The Influence of Different Facings of Polyisocyanurate Boards on Heat Transfer through the Wall Corners of Insulated Buildings

Abstract

Polyisocyanurate (PIR) thermal insulation boards faced with carboard, plastic, aluminum, or multilayer facings are used for thermal insulation of buildings. Facing materials are selected according to the conditions of use of PIR products. At the corners of the building where these products are joined, facings can be in the direction of the heat flux movement and significantly increase heat transfer through the linear thermal bridge formed in the connection of PIR boards with facing of both walls. Analyzing the installation of PIR thermal insulation products on the walls of a building, the structural schemes of linear thermal bridges were created, numerical calculations of the heat transfer coefficients of the linear thermal bridges were performed, and the influence of various facings on the heat transfer through the thermal bridge was evaluated. Furthermore, an experimental measurement using a heat flow meter apparatus was performed in order to confirm the results obtained by numerical calculation. This study provides more understanding concerning the necessity to evaluate the impact of different thermal conductivity facings on the heat transfer through corners of buildings insulated with PIR boards.