PIR Panels As Exterior Walls

[mes7a]

http://www.kirinpanels.com/

Has anyone got any experiences with these panels that can be used as exterior walls and has said fire rating of 6 hours (compared to just 2 hours for concrete walls)?

This is the FAQ of it:

What is PIR?

Polyisocyanurate insulation is a closed-cell rigid foam board manufactured with isocyanate and ployether mixed together in the presence of a catalyst that allows the molecules to rearrange, forming closed cells. Polisocyanurate (PIR) foam is similar in physical form to polyurethane but has improved insulating qualities. It has a wider operating temperature range that surpasses standard Polystyrene, and is fire and smoke resistant.

Why use PIR?

Rigid polyurethane foam(PIR) is one of the most efficient, high performance insulation material, enabling very effective energy savings with minimal occupation of space.

Better insulation in buildings is a significant contributor towards the implementation of the Kyoto protocol and will also bring additional benefits:
Energy savings, resulting in lower energy bills both for individuals and for countries. this will help to improve competitiveness of New Zealand and Australia as a whole.
Protection of the environment: more stringent insulation regulations can cut New Zealand & Australia CO2 emissions by 5%.

 

[mes7a]

These are very light weight panels. The distributor tried to sell them to me.. saying these are modern equivalent to concrete walls and many companies use them.. If the framing plans could support them.. any problem you can anticipate by using very lightweight walls.. but strong enough to resist hurricane, seismic and fire?

 

[mes7a]

The panel wall has a weight of mere 0.1 kN/m^2.

An average hollow block wall has weight of 2.11 kN/m^2. How much does a wall weigh in your place?

So it is about 21 times lighter.. yet more fire resistance than hollow block.. and waterproof...

Has anyone ever used this at all?

 

[Ron]

As with any pre-fabricated facade panel, pay attention to attachment details and waterproofing....both are critical.

 

[mes7a]

As with any pre-fabricated facade panel, pay attention to attachment details and waterproofing....both are critical.

"pre-fabricated" panel usually mean it is independent and not an extra insulation over existing concrete or hollow block walls? The distributor claimed so, but just want to confirm. Have you known people who use them as independent?