Phenolic pipe insulation is known for its unmatched thermal resistance, superior performance and more. It has been a go-to pipe insulating product among laggers for some time now.

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But, for those who are still debating about using Kingspan kooltherm phenolic pipe insulation or phenolic pipe lagging of other brands, we have put together a comprehensive guide that should help you make a decision. 

In this article, we will cover all you need to know about phenolic pipe insulation, including its composition, thermal qualities, installation technique, maintenance, fire resistance, comparison to other insulation materials, and environmental effect. At the end of this article, you will have a thorough grasp of phenolic pipe lagging

What is Phenolic Pipe Insulation?

As the name suggests, the phenolic pipe lagging is constructed of phenolic resin, a plastic created by combining phenol and formaldehyde. To create the insulating material, the phenolic resin is cured and foamed.

A firm foam core is sandwiched between two layers of facing material to form phenolic pipe lagging. Several materials, such as kraft paper or aluminium foil can make the face material. 

The phenolic pipe foam core is normally closed-cell, which means the foam cells are shut off from one other, limiting air and moisture infiltration. This feature contributes to the material's improved insulation performance and lowers the danger of corrosion on the surface of the pipe or equipment being insulated. Since phenolic pipe insulation is available in several diameters and thicknesses, it may be used in various applications

One of the finest examples of phenolic pipe insulation is Kingspan kooltherm insulation. The pipe insulation supplied is 1M long and is manufactured in a range of thicknesses and diameters to suit various applications. Kingspan kooltherm phenolic foam pipe lagging has been one best-selling insulation products here at Buy Insulation Online!

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Advantages of phenolic pipe insulation

Some of the crucial advantages of Phenolic pipe include the following:

• High thermal insulation properties: Since phenolic pipe insulation has low thermal conductivity, it resists heat flow well. This feature makes it a good candidate for use when energy efficiency is a concern.

• Lightweight and simple to install: This can assist in minimising installation costs and increase overall project efficiency. Phenolic insulation is easy to cut and shape to fit around pipes and other equipment, making it a practical choice for installers.

• Long life: Since phenolic pipe insulation has a long life. It may provide long-term insulating performance while reducing the need for regular replacement.

• Fire resistance: Phenolic insulation gives excellent fire and smoke performance, as its made of a densely cross-linked structure, which makes it difficult to ignite. The outer surface of this Class O rated pipe insulation develops a thick carbonaceous layer that limits heat generation and retards further flame spread. 

Disadvantages of phenolic pipe insulation

Some of the drawbacks of Phenolic pipe insulation include the following:

• Costlier: Phenolic pipe insulation can be more costly than other forms of insulation, such as fibreglass or mineral wool lagging

• Installation requirements: Installation of phenolic pipe insulation necessitates using specific tools and equipment, which can raise installation costs and necessitate more trained workers.

• Environmental impact: Because the phenolic resin is derived from petrochemicals, phenolic pipe insulation may have an environmental impact.

Thermal Properties of Phenolic Pipe Insulation

The thermal conductivity of phenolic pipe insulation is normally between 0.020 and 0.030 W/m*K. Because of its low thermal conductivity, phenolic pipe insulation effectively reduces heat transfer and conserves energy.

A material's heat capacity is the quantity of heat energy necessary to increase its temperature by a specific amount. The heat capacity of phenolic pipe insulation ranges between 1.4 and 1.7 kJ/kg*K. This implies that heating the insulating material consumes relatively little energy, which can increase energy efficiency.

Depending on the product and application, phenolic pipe insulation can normally tolerate temperatures ranging from -180°C to 150°C (-292°F to 302°F). Nevertheless, the maximum temperature that phenolic pipe insulation can take varies based on parameters such as insulation thickness, facing material utilised, and application.

Installation of Phenolic Pipe Insulation

What tools are needed during installation? 

The installation of phenolic pipe insulation necessitates the use of no specific tools and materials. You will need:

• Phenolic pipe insulation: This is the main material in this case.

• Protective gear: While working with phenolic pipe insulation, installers should use suitable protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and eye protection.

• Adhesive Or Foil Tape: Foil tape of the appropriate size or pipe insulation adhesives can be used to install and secure phenolic insulation around the pipework.

Steps of Installation? 

Below are the steps you need to follow while installing Phenolic Pipe Insulation:

1. Before applying the insulation, ensure the installation area, especially the pipework that needs insulating is clean and dry.

2. When working with phenolic pipe insulation, wear suitable safety equipment.

3. Wrap the Kooltherm phenolic foam pipe section around the pipework, being the ends of the lagging together and seal with foil tape. 

4. Ensure no gaps or voids exist between the pipe section and the pipe or equipment.

5. Seal all insulating joints to ensure there are no holes through which heat can escape.

6. Check the finished installation to confirm that it fulfils the standards and has no insulation gaps. Complete the installation by adding pipe identification labels of the appropriate type to help identify the pipework.

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Maintenance of Phenolic Pipe Insulation

The following are some maintenance procedures that can aid in the preservation of phenolic pipe insulation:

• Maintenance and repair: Keep phenolic pipe insulation clean to avoid accumulating dirt, dust, or other impurities that might reduce efficiency. If there is any damage to the insulation, it should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent heat loss.

• If you plan on using Kingspan kooltherm pipe insulation to insulate outdoor pipes, cover them with appropriate pipe insulation cladding materials 

• Inspection and monitoring: Frequent inspections and monitoring of phenolic pipe lagging can aid in the early detection of possible issues. Inspecting for indicators of deterioration, such as cracks or holes in the insulation, and ensuring that the insulation is correctly sealed around joints and fittings are all tasks for inspectors.

• Maintenance records: Maintaining precise records of the maintenance conducted on phenolic pipe insulation will ensure that it is properly maintained and that any possible problems are discovered and treated promptly.

Comparison of Phenolic Pipe Insulation with Other Insulation Materials

When comparing phenolic pipe insulation to other insulation materials, numerous considerations should be considered:

Phenolic pipe insulation provides outstanding fire safety. It is class O rated and has low smoke production. Compared to other insulation materials, such as foam pipe insulation, which can be combustible, phenolic insulation is a safer alternative for fire safety.

Compared to other types of insulation, phenolic pipe insulation has a much lower K-value compared to other pipe insulating options, which means it may give a high level of thermal performance

Phenolic Foam Pipe Insulation Manufacturers

Phenolic foam is a popular choice for pipe insulation in the UK and Europe due to its high performance and energy-saving properties. There are several manufacturers of phenolic foam pipe insulation in the region Like Kingspan, Supahphen etc. 

Kingspan offers a wide range of phenolic foam insulation products for various applications, including pipe insulation. Kingspan phenolic foam lagging comes in a range of thicknesses to fit different pipe sizes. It does not contain any CFC or HCFC making it an environmentally friendly option.

It is a high performance pipe insulation known for its excellent thermal insulation properties, fire resistance, and durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is phenolic insulation?

Phenolic insulation is a type of insulation made from phenolic foam. It is a highly effective and efficient insulating material that is commonly used in the construction industry for its excellent thermal performance.

2. Is phenolic a good insulator for pipes?

Yes, phenolic insulation is an excellent choice for insulating pipes. It has a high thermal resistance, which can help to keep pipes at the desired temperature while minimizing heat loss. Phenolic pipe insulation is also lightweight, easy to install, and provides excellent fire resistance.

3. Does phenolic insulation come in different sizes?

Yes, phenolic insulation is available in a wide range of sizes to fit pipes of different diameters. The most common sizes for phenolic pipe insulation are 15mm and 50mm, but other sizes are also available.

4. Is phenolic insulation moisture resistant? 

Yes, since phenolic insulation is a closed cell it usually does not allow the entry of moisture. Moreover, Kingspan pipe insulation is a foil backed pipe lagging, where the factory applied foil-facing, form an effective vapour barrier. 

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For more Phenolic Foam Decorative Panelsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

However, it is important to state that Phenolic insulation is not waterproof. If it is affected by moisture for a long time, its insulating properties could be affected. 

5. What is the price of phenolic insulation?

The price of phenolic insulation can vary depending on factors such as the thickness, size, and quantity of insulation needed. It is best to contact an insulation supplier or manufacturer for pricing and ordering information.

Here at Buy Insulation Online, we stock phenolic pipe lagging and boards. We stock Kingspan pipe insulation supplied in a wide range of thicknesses to suit your application. 

6. Is phenolic insulation easy to install?

Yes, phenolic insulation is easy to install and can be cut to fit around pipes of different sizes and shapes. However, it is recommended to seek professional installation for the best results. For installing boards, you can refer to the manufacturer guidelines and videos on respective the product pages

7. What is the thermal performance of phenolic insulation?

Phenolic insulation has a high thermal resistance, which can help to minimise heat loss and reduce energy costs. It is one of the most effective types of insulation available for both residential and commercial applications.

8. Can phenolic insulation be used as part of a pipe insulation system?

Yes, phenolic insulation can be used as part of a pipe insulation system to help maintain the temperature of pipes and prevent heat loss. Moreover, it is Class O rated and complies with the required building regulation in the UK. It can also be used with other insulation materials for added performance.

9. What is the density of phenolic insulation?

Phenolic insulation has a relatively high density compared to other types of insulation, which can help to provide excellent thermal performance. The density can vary depending on the specific product and application but generally ranges from around 30-100 kg/m³.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, phenolic Pipe insulation is essential for mitigating heat loss and overheating issues. When installed and maintained properly, phenolic pipe insulation may offer excellent thermal insulation for many years, lowering energy expenditures and enhancing overall system efficiency.

Hopefully, this article has given you a better picture of how to install and maintain phenolic pipe insulation. If you are looking to purchase Kingspan Koolterm insulation online, there is no better place than Buy Insulation Online. We stock varying thicknesses and sizes, not commonly found online, which could be just what you are looking for. Also, if you need more information on Kingspan kooltherm phenolic foam pipe insulation, our experts are just a call away!

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A Complete Guide to Insulation Boards ()

• The most popular insulation board is PIR, made from synthetic polyisocyanurate, however, there is a wide range of eco-alternatives on the market too.
• Depending on the type of insulation material chosen, insulation boards can average cost between £10 - £22 per m2. 
• Rigid board insulation is popular for its strength, durability against weathering, and superior resistance to moisture, mould and rot.   

The UK has some of Europe's most poorly insulated housing, responsible for a staggering 27% of national CO2 emissions. With the ambitious Net Zero by goal in place, home insulation materials have never been so important.

Insulation boards, lauded for their high heat retention, durability, and resistance to weathering, are a booming market for all the right reasons. From synthetic PIR to all-natural cork, there are plenty of effective options for all budgets, purposes, and applications.

This complete guide by GreenMatch UK will provide you with all the information you need to make the right insulation decisions for your home. 

Ready to insulate your home? Look no further than GreeMatch UK for a one-stop solution to all your insulation needs. Instead of spending endless hours online, spend just 30 seconds filling out our intake form and receive up to 3 home-tailored quotes, completely free of charges and obligations. Click below to begin!

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What are insulation boards?

Simply put, insulation boards are dense and rigid panels or sheets made from various thermally efficient materials. Depending on the chosen materials and their density, insulation boards can provide a varying degree of thermal effectiveness.

Insulating boards are most commonly made of synthetic polymers such as polyisocyanurate (PIR) or polystyrene (EPS), but there are also plenty of eco-friendly and sustainable options. 

Types of insulation panels

Luckily, there is a near-endless range of various insulation panels on the market, tailored to all kinds of budgets and applications. Here’s a summary of some of the most popular insulation boards available on the market today:

• PIR board: Polyisocyanurate boards cost around £5 – £15 per m2, and are one of the most popular choices due to their unrivalled thermal efficiency. PIR exhibits an impressive u-value of 0.022 - 0.028 W/m²K and is relatively sustainable due to zero ozone depletion and low global warming potential. However, they are difficult to recycle and cannot be discarded as bio-waste.  
• PUR board: Polyurethane foam insulation panels cost around £5 – £15 per m2 and are another popular material choice. While slightly less effective and sustainable than PIR at thermal retention, a PUR foam insulation panel is notoriously robust and can often last a building's lifetime. They are also resistant to moisture, mould, and rot. 
• EPS polystyrene board: Expanded polystyrene boards cost around £10 per m2, making them budget-friendly yet highly effective at heat retention. They’re water resistant, yet vapour permeable, allowing for moisture to evaporate successfully, thus keeping your home and insulation dry. 
• XPS polystyrene board: Extruded polystyrene boards cost around £5 - £11 per m2. They are a high-performing thermal insulation board with a closed-cell structure, making them impervious to moisture. They tend to be more durable than their EPS polystyrene counterparts and will often cost more.
• Phenolic board: Phenolic insulation is a rigid type of insulating board with a 95% or more closed-cell structure, making it nearly impervious to moisture. Phenolic insulation is most applauded for its flame and fire resistance, and can sometimes provide slightly better thermal efficiency than even PIR boards. 
• Multi-foil board: These insulation foam panels are made from multiple aluminium layers bonded with foam insulation in between, costing an affordable £3 - £4 per m2. While not as effective at heat retention, its affordability makes it an appealing choice.
• Mineral wool: Made from natural or recycled rock or glass products, mineral wool thermal insulation boards cost around £13 - £17.5 per m2. This is a very common and popular insulation material due to its ease of production, thermal effectiveness, and versatility. It also exhibits flame, smoke and mould resistance.
• Corkboard: These all-natural and eco-friendly boards cost around £17 - £22 per m2, and boast a remarkable thermal performance. In addition, they’re very durable, flame and mould-resistant, and entirely biodegradable, making them one of the most sustainable insulation boards on the market.
• Wood fibre board: Made from compressed sawdust and costing around £12 - £24 per m2, wood fibre insulation boards are a sustainable, thermally effective, and breathable insulation material. Due to their micro-porous nature, they're uniquely successful in drying out moisture and reducing condensation. 

In addition to the importance of your chosen insulated board, it’s just as vital to work with a professional installer. While DIY insulation may seem financially tempting, shabby work is a fine line between saving a quick buck and creating a financial nightmare full of repairs. GreenMatch UK can help you here.

Instead of spending endless hours surfing the web and scheduling calls, spend just 30 seconds filling out our online form and receive up to 3 free home-tailored quotes from our network of installers. No costs, no obligations. Simply click below to begin! 

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Which board is best for insulation?

The best board insulation would likely be phenolic boards, due to their superior heat retention capacity, exhibiting a remarkable u-value of 0.018 W/m²K. This is closely followed by PIR boards, which are also very thermally effective, demonstrating a u-value range of around 0.022 - 0.028 W/m²K.

However, the best board is a subjective matter that hinges on which factors matter the most to you, such as cost or sustainability. To make things easier, here’s a look at some other best boards on the market:

• Most affordable: Multi-foil insulation is likely the most affordable option on the market these days. Costing only £3 - £4 per m2, this handy material is made from multiple aluminium layers bonded with foam insulation. 
• Most sustainable: Corkboard and wood fibre insulation boards are considered to be some of the most sustainable insulation boards on the market. Both are manufactured largely using recycled materials, are entirely hypoallergenic, and even biodegradable upon disposal. 

For the most educated decision, it’s best to consult with an industry professional who can assess your property and help tailor the best course of action for your needs.

Applications of insulation boards

The greatest aspect of insulation boards is their durability, making them ideal insulation solutions for a range of jobs around the house. Here’s a breakdown of some key home projects for insulation boards that are well-suited for:

• External walls: A rigid foam insulation board is a perfect fit for external wall insulation due to its moisture resistance and durability against weathering. Upon fastening the boards, they must be covered with cladding to ensure long-term effectiveness. 
• Internal walls: Likewise, rigid insulation boards can be fitted in between stud walls, acting as an effective insulator and even vapour barrier depending on your chosen material.
• Cavity walls: Manufacturers also produce tailored insulation boards for cavity wall purposes, most commonly found as a 100mm PIR cavity wall insulation board, as well as polystyrene, cork and other alternatives. 
• Roof and loft: Rigid insulation boards can be easily cut for a snug fit between loft floor joists and roof rafters, providing unparalleled insulation and even increasing the structural integrity of your roof. 
• Floors: Suspended timber floors can easily be fitted with rigid insulation boards. In addition, solid concrete floors can have insulation boards laid on top and covered with flooring for a seamless and effective finish. 
• Extensions: Further home additions, such as a conservatory, sheds, kitchen and bathroom extensions can all be fitted with rigid foam insulation boards on the floor, walls and roof structures. 

To make the most optimal decisions for your home, consider hiring a professional insulation installer to assess your property and construct the best course of action for your needs. With GreenMatch UK, all you need is 30 seconds. 

Fill out our quick and easy online form to receive up to 3 free home-tailored quotes from our nationwide network of pre-vetted installers. No costs, no obligations. Simply click below to begin, and let the bargains come to you! 

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How much do insulation boards cost?

The cost of insulation boards can vary depending on your chosen material, its thickness, thermal efficiency and much more. The average cost range for insulation boards is about £3 - £25 per m2, but this can vary significantly. 

Here’s a breakdown of costs per m2 based on your chosen insulation board type:

Of all the insulation materials covered, multi-foil insulation boards are by far the cheapest home insulation option, however, it's important to note that multi-foil alone will not provide adequate thermal heat retention, and will need to be coupled with other insulation methods. 

Several factors can impact your overall costs that are worth keeping in mind:

• Home condition: Homes with unaddressed issues and outstanding repairs will require maintenance work before insulation can be placed. This includes sealing off gaps, cracks and openings, relocating wiring, clearing debris and much more, adding to your overall costs.
• Insulation thickness: On average you need about 270mm of mineral wool insulation for successful heat retention. Conversely, you only need about 120mm of PIR or other foam panel insulation for the same results. Therefore, the thickness of the material you need will impact your costs.
• Existing insulation: If your home has old outdated insulation in place that needs removing, this will increase your costs. Alternatively, if your existing insulation is healthy but insufficient, you may be able to get away with top-up insulation that is much cheaper.

To make the best decision for your home, we recommend working with a professional installer. That way, a home assessment can be carried out to determine the best course of action tailored to your home. 

How thick should panels be?

In general, most rigid panel insulation will require to be around 100mm - 120mm thick to meet UK Building Regulations for heat retention. This is significantly less than what is expected for blanket-style insulation such as mineral wool, which is at about 270mm for optimal insulation.

Ultimately, each property and its conditions will influence what thickness is needed. For this reason, it’s recommended to work with a professional insulation installer who can assess your property and tailor the best course of action to meet your needs.

Pros and cons of insulation panels

To make the most educated decision, it’s important to weigh out the pros and cons of your chosen insulation material. To make things easier, we’ve summarised the key advantages and disadvantages associated with rigid insulation panels for you:

Pros

• Effective: Insulation boards such as phenolic, PIR, and cork boards exhibit some of the most impressive heat retention of all materials in the market, making them very effective at lesser thicknesses. 
• Durable: Rigid insulation boards are quite tough to damage, making them optimal against weathering, impact, and degradation over time.
• Resistant: Insulation boards boast impressive qualities such as flame, smoke, moisture and mould resistance, keeping your home structure safe and your lives healthy too.

Cons

• Expensive: The majority of rigid insulation boards cost significantly more than their blanket-style counterparts like fibreglass and mineral wool. This is due to their thermal resistance capabilities at much lower thicknesses. 
• Unsustainable: While there are sustainable options like cork, a lot of insulation boards are made from synthetic polymers that consume lots of resources to produce, are difficult to recycle, and are non-biodegradable. It’s important to choose your materials wisely.
• Less versatile: Due to the brittle and rigid nature of insulation boards, they are not so helpful when insulating awkward shapes and crevices. In comparison, blanket insulation is malleable, allowing it to wrap around uneven surfaces and fit in crevices.

Ultimately, each home situation will be different, which is why working with a professional installer gives you the best chance for a perfect fit. Unfortunately, finding the right installer at the right price can see homeowners spend endless hours surfing the web for quotes. That was until GreenMatch UK came along.

Instead of spending all your valuable time on research and vetting, spend just 30 seconds filling out our online form and receive up to 3 home-tailored quotes, completely free of charges and obligations. Click below to skip the line and get the best bargains!

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FAQ

The best insulation board depends on your budget and needs. Overall, the most thermally effective insulation boards are phenolic and PIR boards. Both boast a superior heat retention capacity but are more expensive than most other insulation board options.

The main disadvantages of insulation boards are their higher costs, less versatility, and potential unsustainability with some synthetic polymer-based insulation boards. To avoid these issues, it’s recommended to opt for eco-friendly-based boards such as cork or wood fibre. 

In general, most insulation boards need around 100mm – 120mm of thickness to achieve the required thermal efficiency outlined by the UK Building Regulations. 

Some insulation boards have a closed-cell structure, such as XPS polystyrene or polyurethane insulation boards. This means they do not allow the passage of vapour, making them impervious to moisture and stopping dampness. Open-cell structured boards may allow vapour to pass, but also create room for the moisture to evaporate, making them damp effective. 

Are you interested in learning more about Phenolic Roof Insulation? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!