TecTopics: Understanding the Differences of Polyiso Insulation
Polyisocyanurate (polyiso) insulation provides energy-efficient solutions for buildings in any region and climate, as well as significant energy savings. Polyiso is a closed-cell, rigid foam board insulation and is one of North America’s most widely used insulation products. Understanding the differences between polyiso insulation products can help you to make the best choice for your next project.
Paper Facer vs. Coated Glass Facer
Carlisle SynTec’s InsulBase Polyiso is a rigid roof insulation panel composed of a closed-cell polyiso foam core bonded to glass-reinforced felt (GRF) facers (also referred to as paper facer). The GRF facer is compatible with all membranes and adhesives.
SecurShield® Polyiso is a rigid roof insulation panel composed of a closed-cell polyiso foam core bonded to high-performance coated glass facers (CGF). SecurShield is ideal for use in adhered membrane systems and has increased resistance to foot traffic, hail, wind uplift, and fire, while also providing superior moisture resistance.
CGF facers provide enhanced performance as they are mold- and mildew-resistant, whereas GRF polyiso is the more cost-effective solution.
Composite Boards
Composite boards offer a single product solution, combining an insulation panel and a high-density cover board or OSB. For example, Carlisle’s StormBase® is composed of a polyiso foam core on one side and 7/16” OSB on the other. This board is primarily used in roofing assemblies requiring extra hail coverage, as it’s approved in FM Very Severe Hail (VSH) roofing assemblies. Additionally, StormBase only requires 8 fasteners per 4’ x 8’ board for an FM 1-90 rating.
Specialty Boards
RapidLock™ Insulation, a component of the RapidLock Roofing System, includes a specialized facer that acts as the “hook” to attach to the RapidLock membrane (the “loop”) and is available with a paper facer or coated-glass facer.
InsulBase NH and SecurShield NH contain zero halogenated flame retardants and are Living Building Challenge (LBC) “Red List Free”.
ReadyFlash™ Technology is a standard feature on SecurShield and SecurShield HD Polyiso that allows applicators to manage adhesive flash-off times by choosing between two different-colored facers on every board. ReadyFlash insulation products feature a dark-colored coated glass facer on one side of the board and a light-colored coated glass facer on the other.
For more information, click here to view the insulation product page on Carlisle’s website, or reach out to your Manufacturer’s Representative.
Paper Facer vs. Coated Glass Facer
Carlisle SynTec’s InsulBase Polyiso is a rigid roof insulation panel composed of a closed-cell polyiso foam core bonded to glass-reinforced felt (GRF) facers (also referred to as paper facer). The GRF facer is compatible with all membranes and adhesives.
SecurShield® Polyiso is a rigid roof insulation panel composed of a closed-cell polyiso foam core bonded to high-performance coated glass facers (CGF). SecurShield is ideal for use in adhered membrane systems and has increased resistance to foot traffic, hail, wind uplift, and fire, while also providing superior moisture resistance.
CGF facers provide enhanced performance as they are mold- and mildew-resistant, whereas GRF polyiso is the more cost-effective solution.
Composite Boards
Composite boards offer a single product solution, combining an insulation panel and a high-density cover board or OSB. For example, Carlisle’s StormBase® is composed of a polyiso foam core on one side and 7/16” OSB on the other. This board is primarily used in roofing assemblies requiring extra hail coverage, as it’s approved in FM Very Severe Hail (VSH) roofing assemblies. Additionally, StormBase only requires 8 fasteners per 4’ x 8’ board for an FM 1-90 rating.
Specialty Boards
RapidLock™ Insulation, a component of the RapidLock Roofing System, includes a specialized facer that acts as the “hook” to attach to the RapidLock membrane (the “loop”) and is available with a paper facer or coated-glass facer.
InsulBase NH and SecurShield NH contain zero halogenated flame retardants and are Living Building Challenge (LBC) “Red List Free”.
ReadyFlash™ Technology is a standard feature on SecurShield and SecurShield HD Polyiso that allows applicators to manage adhesive flash-off times by choosing between two different-colored facers on every board. ReadyFlash insulation products feature a dark-colored coated glass facer on one side of the board and a light-colored coated glass facer on the other.
For more information, click here to view the insulation product page on Carlisle’s website, or reach out to your Manufacturer’s Representative.
Up Next
April 19, 2022
How to Calculate Labor-Saving Products into Roofing Estimates
Want to turn our advertised labor savings into tangible data for planning and estimating? We'll show you how.
March 22, 2022
Cost-Effective Roof Restoration Solutions
In today’s environment, extending the life of your roof through restoration is more important than ever.
February 22, 2022
Voice of an FSR – Inspecting EPDM Roofs
One of our experienced Field Service Representatives shares common mistakes he sees on EPDM roofs and discusses best practices.