What is PUR/PIR Roof Panel and Why Do We Use Them?

26 May.,2025

 

PUR/PIR Sandwich Panels Differences - Blog Synthesia Technology

The production of polyurethane rigid foam sandwich panels has become a fundamental tool for high performance building systems.  

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Although the processability between  PIR and PUR panels is similar but with certain differentiating nuances, such as processing temperatures, higher in the case of PIR panels, or the use of adhesives to improve the adhesion between the sheet and the foam, in the case of PIR panels, although more and more PUR panels producers are also using an adhesive in certain panels to guarantee the adhesion between the sheet and the foam, the field of application of PUR/ PIR sandwich panels is very similar, and they can be used for:

  • External enclosure: facades and roofs.
  • Compartmentalisation of interior spaces: fire sectors, partitions, food processing rooms, clean rooms, cold rooms, etc...

Advantages of PUR/PIR sandwich panels

The advantages of PUR / PIR sandwich panels is what makes these insulation panels even more attractive for health, safety and environment:
  • Thermal insulation: It is one of the thermal insulation products with the lowest thermal conductivity coefficient. It guarantees the absence of thermal bridges thanks to the homogeneity of the insulation at all points of the panel. The assembly also minimises thermal bridges thanks to the joints, normally tongue and groove, between panels. Reduced insulation thickness thanks to the low thermal conductivity coefficient of the polyurethane foam.
  • Optimisation of usable space, since a minimum thickness is required to achieve a maximum thermal insulation level.
  • Virtually no water absorption due to the closed cell structure of the polymer, which makes them waterproof.
  • Mechanical properties that give the panels great rigidity and low weight, which facilitates and economises transport, handling, installation and structural sizing. Ease of machining and cutting.
  • Reaction to fire performance which makes PUR/PIR sandwich panels fire safe.
  • PUR/PIR sandwich panels are a prefabricated product, sustainable in their manufacture and very light for transport to the construction site. The construction of a building, both residential and industrial, with polyurethane sandwich panels generates very little waste which makes the building process more sustainable. It is recyclable: the metal sheet is melted and the polyurethane is recycled using three techniques; mechanical recycling, chemical recycling or incineration with energy recovery. The insulating capacity of polyurethane sandwich panels helps to reduce energy consumption.

Properties of PUR/PIR sandwich panels

In terms of properties, the main difference between PUR/PIR sandwich panels lies in their composition. The foam obtained with PIR (Polyisocyanurate) systems contains a high degree of aromaticity due to the formation of the polyisocyanurate structure, providing a higher thermal stability compared to urethane (PUR) groups, thus improving its fire resistance.

The PIR foam reacts safely to fire by forming a carbonised surface layer that protects and prevents the penetration of fire into the inner layers. In the composition of PIR panels, as a general rule, there is a lower concentration of flame retardants than in PUR panels, thus generating less smoke during combustion. There are even PIR panels on the market that are free of halogen flame retardants.

Even so, the products must be tested to determine their fire behaviour with the reaction and fire resistance test methods according to current regulations depending on the location. 

In terms of thermal properties, PIR remains stable in a higher temperature range than PUR.

Renewable and Recyclable Sourced Product Management

At Synthesia Technology we reaffirm our commitment to sustainability by promoting the circularity of materials and improving the environmental performance of our products, all to reduce our impact on the planet.

Want more information on PUR/PIR Roof Panel? Feel free to contact us.

Since , Synthesia Technology has been using BIO-based raw materials from renewable resources and recycled PET in the production of polyols, a key raw material used in the manufacture of high-performance core insulation sandwich panels with PIR technology, demonstrating that it is possible to use plastic responsibly, recycling it into a new product that helps to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions, to the benefit of all.

What is the difference between PIR and PUR panels? - Gór Stal

When it comes to modern roof insulation, you often hear about PIR and PUR panels. PUR is a polyurethane that was used to make sandwich panels until recently. PIR is a polyisocyanurate that is slowly replacing it. Although the two materials are similar in many respects, they differ in one important feature. What is worth knowing about both materials?

The power of PIR

PIR and PUR have a similar chemical composition. Both are made of isocujanate, polyol and special stabilizers and activators. It is the large amount of isocyanate that makes a given foam a PIR foam.

Fire retardant properties

PIR and PUR panels have different fire protection properties. In the case of PIR, the breakdown of the chemical chains takes place at a temperature of 300oC. As for PUR, it is only 200oC. This means that in the event of a fire, PIR plates give the user a little more time to react and fight fire, and in extreme cases - to evacuate. But that's not all. A charred coating forms on the PIR plate, which further delays the fire from spreading further. In the event of a fire, the PIR board retains its structural properties longer, so it is much safer, especially when used in the roof structure. PUR usually receives a fire resistance class equal to EI 15, and PIR - EI 30. It is mainly for this reason that PIR boards began to replace PUR boards.

Insulation of materials

PIR and PUR foam is undoubtedly the most energy-saving solution on the market. PIR thermal insulation is characterized by a low thermal conductivity coefficient of λD = 0.022 W / mK, with the use of a relatively thin insulation layer. Modern PIR foams therefore replace polystyrene and mineral wool.​

Damage resistance

Although PIR and PUR panels are light and easy to install, both are highly resistant to mechanical damage. This makes them great protection against birds or martens, as well as against moisture, mold and bacteria. Due to the relatively low weight, they are also convenient to transport.

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