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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rigid Polyurethane Foam? Rigid polyurethane foams are primarily used as thermal insulation in refrigerators, building panels or other similar insulating applications. Rigid polyurethane foam cells are closed, restricting air flow and improving thermal efficiency. Rigid polyurethane foam is formed as a reaction product of an elastopor and isocyanate in the presence of catalysts, surfactant, blowing agent and other additives necessary to complete the foaming process. What is "off gassing" and does this occur with EMERCOR SIPs? Off gassing is the release of chemicals from non-metallic substances under ambient or greater pressure conditions. Off gassing can be related to what's popularly known as the "new car smell." Polyurethane chemicals contain volatile organic compounds (VOC's) which can be released (or "off gassed") during the production of the polyurethane foam. However, cured rigid polyurethane foam products such as EMERCOR SIPs, DO NOT release VOC's. Are EMERCOR SIPs HCFC Free? Yes, EMERCOR SIPs are HCFC Free. All products use a combination of water and HFC 245fa. How do EMERCOR SIPs perform in a fire? "All organic materials, regardless or whether they contain fire retardants, should be considered combustible and handled accordingly." Visit www.polyurethane.org for more information. In residential applications, the interior surface of polyurethane panels must be covered with Ω" drywall or an equivalent thermal barrier. EMERCOR polyurethane foam has been tested in accordance with ASTM E-84 (Standard Test Methods for surface burning characteristics of Building Materials and have a flame spread of 15 and a smoke developed number of 285. Are EMERCOR SIPs toxic in a fire? As polyurethane is organic, the major toxic material when burned is the same as any organic material - Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide. How are EMERCOR SIPs manufactured? EMERCOR manufactures their polyurethane foam core panels using a high quality shot mold injection system. The panels are built by creating an empty cavity between two materials. The assembled panel is then placed into a custom engineered hydraulic machine which contains an expansion pressure of up to 2000lbs per square inch. Once the panels are enclosed within the hydraulic press, polyurethane foam is injected into the open cavity. Expanding with a pressure of 432lbs per square foot and concealed within the assembled mold, the polyurethane foam becomes fused with the actual fibres of the material used. What sizes of EMERCOR SIPs are available? What are the associated R-Values?
What happens if the panels are exposed to water? The polyurethane foam core sandwiched between the exterior skins of EMERCOR SIPs is water resistant and therefore will not be affected by water exposure. However, EMERCOR SIPs are manufactured with a variety of different building materials dependent on their end use application. These building materials such as PWF plywood, plywood's, OSB, and drywall have varying degrees of water resistance through both their life and construction cycles. How do EMERCOR panels accommodate for electrical wiring and plumbing requirements? To facilitate running electrical wiring through the exterior walls of your home, EMERCOR drills vertical "chases" or channels through the foam cores during the fabrication process. Electricians are then able to use a fish tape to feed electrical wires through the panel chases. Although it is best to try and determine the exact locations of your electrical prior to site construction, EMERCOR has developed a number of simple techniques for running wires to switch plates; wall mounted fixtures, etc. so that electrical chases can be done on site by your electrician. Traditionally, plumbing is kept within the interior walls and floors of your home. However, in situations where exterior wall vent pipes are necessary, chases can be formed in the foam core. If you have any questions regarding the installation of electrical wiring or plumbing, please contact one of our technical representatives at 1-866-EMERCOR. |
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