Which sandwich panel should be used for a garage roof?

This question has often been asked by people looking for information on the most popular methods for finishing garage roofs. Depending on the needs, sandwich panels with a core made of polyurethane foam (PUR) or polyisocyanurate foam (PIR) are most commonly used. Both types have similar properties, but there are some differences between them. What are they? Read on!

PIR Sandwich Panels

This type of material is slightly more expensive but offers the best thermal insulation. Thanks to a higher thermal conductivity coefficient, PIR panels provide better insulation at a smaller thickness. Additionally, the chemical structure of this material breaks down only at around 300°C, as its fire resistance class is typically EI-30. This means that in the event of a garage fire, people inside have more time to evacuate, and firefighters have more time to extinguish the flames. Furthermore, under heat, a charred layer forms on the surface of the material, which hinders the spread of fire. PIR panels, therefore, retain their properties longer, ensuring greater safety for the garage roof structure.

PUR Sandwich Panels

These panels are less expensive compared to PIR. In the case of PUR panels, the chemical structure breaks down at around 200°C, so their fire resistance class is usually EI-15. They also have a lower thermal conductivity coefficient, meaning that to achieve the same level of insulation as PIR, a thicker layer of polyurethane foam is required. Theoretically, in the event of a fire, PUR panels may lose their properties more quickly, which could lead to the collapse of the garage roof.

However, this doesn’t mean that PUR shouldn’t be used. Consider the thermal insulation requirements and building regulations in your region. It also depends on your budget and the level of energy efficiency and fire safety you aim to achieve. PIR is a better choice in this regard, but PUR may be sufficient for most garage roof applications and is more cost-effective.