Long-term thermal resistance of closed-cell foam insulation: research update from Canada

The thermal insulating efficiency of closed-cell foam insulation with a captive blowing agent changes over time during its service life in building envelope construction. Hence, the long-term thermal resistance (LTTR) value of closed-cell foam insulation has a great significance to the building envelope designers. Researchers at the National Research Council Canada Institute for Research in Construction (NRC-IRC) have worked on various aspects of aging characteristics of closed-cell foam insulation during the past two decades. This paper will provide a comprehensive scientific outline of the research activities that have been carried out at the NRC-IRC on the aging of closed-cell foam insulation and its practical implications on the North American construction industry.
Third Global Insulation Conference and Exhibition: 16 October 2008, Barcelona, Spain