/m3 + 100kg/m3, recognised as "non-combustible".

What is the difference between PIR and Phenolic insulation?

As with the PIR/PUR boards above, phenolic insulation boards also have a closed cell structure. Phenolic board has a slightly higher r-value (higher is better, unlike u-values) and a slightly thinner profile than PIR/PUR boards due to the manufacturing process.

How is phenolic made?

Phenolic sheet is a hard, dense material made by applying heat and pressure to layers of paper or glass cloth impregnated with synthetic resin. ... When heat and pressure are applied to the layers, a chemical reaction (polymerization) transforms the layers into a high-pressure thermosetting industrial laminated plastic.

What is Xtratherm Safe-R | Superior Performance Phenolic Insulation made of?

Xtratherm Safe-R is a superior performance phenolic insulation with a Euroclass B classification. It is faced with low emissivity foil facings on both sides and has a Lambda value as Low as 0.020 W/mK.

Partial Fill Cavity Wall SR/CW

Safe-R SR/CW Partial Fill cavity insulation for traditional masonry walls, achieves excellent U-Values whilst maintaining a residual cavity, offering protection from wind driven rain.

Product Features
Superior Performance Phenolic Insulation
Euroclass B -s1 d0 Fire Classification
Lower Lambda Values for improved U-Values
For New Build or Refurbishment
Fast Response Heating
BRE Green Guide A+ Rated

Key Facts

FIRE PERFORMANCE The fire performance of phenolic foam is exceptional. It combines zero or very low flame spread with negligible smoke emission and a very low level of toxic gas emission

ENVIRONMENT Phenolic foam has very low embodied energy per unit thermal performance compared to other insulation materials • Significant CO2 savings can be achieved compared to other insulation materials

MOISTURE RESISTANCE Phenolic foam has been used successfully in insulation systems where moisture resistance is a key issue. The reasons for this excellent performance are: • Phenolic foam has a low water vapour permeance and is therefore highly resistant to the passage of water vapour • Phenolic foam has low water absorption which takes place predominantly in the cut/broken surface cells of the foam

STRUCTURAL STRENGTH Phenolic foams have an excellent strength/density relationship being lightweight but strong. Higher density phenolic foams are typically used for: • Pipe supports • Duct supports • Steel faced composite panels (including walk-on ceilings

THERMAL PERFORMANCE Phenolic foams offer a range of thermal conductivity performance. The closed cell type offers the lowest thermal conductivity available from any insulation material resulting from: • Closed cell structure • Extremely small cell diameter • Low thermal conductivity gas permanently encapsulated in cells.

Conclusion

Phenolic foam is used in many building applications, typically continuously laminated phenolic board is used in roofing, cavity board, external wall board, plasterboard dry lining systems, wall insulation, floor insulation and as a sarking board.

The superior fire performance of phenolic foam is being recognised and this is leading to increased market share in these areas. Phenolic foam is used in factory engineered composite panels. These composite panels comprise of a high density structural phenolic foam core with steel facings both sides and an appropriate jointing system. These panels are used in a range of applications including food processing factories, cold stores, semi conductor clean rooms and hospitals. These panels are structurally sound and fit for purpose for use in walk-on ceilings.

The excellent fire performance provided by the phenolic foam core gives both good insulation and integrity performance in the 3m furnace fire resistance test. Phenolic foam is used in process/petrochemical applications for the insulation of pipework, tanks, vessels etc. Phenolic foam is also used in a number of highly specialised applications including fire doors, highly fire resistant panels and for insulation in surface ships, off-shore installations and submarines.

It is clear that phenolic foam is a very versatile material being suitable for a large range of applications where thermal performance, moisture resistance, fire performance and in certain cases structural strength are key performance criteria. Phenolic foam is the only material that can provide this unique range of benefits.

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