Thermal insulation materials play a crucial role in improving building energy efficiency and reducing overall energy consumption. As global awareness of environmental protection and sustainable development grows, the development and application of high-performance insulation products have become a major focus worldwide. Since the 1970s, many countries have invested heavily in the production and use of insulation materials in construction, aiming to cut energy use significantly and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The thermal insulation industry abroad has a long history, with building insulation materials dominating the market. New types of insulation materials continue to emerge, each offering unique advantages—some provide excellent thermal resistance, others are easy to install, and some offer superior durability in harsh weather conditions. Notable examples include phenolic foam boards, glass wool, rock wool boards, polyurethane buried pipes, and steel-sheathed insulated pipes.
Weather resistance is a critical performance indicator for wall insulation systems, reflecting their ability to withstand changes in external climate conditions. In regions with hot summers, humid winters, or extreme temperature fluctuations, the durability of insulation materials directly impacts the lifespan of the entire system. To ensure product quality and safety, regulatory bodies have introduced mandatory tests, such as the weather resistance test, for key systems like polystyrene insulation mortar and polystyrene board thin plastering systems.
When it comes to water absorption, phenolic foam particles exhibit higher values compared to other materials like phenolic and rock wool, with a maximum absorption rate of around 10%. However, since they are typically covered by an outer coating or tiles that provide waterproofing, this does not pose a significant issue in terms of weather resistance. Among these materials, the water absorption of phenolic polystyrene boards is about 4% higher than that of rock wool extruded boards, but its overall weather resistance remains relatively strong.
The surface layer of phenolic foam particles is compatible with both coatings and tiles, which are applied using wet methods. During construction, some moisture is absorbed by the insulation layer, but it gradually evaporates, leaving behind only 4–5% of moisture, which is evenly distributed. This behavior is similar to that of conventional concrete, and the material maintains stable performance once the moisture content stabilizes. Therefore, when calculating thermal performance, it's important to apply an appropriate safety factor.
Phenolic foam has a notable water absorption capacity. Once it absorbs water, it becomes soft, leading to a significant drop in insulation effectiveness and structural strength. Localized leaks can cause localized damage. As a result, the weather resistance of phenolic granules is moderate and not severely affected by climate conditions. However, if the insulation performance degrades, it may lose up to 30% of its original value. Phenolic materials are more sensitive to weather conditions, and their thermal performance tends to decrease slightly under certain circumstances. Rock wool, on the other hand, has excellent weather resistance but is not entirely immune to issues like condensation-induced bulging on walls, which can lead to serious consequences if it occurs.
This article is reproduced from Langfang Zhongyang Insulation Materials Co., Ltd.: http://
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