Dec. 31 marks a significant milestone for polyisocyanurate
insulation manufacturers—they must convert to
third-generation blowing agents for their polyisocyanurate
products. If you are involved in specifying, purchasing or
installing rigid board polyisocyanurate roof insulation, you need
to be aware of the changes.
Plant-by-plant statuses of polyisocyanurate
insulation manufacturers' conversions to alternative blowing agents
and third-generation polyisocyanurate insulation products
Citing concerns with the ozone-depleting potential of certain
chemicals, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated
reductions in the use of a number of chemicals. Such a mandate was
the primary reason for polyisocyanurate insulation manufacturers to
change the blowing agent (a raw material component used when
manufacturing polyisocyanurate insulation) from chlorofluorocarbon
to hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC-141b) during the early 1990s.
Polyisocyanurate insulation manufacturers now face an additional
EPA-mandated deadline. After Dec. 31, chemical manufacturers no
longer will be permitted to produce HCFC-141b. As a result,
polyisocyanurate insulation manufacturers again are forced to
change a critical component in the manufacturing of...
Log in or register for FREE access to this article and other Professional Roofing online content.