The UK construction sector is currently experiencing a shortage of PIR insulation caused by insufficient supply of Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI), the main constituent of PIR.
Demand for PIR will continue to outstrip the supply in 2017 and as a result PIR manufacturers are introducing a second round of price increases during the first quarter of 2017. These price increases are circa 10% and come off the back of price increases of up to 12% by the same manufactures in the fourth quarter of 2016.
The result is a combined cost increase of 22% for distributors and contractors, with deliveries being prioritised for those customers with the largest orders often leaving the smaller customers without supply.
So, what are the options available if your not prepared to pay the extra cost for PIR or need insulation in a hurry? One product stands out from all the rest as the perfect alternative – Expanded Polystyrene (EPS).
EPS has for decades been the number one choice for economy, performance and sustainability in a wide range of applications. It’s one of the leading insulation materials specified for construction and civil engineering projects including:
- Roof, floor and wall insulation
- Sub-structures and voidfill blocks for civil engineering
- Foundation systems
- Clay heave protection
- Bridge, rail and road widening schemes
To top it off EPS has three great advantages over PIR, making it the perfect alternative material:
1. Economy – significantly less than PIR
2. Supply – readily available on short lead times
3. Sustainable – maximum return for minimal resource
Only EPS offers this unique combination of attributes and advantages which now sees it as the “go to option” for the construction sector while PIR is over priced and unavailable.
Styrene Packaging & Insulation Ltd (SPI) are the UK’s leading manufacturer of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). With over 30 years experience in supplying EPS for insulation and construction applications, we pride ourselves on the quality of our products, innovation and service provided to our customers.
So if you’re being affected by the current PIR shortage why not consider EPS instead of PIR. Our technical and sales team are on hand to provide bespoke u-value calculations, specifications and quotations. Call today on 01274 691777 or visit our website www.styrene.biz
Photo shows a close up of the Stylite Plustherm EPS board and bead which has a K-value of 0.030W/mK.