Phenolic Foam Roof Insulation Corrosion

The rooftop of the test hut where 8 different types of phenolic foam rigid insulation underwent a corrosion test.

Phenolic foam roof insulation corrosion. While roof systems containing phenolic foam roof insulation may be in good shape it is important to repair and remediate decks as soon as possible. Once a property is identified as part of the class action lawsuit it becomes an issue should the. The phenolic foam roof insulation turned out to have a critical flaw. Phenolic foam insulation used to be available in board form but today is only sold as a type of foamed in place insulation.

The corrosion created the potential for equipment or people to fall through compromised areas. These photos show the inside of the fraunhofer rooftop test hut and show how water is delivered to the roof system to load the installed phenolic foam rigid insulation with moisture. This residue is present regardless of whether the insulation has been crushed or not. In order to have corrosion three things are required oxygen moisture and a catalyst.

It offers many advantages including excellent density and an r value of 4 8 per inch of thickness which forms an effective barrier against heat transfer and thus helps you save energy around the house. Used extensively throughout north america in industrial buildings and warehouses from the early 1980s to the early 1990s because of its high r value and low price phenolic foam has major drawbacks says halcrow yolles project manager.