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Abstract
When SPFs are fabricated under field conditions, they usually form a continuous layer that effectively controls the flow of heat, air and moisture through the building envelope. However, the replacement of old blowing agents such as CFCs with partially halogenated HCFCs which have thermal insulating performance inherently lower than that of CFCs, has raised the question of the long term thermal performance of such foams. To retain the long term thermal performance of new SPF types, chemical manufacturers will have to consider a more fundamental review of the polymers available to create a new generation of SPFs. Futhermore, the SPF contractors (field fabricators) will have to acquire the technical knowledte needed for promoting the SPF in new applications. To place these issues into perspective, this report presents recent findings of research on the flow of heat and moisture through cellular plastics, particulary SPFs. The report also addresses some key functions of the building envelope, such as the air barrier performance and shows that the long term thermal performance of SPFs in residential walls is better than originally thought.
When SPFs are fabricated under field conditions, they usually form a continuous layer that effectively controls the flow of heat, air and moisture through the building envelope. However, the replacement of old blowing agents such as CFCs with partially halogenated HCFCs which have thermal insulating performance inherently lower than that of CFCs, has raised the question of the long term thermal performance of such foams. To retain the long term thermal performance of new SPF types, chemical manufacturers will have to consider a more fundamental review of the polymers available to create a new generation of SPFs. Futhermore, the SPF contractors (field fabricators) will have to acquire the technical knowledte needed for promoting the SPF in new applications. To place these issues into perspective, this report presents recent findings of research on the flow of heat and moisture through cellular plastics, particulary SPFs. The report also addresses some key functions of the building envelope, such as the air barrier performance and shows that the long term thermal performance of SPFs in residential walls is better than originally thought.
Date
2/1993
2/1993
Author(s)
Mark Bomberg
Mark Bomberg
Page(s)
29-77
29-77
Keyword(s)
field performance; SPF; insulation; air barrier; thermal performance
field performance; SPF; insulation; air barrier; thermal performance