Phenolic Foam Roofing Insulation Problems

The main problems with phenolic foams reported in the 1980 s were their relatively low compressive and flexural strength and their friability or tendency to crumble.

Phenolic foam roofing insulation problems.

Pinhole or pitting corrosion problems are common with copper pipes steel water pipes and stainless steel steam pipes when insulated with phenolic foam and the pipework gets wet. The phenolic foam roof insulation turned out to have a critical flaw. Beazer pfri has been the subject of a putative class action lawsuit in which the plaintiffs allege that beazer pfri causes severe corrosion to metal roof decks and other damage to roofing systems. In the 1980s and sold by beazer east and johns manville but serious corrosion problems resulted in legal action and both companies ceased production in 1992.

Spray polyurethane foam technology does not have a solid track record for commercial roofing. Continual improvements in the formulations of phenolic foam board insulation products may overcome these drawbacks. In a short amount of time this sulphonic acid corrodes both standard painted deck as well as galvanized deck. Phenolic foam rigid insulation was introduced in the u s.

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. Removal of existing roofing materials and insulation down to the deck. If you have phenolic insulation in your roof you should be aware that it can cause severe. Spray foam roofing problems and myths answered.

It alleges that the phenolic foam roof insulation applied to two east coast buildings corroded the underlying steel deck and other metal components. Briefly a phenolic foam remediation project demands these steps. Phenolic foam insulation is known to shrink after curing placement in the walls of your home or between. Because a number of commercial roofing companies have installed this roof system poorly or incorrectly this misnomer is one of the greater misperceptions to emerge in the commercial roofing industry.

Remove all corrosion from deck by wire brushing. The risks of phenolic foam insulation shrinkage. Only a day s worth of work should be undertaken to avoid leaving the building vulnerable to the elements.